Mode of Program Participation
Academic Scholarship
Participation Type
Panel
Session Title
Geography of Appalachia: Teaching Techniques and Selected Student Research Projects
Session Abstract or Summary
GEOG 3224 - Geography of Appalachia was revived in 2011 at Virginia Tech and has been taught annually since that time. The course was framed on Appalachia: A regional geography by Raitz, Ulack, and Leinbach (1984), but has been significantly updated to reflect current literature in physical and human geography. The main goal of the course is to have students better understand and appreciate the Appalachian region by exploring the diversity of people and landscapes around them. While mainly focusing on the cognitive core of Appalachia, the course covers a wide variety of topics from the geological formation of the region to settlement, regional economic drivers, and human-environment interaction. This course takes an alternative approach as a writing-focused course rather than one driven by exams, quizzes, and recitation. Students choose one of the ARC counties at the beginning of the semester and create a series of detailed essays to create a geographic “profile” of the county. Each panel member (former students in the class) will discuss his or her individual works and summarize information from their chosen county.
This panel aims to disseminate information to students, educators, and ASA members about a variety of teaching techniques and research that have generated student interest in regional patterns and traditions in Appalachia. Geographic subjects concerning Hawkins and Clay Counties in Tennessee, Wyoming County, WV, and Floyd County, VA will be discussed.
Presentation #1 Title
Geography of Appalachia: A reflection on 5 years of teaching
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
GEOG 3224 - Geography of Appalachia was revived in 2011 at Virginia Tech and has been taught annually since that time. The course was framed on Appalachia: A regional geography by Raitz, Ulack, and Leinbach (1984), but has been significantly updated to reflect current literature in physical and human geography. The main goal of the course is to have students better understand and appreciate the Appalachian region by exploring the diversity of people and landscapes around them. While mainly focusing on the cognitive core of Appalachia, the course covers a wide variety of topics from the geological formation of the region to settlement, regional economic drivers, and human-environment interaction. This course takes an alternative approach as a writing-focused course rather than one driven by exams, quizzes, and recitation.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Stewart Scales is a geography instructor at Virginia Tech and is originally from Big Stone Gap, Virginia. He specializes in regional geographies of Appalachia and Virginia, as well as mapping and cartography.
Presentation #2 Title
Socioeconomic effects of art, culture, and outdoor recreation in Floyd County, VA
Presentation #2 Abstract or Summary
The main body of the work will discuss how Floyd County has seemingly prospered during recent years despite the lack of some amenities and financial benefits compared to non-Appalachian counties. This work will also cover some of the economic benefits of tourism brought in by the Floyd Country Store, proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and a thriving arts scene in Southwest Virginia.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Meredyth Ellington is a senior at Virginia Tech from Alexandria, VA
Presentation #3 Title
The effects and prevalence of opioid use in Wyoming County, WV
Presentation #3 Abstract or Summary
This presentation is a reflection on the learning experiences and information gained by profiling the physical and human geography of Wyoming County, West Virginia. The work will specifically focus on the opioid epidemic in southern West Virginia and how it has affected residents in Wyoming County.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #3
Mackenzie Mills is a senior at Virginia Tech from West Townsend, Massachusetts.
Presentation #4 Title
Geographic impacts of dams and flooding in Clay County, TN during the 1940’s.
Presentation #4 Abstract or Summary
This work describes the physical, human, and economic impacts of dam construction by the Army Corps of Engineers and the partial flooding that resulted in Clay County, TN during the 1940's.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #4
Jane Howk is a junior at Virginia Tech from Richmond, Virginia
Presentation #5 Title
Toponyms and the historical geopolitical transition in Hawkins County, TN
Presentation #5 Abstract or Summary
This work presents research on the history of Hawkins County, Tennessee and how it made the transition from a wilderness territory to a county in the State of Franklin, North Carolina, and eventually Tennessee. Toponyms (place names) and their origins will also be covered in this presentation.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #5
Jared Sloan is a senior at Virginia Tech from Salem, VA
Geography of Appalachia: A reflection on 5 years of teaching
GEOG 3224 - Geography of Appalachia was revived in 2011 at Virginia Tech and has been taught annually since that time. The course was framed on Appalachia: A regional geography by Raitz, Ulack, and Leinbach (1984), but has been significantly updated to reflect current literature in physical and human geography. The main goal of the course is to have students better understand and appreciate the Appalachian region by exploring the diversity of people and landscapes around them. While mainly focusing on the cognitive core of Appalachia, the course covers a wide variety of topics from the geological formation of the region to settlement, regional economic drivers, and human-environment interaction. This course takes an alternative approach as a writing-focused course rather than one driven by exams, quizzes, and recitation.
