COURSE DESCRIPTION

Who are the peoples of rural Pennsylvania? Where did their ancestors come from and why did they migrate to this region? What has been the impact of the development of agriculture, transportation networks, and rural industries such as coal mining? What are the key issues facing rural Pennsylvanians today? This class will attempt to answer these questions by exploring the fascinating diversity of peoples and cultures in the state of Pennsylvania.

 

We’ll begin by learning about the Native Americans who lived in this region before the arrival of the early European settlers. Then we’ll examine the settlement and agricultural development of the Pennsylvania frontier by European migrants. This will focus on a study of the Amish who began to settle Pennsylvania in the 18^th century and now make up one of our most unique and successful rural populations.

 

In addition to learning about agricultural development, we will also study the growth of rural industry, such as the coal mining in the late 1800s and early 1900s that attracted thousands of migrants from southern and eastern Europe. One interesting source of community information will be a study of rural cemeteries that can teach us much about local culture and social change.

 

In the final part of the class we’ll look at issues facing rural Pennsylvania today such as the decline of coal mining, the challenges facing small family farmers, and environmental concerns.

REQUIRED READING

1. Hostetler, John — Amish Society (4^th edition)

2. Bartoletti, Susan C. — Growing Up in Coal Country

3. Reserve reading — articles available at library reserve reading and on electronic reserve

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

The final grade will be based on (a) mid-term and final exams, (b) three small research projects including completion of a personal genealogy, analyses of historic population census information, and data collection in a local cemetery; and (c) your class participation. The research projects will be explained in detail in separate handouts.

 

I expect regular and thoughtful class participation from all students and will give a failing grade for discussion to those who rarely or never make a contribution to class. Frequency of partici­pation alone, however, does not assure a high grade. A frequent talker who is often off the point, confused and inarticulate, and/or who tries to dominate discussion or put down others will receive a low grade for participation. What I am looking for is regular, thoughtful, articulate, collegial discussion. It is expected that you will demonstrate that you have completed and thoughtfully considered your research projects and all the reading assignments. Absence from class means no participation so missing more than a very occasional class (without a serious, documented excuse) will lower your participation score. Be aware that a poor grade for participation can drop the final grade you receive by one whole letter grade. I will provide you with a preliminary participation grade at the midterm so you know where you stand early on.

 

The readings are an essential part of the course — you will be expected to do the reading on time in order to be prepared for class.  The course will be a combination of lectures and class discussion. Attendance is not required but 10% of the grade is based on class participation and it will be impossible to do well on the exams unless you attend class regularly.

 

The course also requires access to a computer with internet connection in order to use a web site designed for the class. The web site will contain the updated, current class syllabus, links to the electronic reserve readings, class handouts, and information necessary for completion of the research projects. If you do not have access to a computer with internet connection where you live you can use equipment in many computer labs available on campus.

 

Your final grade will be computed on the following basis:

 

 

******************************************************************************************************

 

 

 

TENTATIVE CLASS SCHEDULE AND READING ASSIGNMENTS