Curriculum Initiatives

-Appalachian Studies curriculum: This interdisciplinary minor is available to ETSU undergraduate students. Students may design a program that suits their own personal and professional interests, or they may choose from several course groupings, including, but not limited to, documentary studies, regional history and culture, regional politics and community development, regional music and folk culture, regional environment and ecology, and regional arts and crafts.

-Appalachian, Scottish & Irish Studies: An annual exchange program with the University of Edinburgh in Scotland for students, teachers, and community members, ASIS introduces participants to the Celtic roots of and influences on Appalachia. The program takes place in alternate years at  ETSU and in Edinburgh. Participants travel, attend lectures, and participate in cultural events for a month during the summer while doing independent study on a topic of their choice.

-Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Program (cass.etsu.edu/bluegrass) —ETSU supports the only bluegrass and country music program at a four-year institution and has produced several Grammy Award winning recording artists. Participating undergraduate students can fulfill the requirements for a minor in music or Appalachian studies by taking music history and theory courses, group and individual instrumental instruction, and classes in vocal harmony and song writing. Students can also gain experience by joining one of several performance bands. A CD and two videos of the bands, available at the RRI office, show off the musical talent that has led to invitations to perform in several foreign countries, at a NATO convention in Belgium, during the 2003 Smithsonian Folk Life Festival, and at performance venues across the United States.