Regional Studies students on field trip to Roan Mountain

For 150 years, Mars Hill College has served the people of the southern Blue Ridge. The regional studies program is designed to foster an understanding of the history, culture, an environment of this region.
This interdisciplinary minor assists students in understanding their community, the region, and connections to the broader world. It employs the concepts and methodologies of several liberal arts disciplines including humanities, natural science, social sciences and fine arts and includes field experiences. While the minor focuses on the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains, the knowledge and skills developed therein can be applied to any other region. The Regional Studies minor is recommended for all students and especially encouraged for any student who expects to have a career that depends on ties to the surrounding community such as education, business, politics, religion, or research in the natural or social sciences. Flexibility in course choices and field experiences can complement students' majors.
Requirements of the Regional Studies Minor (Total 18 - 23 hours):

Railroad trestles at Kona, NC from Regional Studies field trip

A. Introductory Course: (3 hours credit)
· RS 211 Place: An Introduction to Regional Studies

B. Required Courses: (9-10 hours)
choose three of the following courses:
· BIO 214 - Natural History of the Southern Appalachians
· ENG 340 - Appalachian Literature
· HIS 349 - Appalachian Oral History

C. Electives: (3+ hours)
choose one or more of the following:
· BIO/BSS/CS 250 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
· BIO 346 - Plant Taxonomy
· BIO 347 - Population and Community Ecology
· BIO 348 - Vertebrate Natural History and Taxonomy
· CHM 235 - Environmental Chemistry
· COM 320 - Interviewing and Reporting
· ENG 329 - Diversity in American Literature
· GEO 221 - World Regional Geography
· HIS/PS 202 - North Carolina History and Government
· HIS 430 - U.S. Environmental History
· MUS 467 - Instrumental Music of the Southern Mountains
· MUS 468 - Ballads, Folksongs, & Christian Harmony Singing in So Mountains
· MUS 469 - Appalachian Smooth and Clog Dance
· PE 188 - Mountain Smooth and Clog Dance
· REL 343 - Religion in Appalachia
· RS 327 - Special Topics in Regional Studies
· RS 460 - Independent Study in Regional Studies
· SOC 213 - American and Appalachian Cultural Systems

· Other courses may be adapted to satisfy this minor. Consult with the program coordinator for guidance.

D. Field Internship: RS 261/461 - Internship in Regional Studies (3 to 6 hours)