[1] Purpose

The minor in Southern and Arkansas studies is an interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the South’s unique history, culture, politics, and economy. Combining course work from English, Geography, History, Political Science, and Sociology, the program will also draw upon the rich resources available locally, including the Old State House Museum, the Ozark Folk Center, and the Faulkner County Museum.

This minor provides students with the background and expertise for a variety of careers in the fields of history, business, journalism, politics, teaching, museum work, and research. Students will study southern issues across a variety of disciplines and will have the opportunity to do independent research and study, internships, or field work.

[2] Requirements

The Southern and Arkansas Studies minor consists of 21 hours.

Southern and Arkansas Studies Core (9 hours required, selected from the following courses):

ENGL 4362 Southern Literature and Folklore
HIST 4345 The South to 1865
HIST 4346 The South since 1865
HIST 4355 The Role of Arkansas in the Nation
GEOG 3380 Geography in Arkansas
PSCI 2340 State and Local Government
ANTH 3300 Regional Anthropology (when Ozarks is the topic)

Electives (9 hours required, selected from the remaining Southern and Arkansas Studies core courses above and/or from the following):

ENGL 4380 African and African-American Literature
ENGL 4382 Race in American Literature (when southern writers are the focus)
HIST 3353 African- American History to 1868
HIST 3354 African-American History since 1868
HIST 4330 Civil War and Reconstruction
ANTH 3315 Native American Cultures

In consultation with the minor advisor, students may substitute appropriate courses from any department for one of the electives listed above.

Capstone Course, selected from the following:

Independent study: Research project to be supervised by faculty of student’s choice
Internship: Internship approved by coordinator in consultation with the student

Students seeking to continue the minor must meet with the coordinator the semester before finishing the program in order to set up the independent study or internship.