Appalachia has always had strong global connections, environmentally, economically, and culturally. Current cultural and political economic issues in the region will be examined in comparative perspective through studying related histories and concerns of communities in Appalachia and other mountain regions, including social and economic marginalization within nation-states, resource extraction, low-wage work, migration, and environmental challenges. Students will have the opportunity to communicate directly with residents and scholars of several different global mountain regions, to consider sustainable livelihoods, identity in relationship to place, and social movements.

Appalachia has always had strong global connections, environmentally, economically, and culturally. Current cultural and political economic issues in the region will be examined in comparative perspective through studying related histories and concerns of communities in Appalachia and other mountain regions, including social and economic marginalization within nation-states, resource extraction, low-wage work, migration, and environmental challenges. Students will have the opportunity to communicate directly with residents and scholars of several different global mountain regions, to consider sustainable livelihoods, identity in relationship to place, and social movements.