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Dr. William Ferris
From small farms to urban neighborhoods, from the region itself to the more distant worlds of the southern diaspora, we discover the stories, music, and art of the American South.
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What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction to the American South
Reflecting on geography, the diaspora, the mythic and the global South as ways to approach the contested memory of the region.
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction to the American South
Reflecting on geography, the diaspora, the mythic and the global South as ways to approach the contested memory of the region.
Read more
Oral Tradition
Considering the content and form of the stories, toasts, dozens, auctions and religious sermons and what they reveal about Southern Culture.
Southern Artists
Understanding the distinction between folk art traditions and the high art of the academy with examples of basket-weaving, quilt-making, sculpture, painting, and photography.
Southern Writers
Examining the lives and works of great Southern writers and looking at how specific stories, music, and art are referenced and provide structure for literary forms such as the novel and the short story.
Roots Music
Exploring Southern music and its roots in work chants, fife and drum, and one-strand on the wall music.
The Blues
Focusing on this distinctive form of music, so intimately defined by sense of place, class, race, and tradition.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Examines the American South through the lens of its geography, diaspora, and mythic and global narratives, offering a nuanced understanding of the region's identity and evolution
Provides a thorough exploration of Southern oral traditions, including stories, toasts, dozens, auctions, and religious sermons, uncovering their unique insights into Southern culture
Introduces learners to the distinction between folk and high art in the Southern context, showcasing the rich diversity of artistic expression in the region
Analyzes the works of renowned Southern writers, demonstrating how their stories, music, and art shape and reflect the region's complex history and identity
Delves into the origins and evolution of Southern music, tracing its roots from work chants, fife and drum, and one-strand on the wall music to contemporary forms
Provides a comprehensive study of blues music, exploring its historical, cultural, and social significance in defining the Southern musical landscape
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Reviews summary
American south: storytelling through art
Learners say this course provides an in-depth look at the Southern US with a specific focus on the culture, music, and art of the region. Students describe Professor Ferris as knowledgeable and passionate, and many express appreciation for his teaching style. The course is said to be well-structured in bite-sized modules that are easy to digest. Students love that the course provides interviews and clips of key figures and artists in the region, resulting in a course that is considered enjoyable, interesting, and highly informative.
Engaging content delivered in a storytelling format.
"I could tell that the professor was passionate about the subject and enjoys teaching it. His passion made everything more interesting and easier to learn."
"This course is cozier than my home. Dr. William Ferris is a master, he loves this subject so much that you can't help it but to fell in love with the South yourself."
Well-structured, bite-sized modules for easy learning.
"This course was great! I appreciate that it covered many aspects of Southern culture across the entire region."
"The pace of the teaching is adequate and the modules enable the learner to seek more information as needed."
Knowledgeable and engaging instructor.
"I loved this course. I learned about many interesting aspects in the southern lands of the united states."
"This was such an informative, well taught and interesting course about the American South!"
Immersive learning experience that showcases the unique traits of Southern US culture.
"Learned a lot about the beauty of the South rather than all of the klischées that are taught in other countries like mine."
"Outstanding program provided a context for literature and everyday life in the American South."
Exceptional exploration of art and music's role in shaping Southern culture.
"Fantastic! Great course!"
"A great way to begin to understand some of the fabric, or quilt, that puts all things together in the American South, with one of the researchers that knows the most on the field: Dr. William Ferris."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in The American South: Its Stories, Music, and Art with these
activities:
Review key concepts from the geography and history of the American South
Show steps
Strengthen foundational knowledge and historical context to enhance understanding of the course material.
Browse courses on
Geography
Show steps
-
Review maps and historical accounts to understand the physical and social geography of the South.
-
Explore the key events, movements, and figures that have shaped Southern history.
-
Consider the impact of slavery, the Civil War, and the Jim Crow era on Southern society and culture.
Learn about Southern quilt-making techniques
Show steps
Develop practical skills and appreciate the artistry of Southern folk art.
Show steps
-
Find online tutorials or workshops on Southern quilt-making.
-
Gather materials and follow instructions to make a simple quilt block.
-
Experiment with different fabrics, patterns, and stitches to create unique designs.
Create a digital archive of course materials
Show steps
Improve organization and accessibility of course materials for effective review and reinforcement.
Show steps
-
Create folders or use a digital notebook to organize notes, assignments, and readings.
-
Scan or upload physical materials to make them easily accessible.
-
Consider using online tools or apps to enhance the organization and searchability of materials.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Review oral tradition
Show steps
Build foundational knowledge of oral tradition to strengthen understanding of Southern culture.
Show steps
-
Read articles and books on the history and significance of oral tradition in the American South.
-
Listen to recordings of traditional Southern stories, toasts, and sermons.
-
Analyze the content and form of these oral traditions to identify common themes and motifs.
Analyze Southern musical structures
Show steps
Enhance analytical skills by breaking down and understanding the structures of Southern music genres.
Show steps
-
Listen to a variety of Southern musical genres.
-
Identify recurring patterns in rhythm, melody, and harmony.
-
Compare and contrast different musical structures to understand their unique characteristics.
Organize a discussion group on Southern literature
Show steps
Enhance understanding and critical thinking through peer collaboration and discussion.
Show steps
-
Gather a group of classmates or fellow enthusiasts.
-
Select a Southern literary work to read and discuss.
-
Facilitate discussions on themes, characters, and literary devices used in the work.
Read and analyze 'The Fire Next Time' by James Baldwin
Show steps
Gain insights into the complex social and racial issues explored in Southern literature.
View
Encounter on the Seine: Essays (James Baldwin...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book carefully, taking notes on key themes and ideas.
-
Analyze the author's use of language, symbolism, and structure.
-
Discuss the book with classmates or in an online forum to share insights.
Write a short story inspired by Southern folklore
Show steps
Develop creative writing skills and explore the themes and characters of Southern literature.
Show steps
-
Brainstorm ideas for a story based on Southern folklore.
-
Develop characters and settings inspired by the Southern experience.
-
Write a draft of the story, incorporating elements of Southern storytelling.
-
Revise and edit the story for clarity and impact.
Review key concepts from the geography and history of the American South
Show steps
Strengthen foundational knowledge and historical context to enhance understanding of the course material.
Browse courses on
Geography
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review maps and historical accounts to understand the physical and social geography of the South.
- Explore the key events, movements, and figures that have shaped Southern history.
- Consider the impact of slavery, the Civil War, and the Jim Crow era on Southern society and culture.
Learn about Southern quilt-making techniques
Show steps
Develop practical skills and appreciate the artistry of Southern folk art.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find online tutorials or workshops on Southern quilt-making.
- Gather materials and follow instructions to make a simple quilt block.
- Experiment with different fabrics, patterns, and stitches to create unique designs.
Create a digital archive of course materials
Show steps
Improve organization and accessibility of course materials for effective review and reinforcement.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Create folders or use a digital notebook to organize notes, assignments, and readings.
- Scan or upload physical materials to make them easily accessible.
- Consider using online tools or apps to enhance the organization and searchability of materials.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Review oral tradition
Show steps
Build foundational knowledge of oral tradition to strengthen understanding of Southern culture.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read articles and books on the history and significance of oral tradition in the American South.
- Listen to recordings of traditional Southern stories, toasts, and sermons.
- Analyze the content and form of these oral traditions to identify common themes and motifs.
Analyze Southern musical structures
Show steps
Enhance analytical skills by breaking down and understanding the structures of Southern music genres.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Listen to a variety of Southern musical genres.
- Identify recurring patterns in rhythm, melody, and harmony.
- Compare and contrast different musical structures to understand their unique characteristics.
Organize a discussion group on Southern literature
Show steps
Enhance understanding and critical thinking through peer collaboration and discussion.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather a group of classmates or fellow enthusiasts.
- Select a Southern literary work to read and discuss.
- Facilitate discussions on themes, characters, and literary devices used in the work.
Read and analyze 'The Fire Next Time' by James Baldwin
Show steps
Gain insights into the complex social and racial issues explored in Southern literature.
View
Encounter on the Seine: Essays (James Baldwin...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book carefully, taking notes on key themes and ideas.
- Analyze the author's use of language, symbolism, and structure.
- Discuss the book with classmates or in an online forum to share insights.
Write a short story inspired by Southern folklore
Show steps
Develop creative writing skills and explore the themes and characters of Southern literature.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Brainstorm ideas for a story based on Southern folklore.
- Develop characters and settings inspired by the Southern experience.
- Write a draft of the story, incorporating elements of Southern storytelling.
- Revise and edit the story for clarity and impact.
Career center
Learners who complete The American South: Its Stories, Music, and Art will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Writer
Writer
A Writer creates written content, such as books, articles, and scripts. Southern Writers examines the lives and works of great Southern writers and looks at how specific stories, music, and art are referenced and provide structure for literary forms such as the novel and the short story. Taking this course may help build a foundation for a career as a Writer who specializes in Southern literature.
Folklorist
Folklorist
A Folklorist studies folklore, including its origins, dissemination, and significance. Oral Tradition studies the content and form of the stories, toasts, dozens, auctions and religious sermons and what they reveal about Southern Culture. A Folklorist who specializes in Southern folklore may find taking this course particularly useful.
Teacher
Teacher
A Teacher instructs students in a variety of academic subjects. A Teacher who teaches Southern history, literature, or music may find taking this course particularly useful. Oral Tradition and Southern Writers cover content and form, as well as techniques and traditions.
Musicologist
Musicologist
A Musicologist studies music, including its history, theory, and performance. Roots Music and The Blues explore Southern music and its roots in work chants, fife and drum, and one-strand on the wall music, as well as focusing on the blues. Those interested in Southern music may find taking this course particularly helpful for their career.
Professor
Professor
A Professor teaches and conducts research in higher education. A Professor who teaches Southern history, literature, or music may find taking this course particularly useful. Oral Tradition and Southern Artists, in this course, cover content and form, as well as techniques and traditions.
Musician
Musician
A Musician creates and performs music. Roots Music and The Blues explore Southern music and its roots in work chants, fife and drum, and one-strand on the wall music, as well as focusing on the blues. Those interested in pursuing a career as a Musician who specializes in Southern music may find taking this course particularly helpful.
Ethnomusicologist
Ethnomusicologist
An Ethnomusicologist studies the music of different cultures. Roots Music and The Blues explore Southern music and its roots in work chants, fife and drum, and one-strand on the wall music, as well as focusing on the blues. Those interested in the music of the American South may find this course particularly helpful for their career.
Radio Producer
Radio Producer
A Radio Producer plans, organizes, and manages the production of radio programs. Roots Music and The Blues explore Southern music and its roots in work chants, fife and drum, and one-strand on the wall music, as well as focusing on the blues. Those interested in producing radio programs about Southern music may find taking this course particularly helpful.
Art historian
Art historian
An Art Historian studies the history of art, including its techniques, styles, and materials. As for a correlation with this course, Southern Artists examines the distinction between folk art traditions and the high art of the academy with examples of basket-weaving, quilt-making, sculpture, painting, and photography. Taking this course may help build a foundation for Art History by providing understanding of Southern artistic traditions.
Librarian
Librarian
A Librarian acquires, organizes, preserves, and provides access to information resources. Taking this course may be helpful for a Librarian who specializes in Southern history and culture. Oral Tradition and Southern Artists cover content and form, as well as techniques and traditions.
Curator
Curator
A Curator plans, organizes, and manages environmental control over museum collections. The course covers Southern Artists, which examines the distinction between folk art traditions and the high art of the academy with examples of basket-weaving, quilt-making, sculpture, painting, and photography. Taking this course may help prepare one to curate a collection of Southern art.
Journalist
Journalist
A Journalist researches, writes, and reports on news and current events. Southern Writers examines the lives and works of great Southern writers and looks at how specific stories, music, and art are referenced and provide structure for literary forms such as the novel and the short story. This course may help build a foundation for Journalism by providing knowledge of Southern literature and culture.
Archivist
Archivist
An Archivist acquires, preserves, and provides access to historical records and artifacts. Oral Tradition and Southern Artists, in this course, cover content and form, as well as techniques and traditions, which may provide useful knowledge for an Archivist. This is especially true if an Archivist specializes in Southern history and culture.
Museum Director
Museum Director
A Museum Director plans, organizes, and manages a museum. The course covers Southern Artists, which examines the distinction between folk art traditions and the high art of the academy with examples of basket-weaving, quilt-making, sculpture, painting, and photography. Taking this course may help prepare one to direct a museum that includes Southern art in its collection.
Historian
Historian
A Historian researches, analyzes, interprets, and writes about the past. The American South: Its Stories, Music, and Art course gives an introduction to the American South, reflecting on geography, the diaspora, the mythic and the global South as ways to approach the contested memory of the region. This course may be useful for a Historian who specializes in Southern history and culture.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/7nr0jt/the
Reading list
We've selected 11 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
The American South: Its Stories, Music, and Art.
Save
Comprehensive history of Southern music from its beginnings to the present day. It must-read for anyone interested in understanding the region's musical heritage.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the literary history of the American South, from its beginnings to the present day. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the region's literature.
Save
Study of the blues as a regional music. It explores the different styles of blues that developed in different parts of the South.
Collection of essays on the literature, history, and culture of the American South. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the region's complex identity.
Classic study of the Southern tradition in literature and culture. It must-read for anyone interested in understanding the region's unique identity.
Save
Collection of oral histories from people who lived in the American South before the Civil War. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the region's past.
Save
Study of the American South in the 21st century. It explores the region's social, political, and economic challenges and opportunities.
Save
Collection of recipes from the Southern Foodways Alliance. It great way to learn about the region's culinary traditions.
Guide to gardening in the American South. It includes information on what to plant, when to plant it, and how to care for it.
Guide to throwing a party in the Southern style. It includes recipes, decorating tips, and other party planning advice.
Field guide to the natural history of the American South. It includes information on plants, animals, and other natural features.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/7nr0jt/the
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Effort
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Institution
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Instructor
Dr. William Ferris
Language
English
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Good to know
Examines the American South through the lens of its geography, diaspora, and mythic and global narratives, offering a nuanced understanding of the region's identity and evolution
Provides a thorough exploration of Southern oral traditions, including stories, toasts, dozens, auctions, and religious sermons, uncovering their unique insights into Southern culture
Introduces learners to the distinction between folk and high art in the Southern context, showcasing the rich diversity of artistic expression in the region
Analyzes the works of renowned Southern writers, demonstrating how their stories, music, and art shape and reflect the region's complex history and identity
Delves into the origins and evolution of Southern music, tracing its roots from work chants, fife and drum, and one-strand on the wall music to contemporary forms
Provides a comprehensive study of blues music, exploring its historical, cultural, and social significance in defining the Southern musical landscape
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