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Academic Catalog
College Catalog 2024-2025 
  
    Jan 02, 2025  
College Catalog 2024-2025

COM 3050 - The Rhetoric of Death in Appalachia


Credit(s) 3

Appalachia is a region defined by characteristics not widely found in other parts of the U. S. in spite of its length and diversity. Further, the region’s “distinctive relationship with death.” As described by Crissman (1994) is all the more fascinating against the backdrop of these characteristics, which I have been influenced by its migration patterns, industries, religions, and folklore. This course will delve into the oral, written, and visual messages embedded in symbols and rituals used in Appalachia’s death culture, their origins, and changes over time. The course will explore both artifacts and sites-from the wake to the grave- where such messages occur, discuss how the people who identify as Appalachian make meaning in communicating within these sites, and learn methods and methodologies for how researchers analyze and interpret content to understand this subculture.

Course Frequency:
Intermittenlty