East Tennessee State University's Appalachian, Scottish, and Irish Studies Program
The Appalachian-Scottish Studies Program officially began in 1988 with the inaugural five-week program of study held at ETSU. In 1989, ETSU and the University of Edinburgh entered into a formal agreement which provided for the exchange of faculty and students; the exchange of research materials; and the shared use of research facilities. During even numbered years, students study on the ETSU campus, and in Scotland and Ireland during the odd numbered years.
From 1988 until 1996 the program was known as the Appalachian-Scottish Studies Program. The name changed to its present form in 1996 to denote its expanded mission of also examining the cultural and historical connection between Ireland and Appalachia. Dr. Burton directed the program from 1988 until his retirement in 1996.
The Appalachian, Scottish, and Irish Studies Collection is housed in the ETSU Archives of Appalachia. This extensive collection focuses on the various components of the academic studies program examining the history and culture of Appalachia, Scotland, and Ireland, and the interrelationships of the three locales. Materials document course work, lectures, field trips, student papers or projects, notes, schedules, and other aspects of the program. Documentation is found in manuscript records, audio and video recordings, and photographs. The material provides insight on such subjects as folklore, storytelling and oral traditions, Appalachian and Gaelic language and literature, traditional music, migration patterns, Ulster, and other aspects of Appalachian, Scottish, and Irish history and culture.
ASIS recently established the Burton scholarship for Appalachian, Scottish, and Irish Studies. The scholarship will give financial assistance to students wishing to register for our study abroad course.
Along with university academic course, ASIS also offered "Appalachian-Celtic Connections," a Professional Development Course for high school teachers. Topics included a general introduction to Appalachia, Scotland, and Ireland, Scottish Identity in the United States and the South, Storytelling, Music, and Foodways. The course also informed teachers of university resources such as the B. Carroll Reece Museum, the Archives of Appalachia, and the Center for Appalachian Studies and Services.
ASIS also offered the ETSU Celtic Fiddle and Guitar Workshop this past summer. High School fiddle and violin students had to opportunity to study Scottish and Irish, fiddling, along with Bluegrass fiddle styles. Guitarists studied Celtic guitar backup. The workshop also featured lectures, presentations, and performances by ETSU faculty, as well as accomplished Celtic musicians from the region.
ASIS also sponsored a concert in July that featured Scottish fiddler Pete Clark, along with Jack Beck.
University courses include Scottish Ethnology, Scottish and Irish Literature, British Literature, Celtic Band, Individual Instruction in Celtic Fiddling, Scots-Irish and Scots in Appalachia, Appalachia in Scotland and Ireland, as well as numerous Appalachian Studies courses which include components on Scottish and Irish history and culture.
In addition to the agreement with the University of Edinburgh, ETSU has a formal exchange agreement with the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow. Additional educational partners include members of the University of the Highlands and Islands system, the University of Glasgow Crichton Campus, The Institute for Ulster Scots Study at the University of Ulster, and The University of Limerick.
Contact details:
Jane MacMorran
Director Appalachian, Scottish, and Irish Studies Program
email: asis@etsu.edu.
