Interested in Studying the Ozarks? Let the History Department Know
Polk Bookout tends his flock at his farm at "Route 5, Springdale," southeast of town near the Zion community, 1958.
The Department of History is conducting a short survey to gauge what interest there is in developing an Ozarks Studies minor at the U of A.
The Ozarks is a place often described by outsiders as full of hillbillies and moonshiners or as regressive and insular. But how have Ozarkers thought about themselves over the years? What are these assumptive descriptions really saying? And how is this region being redefined in the age of Walmart and Netflix? By examining the history, literature, folklore, archaeology and more of the Ozarks through diverse perspectives, the minor challenges students to explore how Ozarkers have been engaged in meaning-making in this place and the nation, impacting everything from country music to global commerce.
If interested, please fill out this short survey.
Development of a potential minor is led by Jared Phillips, a teaching associate professor and historian, and housed in the Department of History, with support from the University Libraries.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Phillips at jmp006@uark.edu.
Contacts
Jared Phillips, director of undergraduate studies
Department of History
479-575-3001,
jmp006@uark.edu