AMST 430 
MICHAEL R. H. SWANSON Ph. D 
The South
OFFICE: Feinstein College 111 
ROGER WILLIAMS UNIVERSITY
Hours: M, T, Th, F 9:00-10:00 
SB 108
Or By Appointment 
T-Th 11:00-12:30 
PHONE: (254)-3230
Spring, 2001
E-mail: mrhs@alpha.rwu.edu 

Readings for the week of January 29, 2000
 

For Tuesday, January 30

Read, in The South: A History
Chapter 1. The Beginnings pp. 7-30
Chapter 2. The Economic and Social World pp. 31-53
Look also at the maps before Chapter 1
The material here is pretty basic and I don't think you'll have any real difficulty understanding it. Two important things to notice in chapter one: first, the fact that there are three initial points of settlement, Virginia, Florida, and Louisiana. Understand something about the cultural differences between them. Second, do pay attention to the maps and especially to a comparision of the maps on page 2 and 3 in comparison with the map on p. 21.

Chapter two introduces you to the plantation economy and gives you important insights into the relationship between the plantation system and the social hierarchy which comes to shape Southern culture. We'll spend some time considering this in some detail.


For Thursday, February 1

Read, in The South: A History
Chapter 3. The Intellectual, Political, and Religious World pp. 54-71
As you read this chapter, consider how the ideas introduced in chapters 1 and 2 influence the intellectual, political, and religious character of the region. New England is developing in quite different ways, as a culture built on emerging villages and towns. How does this difference help us understand the divergence of southern and northern patterns?

On the Web. I shall be adding visuals and links to further information. Keep informed.