ABOVE:  An early map of Virginia.  Maps of this era  did not  observe the convention of  Geographic North being at the top. 
BELOW:  Click on the icon to tour a repesentation of Jamestown prepared as part of plans to celebrate Jamestown's 400th anniversary in 2007
American Studies 430  
The South 
11:00-12:25, T-Th
SB108
Spring, 2001
Roger Williams University
Michael R. H. Swanson
Office:  CAS 111
Hours: 9:00-10:00 M, T, Th, F
or by appointment
Phone:  401 254 4340
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?

Tour Virtual Jamestown
William Byrd of Westover:  Click to read excerpts from his diary.
Byrd and Westover.  Click to read his biography
Few of the planters of Virgina were as grand as William Byrd II, but many would have aspired to reach his level of magnificence.  He was the model of the English Gentleman transplanted to the Virginia frontier.  Click on his portrait to the right to read exerpts of his diary (semi-x rated).  Click on the picture below to read more of his life.  All of this will add to your understanding of chapter three in The South:  A History  DOWNLOAD the diary and the biography and bring with you to class on Thursday.,