North Georgia College & State University’s new Appalachian Community Studies Certificate Program — which explores a wide variety of topics spanning from oral histories to bluegrass music to heirloom gardening, and more to provide a complete overview of the Appalachian mountain region — is open to area residents who are interested in learning more about the region.

“This program is geared toward anyone interested in learning more about the Appalachian region – those new to the area or those who’ve lived here for years,” said Dr. Alice Sampson, director of the Appalachian Studies Center at North Georgia. “The course allows participants to journey through Appalachia past, present and future, and while they’re at it, earn a professional certificate that signifies an extensive understanding of the subject.”

The professional certificate can support the student’s professional or personal goals. To earn the Appalachian Community Studies Certificate, candidates must successfully complete four core courses and four electives within a 24-month period. However, there are no tests or academic requirements to enroll in the program.

Current courses include the Appalachian Landscape and Collection of Oral Histories. Planned courses include Appalachian arts, history and geography, as well as more specific topics in heirloom gardening, storytelling, dancing, herbal mountain remedies, heroes and heroines of Appalachian Georgia.

“Appalachia has characteristics and challenges that are similar to many areas of the world, and while most of us like to think that Appalachia is completely distinct, more often than not, the region probably has as many, if not more, similarities to the rest of the world than are commonly considered,” Sampson said.

Brought to you by North Georgia Continuing Education and the Appalachian Studies Center, each class is approximately six hours long, offered at times convenient for working professionals.

The instructor for the oral history course, Heavenly Littleton, has a passion for history that was strongly influenced by her Southern Appalachian family. For more than 15 years, Littleton produced and edited award-winning programs at CNN, and has won numerous awards for her work, including 3 Emmys for news coverage.

The cost of the 8-course certificate program is approximately $500 - $1000, but will vary depending upon the elective courses selected by individual students. Discounts are available for NGCSU students and employees, Friends of the Appalachian Studies Center at NGCSU, and senior citizens who are 62 or older.

To learn more about the certificate program, class descriptions and to complete an application, visit www.ngcsu.edu/ce/appstudies or call the Continuing Education office at 706-864-1918.