Participant Testimonials
The Cotton Culture in the South Institute was a complete immersion in soul of the Black Belt. This NEH program provided an interesting, challenging, and, often times, unexpected glimpse into the past and present of the American South, all through the gauzy lens of cotton. The time spent with the Mercer faculty, the visiting professors, and the institute participants enriched my understanding of the South and those who have called that region home, and has had a profound impact on my classroom instruction.
-Bob Corrigan, Cleveland, Ohio
I am a music and drama teacher, and the Cotton Culture Institute forced me to look at who I am as a person who grew up in the South and as well as a teacher who teaches in the South. I was amazed at how much King Cotton has influenced my life and the lives of my students. The added bonus was being instructed by specialists in every area of southern culture, from film to food. It was an amazing experience that guides and informs my instruction with my students even today.
-Latrecia Lewis, Conyers, Georgia
Expect to learn a great deal at the Cotton Culture Institute. A variety of scholars share a wealth of information on diverse topics relating to the overall theme of the five week program. The field trips are enlightening and rewarding. I constantly find myself sharing with my classes ideas and experiences from the seminar. I benefited so much personally and educationally from the wonderful time together. The hosts have expended a tremendous amount of energy in preparing this program. The summer Institute will be five weeks well spent.
-Dr. David M. Ramsey, Jacksonville, Florida
Cotton Culture in the South has been invaluable to me the past year and a half as an AP U.S. history teacher. I use excerpts from many of the readings with my class and quite often find myself discussing the information I learned at the institute. The interdisciplinary approach and extensive time span covered will take you through over 100 years of southern agriculture, history, economics, politics, religion, art, music, literature, and social issues. Interacting with other teachers from diverse backgrounds and from many different regions of the country will also contribute to some intense, thought-provoking discussions.
-Elizabeth J. Runnels, Newport, Kentucky
The NEH Summer Institute on Cotton Culture in the South, 1865-1965, at Mercer University is five intense weeks of academic study that will benefit each participant. The Southern Studies faculty at Mercer in historic Macon is a dynamic team that will invest time, energy, and exceptional knowledge into the institute to make this experience both informing and rewarding. A blend of lectures, workshops, and trips creates the ideal learning environment. No matter what academic discipline you teach, this study will enhance your subject content knowledge and grow your academic passions. I highly recommend attending during the summer of 2012. Your students will definitely benefit from what you will take back to the classroom!
-J. Allen Smith, Forsyth, Georgia
