This course is an introduction to the unaccompanied ballad and folk song traditions of Appalachia. Students learn Appalachian versions of British ballads that were brought to the southern Appalachians at the end of the 18th century as well as 19th century ballads that are native to America. In addition to singing, students learn about the history of the ballads, their cultural context in Appalachia, and the ballad collectors ("songcatchers") who came to the region in the early 20th century.