It is now held every autumn, from about the third week in August through the second week in December. The first five weeks are devoted to intensive study of the Appalachian Region through field trips, class discussions, guest lectures, films, and reading. Among the field trips are visits with community leaders, regional scholars, and internship placement possibilities. Beginning in the sixth week the students may spend three full days per week in their internships and the remaining two days in class until the end of the semester. To date, projects have been completed on such topics as environmental issues, land ownership, labor relations, mountain folk music, oral history, religion, and political issues.
Writing is emphasized as a tool for integrating academic and experiential work.
Journals are required for general reflections, reading assignments, and internship experiences. Several short integrative papers, an oral history project, one long cultural study paper, and an internship paper may be required which involve more formal writing. Debate, class discussions, and a non-writing project in which the student may engage in learning a craft, musical instrument, or other more physical skill are also among the activities assigned. Appalachian Semester students are especially encouraged to get out into the community and meet people on their own, to attend local churches, visit with local students and their families, and take advantage of the many areas of scenic and cultural interest in the area.