Distracted by Alabama: Tangled Threads of Natural History, Local History, and Folklore

James Seay Brown Jr. moved to Birmingham in 1971 to start his first full-time teaching job at Samford University. He was enchanted by the Cahaba River and the surviving old-time settler and Native American folkways. He adapted a "geology to future planning" model for introducing students to land use patterns over time and integrated experiential education teaching techniques. Distracted by Alabama is a testament to the ideals and value of liberal arts education in a society in transition.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 12 April 2022
Publisher: The University of Alabama Press

In 1971, James Seay Brown Jr. relocated to Birmingham with his young family to embark on his first full-time teaching appointment at Samford University, where he specialized in modern European history. Within a short span of time, he stumbled upon the enchanting Cahaba River, and soon began frequenting numerous rivers and vast stretches of Alabama's countryside. His fascination with the region was fueled by his discovery of a diverse array of animals and plants, as well as the enduring old-time settler and Native American folkways intricately linked to their seasonal migrations and development.

At the same time, Brown developed a deep interest in the folkways that emerged during the Romantic era, driven by European cultural nationalism. As he delved deeper into the study of folklore, he encountered numerous local examples that provided valuable insights into history. These examples included the captivating performances of Sacred Harp singers and African American railroad callers, the skillful use of handmade snares and stationary fishtraps to capture river redhorse and freshwater drum during their spawning cycles, the art of white oak basketmaking and herbal medicine traditions, and the remarkable transformation of the simple single-pen log cabin into the grand two-story I-house.

Collaborating with colleagues from Samford's biology and geography departments, Brown adapted a "geology to future planning" model to introduce students to the patterns of land use over time in different parts of the world. While he took students on educational journeys to 22 countries across five continents, he found himself continually drawn back to Alabama as a source of inspiration. By integrating experiential education teaching techniques such as crafts apprenticing, cultural journalism, and adventure-based education into his classes, Brown created a truly immersive learning experience for his students. Many of those who were fortunate enough to be part of his educational journey went on to pursue careers in various fields, but they always carried with them the memories and lessons learned from their time in Alabama.

Dimension: 229 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780817321178