If you’ve ever wondered if you’re an Ozarker… or even wondered “what is an Ozarker,” you might be interested in taking the course:  Ozarks History: Examining an American Culture. The course is Missouri State University’s first massive open online course (or MOOC). It is a national trend that allows individuals from anywhere in the world to take a free, online course without being in any way affiliated with the university.

Dr. Brooks Blevins, professor of Ozarks studies at Missouri State University, is the instructor of the course. He discusses the Ozarks and what students will learn during the online course.

The course will explore topics like geography, history, music, literature and religion, and should also answer questions like:

• What are the Ozarks?
• Where are the Ozarks?
• Who are the Ozarkers?
• Why does it matter?
• Is the region unique? Why or why not?

Ozarks History: Examining an American Culture begins Sept. 8.

How does a MOOC work?

• Enroll
• Anyone can register – you don’t need to be a registered Missouri State student
• Course is offered free of charge to anyone interested
• Course content is available online
• No course credit is offered for completion
• Participants can enroll in the course at any point during the 10 weeks

This is Missouri State’s first semester offering MOOCs. The other course offered this fall is Laura Ingalls Wilder: Exploring her Work and Writing Life – The Early Years beginning Sept. 22.

To learn more about MSU’s Ozarks studies program, contact Blevins at brblevins@missouristate.edu or (417) 836-5914.

For more information on MOOCs, contact Lacey Geiger, open-course coordinator, at (417) 836-8803 or LaceyGeiger@missouristate.edu.