Course on Amish Culture to be Offered Fall ’16
Happy Valley lies in the middle of Pennsylvania Old Order Amish country — yet few of us who live here know much about their culture. In the 21st century, why do the Amish still drive buggies drawn by horses (as in the picture below) and wear such distinctive clothing? Do they reject all modern technology? Penn State students have the chance to learn more about the Amish and other groups by taking German 157, Pennsylvania Germans: The Culture of the Sectarians (course #23642, T R 10:35-11:50 a.m.)
Through lectures, class discussions, and films, students will be introduced to the history, culture, religion, beliefs, customs, language, education, and occupations of three ethnoreligious groups, so-called Old Orders: the Amish, Mennonites and Hutterites. The purpose is not merely to observe these people from a distance; rather, we will attempt to learn the reasons behind their beliefs and practices. Above all, we will try to understand their typical and unique mind-set. By studying them, students encounter a unique opportunity to learn more about “peculiar” separatist cultures in America and are enabled to arrive at a better understanding of their own cultural concepts, values, and beliefs.
