Defining the American West and the idea of the frontier; Spanish conquest and indigenous populations; exploration and early immigration/migration; territorial expansion and acquisition; ethnicity, ethnic and religious relations, and assimilation in the West; land usage: mining, farming, forestry, cattle ranching, water management; urbanization trends; the West in films and literature.
Outcomes
In order to successfully complete this course, the student will:
1. Identify and compare the various definitions, interpretations, perspectives, and imaginings of the American West, to include the unique perspectives of the various groups (both indigenous and immigrant) directly involved in the region’s history of the last two centuries, as well as the mythical, romanticized imaginings of those with little or no actual experience of the West.
2. Identify and discuss the wide variety of ethnic and religious backgrounds of the West’s indigenous cultures, immigrants, and migrants. Understand and assess the resulting complex and often violent interplay between these groups.
3. Examine the diversity of economic utilization of Western American land in terms of farming, cattle ranching, forestry, mining, and water management. Contrast and discuss the impact of these activities on subsequent economic development and population movements.
4. Analyze the expansion, and economic and demographic development of the American West, including analysis in terms of the region’s role in the larger history of the United States, and in terms of American foreign relations with neighboring states. Determine the role of "Manifest Destiny," and its consequences in westward expansion.
5. Investigate the basic precepts of historiography and the methodological tools of the historian. Employ appropriate approaches to the study of history, and utilize both traditional and more contemporary, technologically-based methods to complete research assignments.
1) Students will employ current technology as part of their research.
2) Students will discuss their research in class via both informal discussion and formal presentations.