Major Topics
Similarities and differences between Euro-American and Plains Indian cultures including educational systems, political systems, and economies.
Biographies of Crazy Horse, Custer, and other leaders within the context of their cultures.
Different worldviews of Native/White peoples.
Plains Indian and U.S. Army military tactics, materiel, philosophies.
Plains Indian, U.S. Government, and popular U.S. civilian perspectives on their own and others’ conflicting claims to the land and resources of the American West.
How the era of Plains warfare helped create our modern American identity both at home and abroad.
Outcomes
In order to successfully complete this course, the student will:
1. Compare cultural similarities and differences between Euro-American and various Plains Indian cultures and individuals’ personal experiences, values, and identities within the parameters of those cultures, and how individuals have shaped those cultural groups.
2. Analyze and discuss the diverse aspects of these areas of study within the larger contexts Western European and Native American prehistory and history.
3. Describe and assess the economic, political, religious, and other reasons for, and the results of, the alliances or violent hostility between factions of various Tribes and cultural groups.
4. Analyze the complex diplomatic and military interplay between these groups as they sought to control access to natural resources and maintain or build homes in the West.
5. Compare the basic precepts of historiography and historians’ interpretive and methodological tools.
6. Employ appropriate approaches to the study of history and utilize both traditional and more contemporary, technologically based methods to complete research assignments.
7. Use appropriate research and presentation technology as mandated by requirements of the course.
Other Information
Any information placed here must be adhered to by all instructors:
Assessment may include presentations, class discussion, writing assignments, or tests.