HIST 218 - The American West

Number of Credits: 3
The American West is a survey of the American experience of movement and settlement of the west. This course will examine the impact of the settlement of the American West on Native American populations and on the land. It will cover the unique tale of frontier life from the first days of mountain men and fur traders, to the arrival of families, Churches, and the law. In the process we will examine the taming of the land through the eyes of the American farmer, the industrialization of farming, and the growth of agribusiness. This course will look at the implications of this process on the lives of all Americans, how we view our culture, and what food we put on the table (Spring Term Only) Three hours lecture each week. Three Credits. Three billable hours.

Pre-requisite(s): eligible for ENGL 101.
Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Summarize and explain the impact of historical events on the native cultures of North America, the developing nation, and the future of land use in America. (GE1,GE2,PG1,PG2,PG4)
Communicate orally, by discussing readings that offer various interpretations of key issues in American History as they affect the growth of the United States and the subjugation of Native American populations. (GE1,GE2,PG1,PG2,PG4)
Effectively demonstrate information literacy by knowing when there is a need for information and by identifying, locating, evaluating, and effectively using that information of the issue or problem at hand. (GE2,GE4,PG1,PG4)
Effectively express themselves in formal writing, by authoring an analysis of period documents, diaries, newspapers, books, and a research paper that offers a clear and support position on a complex aspect of these issues and this time period. (GE1,GE2,GE4,PG1,PG2,PG4,PG5)
Think critically, by analyzing the successes and failures of the past to explain and predict how people with different values and mindsets handle similar circumstances. To explain how history has shaped a uniquely American view of land ownership, cultural dominance, individuality, personal rights, farming, animal husbandry, and the American diet. (GE1,GE6,GE7,PG1,PG2,PG3,PG4)
Make historical connections by recognizing contemporary behaviors, actions and policies that can be traced to the historical events of this period,and analyzing the success and failures of these changes. Looking carefully at the timeline of policy, action, inaction, and future alterations of this trajectory. (GE2,GE7,PG1)
Identify and expand their view of land use, frontier and pioneer experiences, the rights and policies that shape American politics that are inextricably tied to the experience of the American West. (GE6,GE7,PG2,PG3)