Course Description
Explores the American West from 1850-present. Topics include
the building of the trans-continental railroad, the American
plains, Indian policy and wars, mining and agriculture, the
purchase of Alaska, tourism in the 20th century, and the
effects of World War II and the Cold War on the West.
Athena Title
American West since 1850
Prerequisite
Any HIST course or ENGL 1101 or ENGL 1101E or ENGL 1101S or ENGL 1102 or ENGL 1102E or ENGL 1102S or POLS 1101 or POLS 1101E or POLS 1101H or POLS 1101S
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
- By the end of this course, students will be able to arrive at conclusions about the modern history of the American West gathering and weighing evidence, logical argument, and listening to counter argument.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to write stylistically appropriate papers and essays. Students will be able to analyze ideas and evidence, organize their thoughts, and revise and edit their finished essays.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to identify how the history of the American West (including interactions between natives and settlers) has shaped social and cultural identities, encouraging them to understand diverse worldviews and experiences.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to apply appropriate methodological approaches to their analysis of primary sources and to organize their evidence to show historical continuities and discontinuities.
Topical Outline
- Cowboy mythology and the American dream
- Manifest Destiny: trans-Mississippi West expansion
- The trans-continental railroad
- "The Great Round Up" and the creation of Indian reservations
- Ranching and mining
- Agriculture and the environment
- Tourism in the West
- World War II, the Cold War, and the American West
Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes
Analytical Thinking
The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.
Communication
The ability to effectively develop, express, and exchange ideas in written, oral, interpersonal, or visual form.
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
