History of the American
West
Spring 2007
Syllabus for HIS 220
Terrence Delaney, professor
Phone: 383-5248
E-mail:
tdelaney@trcc.commnet.edu
Office hours: M 4:00 – 5:30,
T 9:30 – 11:00
The first European settlers to
the American shores did not want to stay in this land. It was too wild, and far different than what
they had come from. This sentiment did
not last long, however. Soon Americans
were looking westward, always westward, and dreaming of a country that would
stretch to the next horizon, always the next horizon. But because the land was not theirs, this is
a story of conflict and conquest, both of people and nature. Americans were looking for a place to plant
their dreams, and make them come true by removing precious resources: furs,
gold, silver, oil, and especially water.
The nature of this conquest changed the American West, and the West in
turn changed the rest of the country.
As in all classes I teach, an
important aspect of this course is that everyone involved has an enjoyable
time. For this to happen it is necessary
that everyone participate in the class.
Please, ASK QUESTIONS. This is a
way for all of us to learn.
The question is always asked:
What can you do with history? An
objective of this class is not only a knowledge of history, but to help the
student develop a methodology of examining evidence and learning to report on
it in a clear and concise manner. In the
future you may have a boss who will ask you for a three-page report on a project
you are in the middle of. You will have
to examine the files, going through the data and finding the significance. This is what a historian does. So in a way, just about everyone can use
historical methodologies on their job.
Course Description
An examination of the region
west of the Mississippi River, beginning with an overview of the Native
Americans and continuing with each new culture that comes into the region. The major focus of the course will be an
examination of the diverse cultures that have come together in the region and
made the American West a unique place in American history. The course will also examine such themes as
the role of the west in American history, the role of myth in Western history,
women in the West, the “frontier,” and the environment vs. the economy.
Required Texts
The following books are
available in the bookstore:
The Legacy of Conquest
The American West: The Invention of a Myth
Reading the American West
Method of Evaluation
1) Exams – There will be two exams: a midterm and a final. Material for the exam will come from a combination
of lecture, videocassette, the Internet, and your readings.
2) You will do one of the two assignments here:
a.
Book review – for this assignment you need to review,
using the attached guidelines, one of the academic texts you are using for you
research paper. Check the title with me
before you begin.
or,
b.
Journal Assignment – Each student will read a
primary source pertaining to the American West.
A three- to five-page assignment, which a handout will describe in
detail, will result from this reading.
3) Research Paper – Each student will research a specific
topic of their choice, culminating in a formal paper.
4) Good Citizenship – The
social component of learning is an important part of the process. For that to happen, you must come to class
and be ready to participate. Any
absences beyond three will count against you.
Class participation is also an important component of this. It is important to be prepared to take part
in discussion and then be an active member of your group and class when the
time comes.
Grade Equivalent Quality Points
A 94-100 4.0
A- 90-93 3.7
B+ 87-89 3.3
B 83-86 3.0
B- 80-82 2.7
C+ 77-79 2.3
C 73-76 2.0
C- 70-72 1.7
D+ 67-69 1.3
D 63-66 1.0
F 0-62 0.0
Civility in the Classroom
Ideally a classroom is a
place of learning. In an ideal setting
all opinions are heard and respected, although you may disagree. In this class we want to create as safe an
environment to learn as possible. To
achieve this everyone must be willing to follow guidelines established by the
class. Anybody diverging from these
guidelines, or disrespecting anyone in the class, will not be tolerated.
College Withdrawal Policy
A
student who finds it necessary to discontinue a course MUST complete a
withdrawal form obtained from the Registrars Office. Students may withdraw from
class anytime during the first ten weeks of the semester without being in good
standing or obtaining prior permission of the instructor. After that period, a
student wishing to withdraw must obtain written authorization of the instructor
to receive a "W" grade for the course. Students, who fail to properly
withdraw, and discontinue coming to class, will be assigned an "F"
grade. Eligibility for refund of tuition is based upon date of withdrawal when
received by the registrar. Verbal withdrawals will not be accepted.
If you have a question regarding a disability that may affect your progress in this course please contact one of the college’s Disability Service Providers as soon as possible. Chris Scarborough (892-5751) generally works with students who have learning disabilities or ADHD. Judy Hilburger (892-5744) generally works with students who have physical, visual, hearing, medical, mobility, and psychiatric disabilities. Matt Liscum (383-5240) also works with students who have disabilities. Your cooperation is appreciated.