HIST 331 The American West

The history of frontier expansion and "westering" from the colonial period through the early 20th century, with primary emphasis on interactions in the trans-Mississippi West of the 19th century. Also considers how contrasting and contested ideas of the "West" have shaped and reshaped American history.

Credits

3

Offered

As needed

Student Learning Outcomes

1. An overall understanding of the history of American West, and the major debates within the field
2. An understanding of and sensitivity to issues of race, gender, class, and nationality in the past and present
3. An understanding of how history is made, and an introduction to critical analysis of evidence
4. Development of analytical, critical thinking, communication, research, and reading skills
5. Development of student-centered critical reflection and active learning
6. Development of teaching and presentation skills, both individual and collaborative
7. Creation of a historiographical paper, drawing on at least three peer-reviewed scholarly works.