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Course Information
HIST 4378: The American West
Spring 2011, JO4.102
Course Description
As you will soon learn, the meaning of the “West” has generated quite a bit of debate. Does the term
describe a region just beyond an ever-advancing line of Anglo American settlement, a geographical place,
or simply a state of mind? If it is a “place” and not a “process,” where does it begin and end? What,
exactly, distinguishes the history of the American West from the broader narrative of U.S. history? In other
words, why study it separately? Keeping these debates in mind, we will survey the major political,
economic, and cultural developments in the history of the American West from the Spanish Colonial period
up to the present day. Through a combination of outside readings, in-class discussions, lectures, and films,
we will touch on the key turning points in the region’s history, focusing on the evolution of race and gender
relations, the persistence and growth of ethnic and cultural minority groups, and the role of the federal
government in the West’s economic, political, and cultural development. The purpose of this course is to
provide students with not only a general overview of the history of the American West, but with a more
complete understanding of how different segments of the American population experienced and influenced
that history.
1) Identify and describe the major political, economic, and cultural themes that characterize the
history of the American West
2) Outline the major events (including violent conflicts, demographic, climatic, and/or cultural shifts,
economic developments, and government initiatives) that directly affected the trajectory of the
region’s history
3) Describe the evolution of race and gender relations in the American West
4) Demonstrate the ability to read critically and write clearly and concisely
1/25 Quiz 1 and class discussion, What Caused the Pueblo Revolt of 1680? and Major Problems, 42-69
1/27 The Texas Revolution/National Expansion
*Begin reading Major Problems, 156-193 and Smith, Sagebrush Soldier
3/22 Land Woes in New Mexico (film clip: Salt of the Earth)
Begin reading Major Problems, 416-452
3/24 “Other” Westerners
Grading Policy
Your four quizzes will account for 40% of your final grade, your two exams another 40%, and
since class discussions are a key component of this course, you will also be evaluated on
attendance and participation. This will make up the last 20% of your final grade. Finally, I DO
NOT offer extra credit assignments. Your six graded assignments will be your only chance to do
well in this course.
I DO NOT allow the taping of class lectures unless you can produce documentation from
Disability Services that recommends otherwise. Laptops are allowed, but students that abuse this
privilege will have it revoked. Drinks are permitted, but eating during class is not. As always,
remember to turn off and put away your cell phones and ipods.
http://provost.utdallas.edu/home/syllabus-policies
These descriptions and timelines are subject to change at the discretion of the Professor.