HIST 217 : THE AMERICAN WEST (D)

Explores the history of the American West from the first human occupation to the present. It emphasizes the interactions of diverse human cultures of Native Americans, Hispanic peoples, African-Americans, Anglos, the French, Asians, Mormons, and non-English-speaking European immigrants, especially west of the Mississippi, from the time of European colonization. Focuses on geography, exploration, artistic and literary images, western myth-making, farming and mining frontiers, women's roles, violence, railroads, protest, the cattle industry, and contemporary problems. the same time examining what factors were common to all American frontiers. Problems to be addressed include geography, technology, warfare, international politics, and Indigenous/European relations.