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History of the American West I
History 180
University of San Diego
Fall Semester 2000
MWF 12:10 - 1:05


Dr. Rachel D. Shaw
Office Phone: (619) 260-4485
History Dept. (619) 260-4756
Trailer Annex #105 (near Hughes Admin.)
Office Hours:
E-mail:

Table of Contents
(click to go to that part of the syllabus)

Course Description

Required Texts

Grading Breakdown

Paper 1

Paper 2

Schedule


Welcome to the history of the American West! In this semester we will focus on the development of the West from the time of the frontier West to 1850. Emphasis will be placed on the conquest of the West by Europeans and Americans, and the implications thereof for Indians, Mexicans, and other western peoples. Specific topics will include European expansion, Indian resistance, and the California gold rush. We will also consider the effects of environment and culture on these processes.

In-class time will be divided between lectures and discussions. Students will write two papers based on the course readings, and there will be a midterm exam. You will have a choice between doing a research project (contingent on my approval) or a final exam.

The complexity of this topic requires that students be focused and engaged with the materials. This means attending class on a regular basis, and keeping up with the readings. The course is intended to be challenging; be sure to budget your time accordingly.

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Required Texts


(Available through the bookstore and on reserve in the library.)

David J. Weber, What Caused the Pueblo Revolt of 1680?
Stephen E. Ambrose,
Undaunted Courage.
Douglas Monroy,
Thrown among Strangers.
Albert L. Hurtado,
Indian Survival on the California Frontier.

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Grading Breakdown
Paper 1 20%
Midterm 25%
Paper 2 20%
Final 35%

NOTE: Failure to meet all of these requirements will result in failure of the class.

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Schedule of Classes and Assignments


(Subject to change. Changes will be announced in class and posted online.)

NOTE: In order to get the most out of the course, you will need to have the readings FINISHED before our mid-week discussion. It is NOT a good idea to wait until the night before, as most assignments are too large to be finished in one evening. Plan accordingly!

Week 1:

Friday, September 8

Week 2:

Weber, pp. v-xii; Part I.
Hand out paper topics.

Monday, September 11

Wednesday, September 13
Discussion of readings and lectures.

Friday, September 15
SPECIAL TIME to allow for the Mass of the Holy Spirit: 11:10-11:50am.

Week 3: The Native American West

Weber, Some Current Questions, Chapters 1-2.
Be sure to read the questions before we meet for discussion.

Monday, September 18

Wednesday, September 20
Discussion of readings and lectures.

Friday, September 22

Week 4:

Weber, Chapters 3-5, plus Making Connections.
Be sure to read the questions before we meet for discussion.

Monday, September 25

Wednesday, September 27
Discussion of readings and lectures.

Friday, September 29
No scheduled class. PAPERS DUE at my office.
LATE work will be penalized; get it in before the department closes!

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Week 5:

Ambrose, Chapters 1-9.

Monday, October 2

Wednesday, October 4
Discussion of readings and lectures.

Friday, October 6

Week 6: The Spanish West

Ambrose, Chapters 10-18.

Monday, October 9

Wednesday, October 11
Discussion of readings and lectures.
Pick up
TAKE-HOME MIDTERM.

Friday, October 13
No scheduled class. TAKE-HOME MIDTERM DUE. Remember that the office closes at 4pm!

Week 7:

Ambrose, Chapters 19-29.

Monday, October 16

Wednesday, October 18
Discussion of readings and lectures.

Friday, October 20
FALL HOLIDAY: No class!

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Week 8:

Ambrose, Chapters 30-38.
Hand out paper topics.

Monday, October 23

Wednesday, October 25
Discussion of readings and lectures.

Friday, October 27

Week 9:

Monroy, Introduction and Chapters 1 and 2.

Monday, October 30

Wednesday, November 1
Discussion of readings and lectures.

Friday, November 3

Week 10: The Mexican West

Monroy, Chapters 3 and 4.

Monday, November 6

Wednesday, November 8
Discussion of readings and lectures.

Friday, November 10

Week 11:

Monroy, Chapter 5 and Epilogue.

Monday, November 13

Wednesday, November 15
Discussion of readings and lectures.

Friday, November 17

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Week 12: The American West

Hurtado, Introduction and Chapter 1.

Monday, November 20
PAPERS DUE at start of class.

Wednesday, November 22
Discussion of readings and lectures.

Friday, November 24
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY: No class!

Week 13:

Hurtado, Chapters 3-7.

Monday, November 27

Wednesday, November 29
Discussion of readings and lectures.

Friday, December 1

Week 14:

Hurtado, Chapters 8-10.

Monday, December 4

Wednesday, December 6
Discussion of readings and lectures.

Friday, December 8

Week 15: Conclusion

Review notes

Monday, December 11
Last day of class

Wednesday, December 13
Dead Day

FINAL: Friday, December 15, 10:00-12:00

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