Course Syllabus: American West: Images and Identities
Course No.: AMS 105
Instructor: S. Crouthamel; P-8D x2428
e-mail scrouthamel@palomar.edu. Web <http://daphne.palomar.edu/scrout/>
DESCRIPTION:
The study and exploration of the unique role of the American West in shaping Native American and immigrant cultures is revealed through varied images in visual arts, literature, and music. These images, from deep spiritual metaphors to progressive impulses, influenced American values and dreams that prevail into todays global arena. Students will examine and analyze various primary sources available through archives and virtual exhibits.
ASSIGNMENTS: Points
Essay 1: American West Artist (2-3 pages) 50
Essay 2: Film Comparison (2-3 pages) 50
Test: American West & History 100Essay 3: Regional Assessment (3-5 pages) 100
Total: 300
TEXT:
Wrobel & Steiner: Many West: Place Culture, & Regional Identity.Etulain & Riley: The Hollywood West: Lives of Film Legends Who Shaped it.
EVALUATION:
A letter grade is based upon the following percentage scale accumulated over the term:
Test 25%
Essays 75%
A credit/no credit is available and a performance expectation of a 'C' or better equals the credit evaluation.
The student is responsible for the add/drop process
COURSE OUTLINE:
A. Jackrabbits, Sage brush, and the 98th Meridian
B. Regional Definitions
Text Reading: Many Wests: pages 1-30
II. Historical Realities and the Changing American West
A. Non-Vanishing Native Americans
B. European Colonial Frontiers 1540-1840
C. Federal Government Invades the American West 1840-1890
D. Exploitation and Expansion 1890-
E. International Borderlands in American West
A. The Painters of the West
B. Photographers
C. Movies of the American West
Text Reading: Hollywood West: pages 44-120; 141-194
D. Narratives of the American West
IV. Emerging Regional Identities
A. Rocky Mountains Text: Many Wests, page 93
B. Pacific Norfthwest Text: Many Wests, page 37
C. Montana Text: Many Wests, page 156
D. Southern California Text: Many Wests, Page 235
E. Southwest Text: Many Wests, page 342
V. Current Images & Identities
A. Cowboys & Indians
B. Ecotopia Hippies & Tree Huggers
C. Hollywood & Vine
D. International Borders
E. Tourist Mecca