Course Syllabus: American West: Images and Identities
Course No.: AMS 105
Instructor: S. Crouthamel; MD 141 x2425
e-mail scrouthamel@palomar.edu. Web <http://www2.palomar.edu/users/scrouthamel>
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 today’s global arena. Students will examine and analyze various primary sources available through archives and virtual exhibits.
ASSIGNMENTS: Points
Essay 1: American West Artist (3-5 pages) 50
Midterm Exam: American West & History 100Essay 2: Film Review (3-5 pages) 50
Essay 3: Regional Assessment (3-5 pages) 50
Final Exam: Regionalism and Modern West 100
Total: 350
TEXT:
Anderson & Chamberlain: Power and Promise:The Changing American West
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
Student Learning Outcomes: …the student will
be able to…
1)
Evaluate
cultural and historical data to define themes of identity through images of the
18-19th centuries of the Old West.
2)
Identify immediate and long-term effects
of images from the original context and expressed in media from the end of the
19th century- present.
3)
Compare and contrast concepts of
multicultural and gender images and identities in the American West as they
effect contemporary American and global cultures.
COURSE OUTLINE:
A. Jackrabbits, Sage brush, and the 98th Meridian
B. Regional Definitions
C. Natural History & Ecosystems
(Text Reading: Power & Promise pgs 1-6)
II. Historical Realities and the Changing American West
A. Native Americans
(Text Reading: Power & Promise pgs 7-24)
B. European Colonial Frontiers 1519-1840
(Text Reading: Power & Promise pgs 25-89)
C. American Government Invades the American West 1840-1890
(Text Reading: Power & Promise pgs 90-212)
D. Exploitation and Expansion 1890-
(Text Reading: Power & Promise pgs 249-284)
E. Identity in the American West
(Text Reading: Power & Promise pgs 214-246)
A. The Painters of the West
(Text Reading: Power & Promise pgs 311-314)
B. Photographers
C. Movies of the American West
(Text Reading: Hollywood West pgs 44-120; 141-194;
Power & Promise pgs 331-332; 388-391)
D. Narratives of the American West
(Text Reading: Power & Promise pgs 309-311
IV. Emerging Regional Identities
A. Rocky Mountains
B. Pacific Northwest
C. Montana
D. Southern California
E. Southwest
V. Current Images & Identities
A. Cowboys & Indians
B. Ecotopia – Hippies & Tree Huggers
C. Hollywood & Vine
D. International Borders
E. Tourist Mecca
(Text Reading: Power & Promise pgs 353-391