Syllabus

Jaune Quick-to-See Smith (Flathead) State Names I, 2000.

The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of American Indian history from pre-colonial times until the present.  Emphasis is placed on Indian-Anglo cultural interaction, U.S. policy development, and the roles played by Indian peoples to ensure their survival and on-going cultural integrity into the 21st century.

Course Schedule

Learning Objectives:

  • Historical Knowledge: students will be able to:
    • Describe the significant people, places and events of American Indian history.
    • Analyze the historical forces that shaped the pre-contact traditions of the indigenous societies in North America.
    • Explain the impact of disease, violence, and trade upon Indian people during the colonial period.
    • Differentiate the major objectives, campaigns, and outcomes of America’s Indian Wars.
    • Describe the strategies of resistance and accommodation employed by Indian leaders facing forced removal.
    • Give examples of  Indian responses to their concentration on reservations by the federal government.
    • Analyze the factors shaping federal Indian policy from allotment to reorganization.
    • Describe the influence of red power on the politics of self-determination during the late twentieth century.
    • Outline the major cases and laws affecting Indian County.
  • Historical Thinking: Students will be able to
    • Evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, and trends in the historiography of American Indians.
  •  Historical Skills: Students will be able to:
    • Critically discuss assigned texts
    • Present  their research/analyses

Activities in support of Learning:

  • 2 Exams. These will be randomized from a list of posted topics. (50 points each) These exams must be taken on Chi Tester at  a WSU testing center or under proctored conditions.
  • 4 Response papers (3-4 pages).  Points are earned for:
    • Accomplishment of the assignment = 5 points
    • Composition skills - 3 points
    • citation of sources = 2 points
  • oral presentations: 5 formal (with handout) and 5 informal
  • Treaty Research paper. Students will research a particular treaty, it use in Indian land claims, its significance in modern times.
    • Following assigned format = 4 points
    • Critical thinking = 6 points
    • Absence of mechanical flaws = 3 points
    • Correctness of sources citation = 2 points
  • Book Presentation. Students will read a contemporary novel by an American Indian author and will present their responses to the text in ashort paper. (15 points) Points are earned for:
    • Addressing all topics = 5 points
    • Addressing issues of course and text = 7 points
    • Absence of mechanical flaws = 3 points
  • Participation Statement = 20 points

I will accept work late -- but such work will automatically earn fewer points.

Texts: 

  • First Peoples by Colin Calloway
  • Facing East from Indian Country by Daniel Richter (Also available online) (Links to an external site.)
  • Uneven Ground: American Indian Sovereignty...by David Wilkins and K. Tsianina Lomawaima
  • We Shall Remain 5 Episode film series from PBS. These films are available on reserve in Stewart Library. They are also avaialble at Weber County Library and many other libraries.
  • additional readings as assigned

Grades:

Assignments are weighted. Grades will be based on a percentage of the points possible

A = 94 -100%
B = 83 - 86%
C = 73 - 76%
D = 60 - 66%