MASTER COURSE OUTLINE
Big Bend Community College
Date: March 2008
DEPT: HIST&
NO: 214
(Formerly: HIS 241)
COURSE TITLE: Pacific NW History
CIP Code:
54.0102
Intent Code: 11
Program Code N/A
Distribution Desig.:
Social Science
Prepared By:
Christopher P. Riley
Credits:
Total Contact Hours Per Qtr.:
Lecture Hours Per Qtr.:
Lab Hours Per Qtr.:
Other Hours Per Qtr.:
5
55
55
Course Description:
Beginning with the Native Americans the course covers Pacific Northwest topics such as
the period of exploration and settlement, cultural conflict as immigrants move in from
Asia and Europe, and the eventual founding of a “worker’s paradise.” The course
concludes with modern issues facing the region. The time frame to be covered is roughly
1800—2000.
Prerequisites:
Texts:
None
The Pacific Northwest, An Interpretive History, by Carlos A. Schwantes.
Experiences in a Promised Land, Essays in Pacific Northwest History, by
G. Edward Thomas and Carlos A. Schwantes
Other texts deemed appropriate by the instructor.
Course Goals:
1) To further students understanding of the richness and variety of their American
past through the focused study of a single region
2) To promote an understanding of the tensions facing a pluralistic society at the
local level
3) To prepare students to actively participate in an informed manner in the important
debates faced by the region today
Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1) Define the significant terms used in telling the story of the Pacific Northwest
2) Identify the major people who contributed to the history of the Pacific Northwest
3) Discuss the motivations for and results of immigration to the Pacific Northwest by
Americans and foreign immigrants
4) Discuss the major economic issues related to the region today and understand
their historical context
5) Describe the development of unions, the reasons for their success in the region,
and their eventual downfall
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6) Describe the major reform movements of the Progressive era and their lasting
impact
7) Discuss the development of regional pride and prejudice
Course Content Outline:
I)
Native American cultures
II)
Early European Exploration and Claims
III)
Lewis and Clark and the Opening of the West
IV)
The Oregon Trail
V)
The Coming of the Railroad and Industry
VI)
The Impact of Settlement upon the Native Cultures
VII) Global Immigration
VIII) The Development of Socialism and Unionization
IX)
Political Reforms
X)
World Wars I and II
XI)
Environmentalism
XII) Modern Issues
Evaluation Methods/Grading Procedures:
1) Students will be evaluated through in-class discussions, critical examinations,
quizzes and outside research projects.
2) Students will be required to meet once during the term with the instructor to
evaluate his or her progress.
Planned Teaching Methods/Learning Strategies:
X
Lecture
X
__
Laboratory
X
__
Supervised Clinical
__
__
Special Project
__
Small Group Discussion
Audiovisual
Individualized Instruction
Other (List)
______________________________
Division Chair Approval
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