GEOG 106-02: The American West
Steve Herman: Instructor
Spring 2013
TTh: 3:30 – 4:45PM; Butte 219
e-mail: srherman@csuchico.edu
Office: Butte 508 (530) 898-5285
Office Hours: Mon: 5:15 – 7:15 PM
A. Course Description:
In this course, we will explore the geography of the American West, emphasizing how various cultural groups
have each made a unique imprint on the western landscape. The focus will be on the American West’s
human and historical geography, though the physical setting will be explored as well. This is an approved
General Education course as well as an approved US Diversity course.
B. Course Objectives/Goals:
1. To broaden knowledge about the contributions and perspectives of various racial, class, religious,
ethnic, and gender groups over the course of the history of the American West.
2. To gain a clearer understanding of the arrangement of locations in the American West.
3. To introduce students to the use of geographical perspectives and methods of analysis, as applied to
the study of the American West.
4. To improve reasoning and communication skills, especially regarding the history and geography of the
American West.
5. To use the arena of The American West as a medium for the extension of reasoning, speaking, and
writing skills.
C. Course Materials:
1. American West Map Packet (used to prepare for map quizzes, available in class)
2. Recommended Books: Goode’s World Atlas; Reisner, Marc, A Dangerous Place and Cadillac Desert
D. Course Requirements:
1. Examinations: Two exams will be administered this term, a midterm and a final. The mid-term will be
Thurs., March 14. The final exam (non-comprehensive) is Thurs., May 23, 2PM
2. Map Quizzes: Students are expected to attain competence in their knowledge of American West
place locations. Students will be assigned map completion exercises on a regular basis. Quizzes
based on these homework assignments will be administered at the beginning of seven Thursday
class meetings. (See * in weekly schedule below) A comprehensive map quiz will be given in class
on May 16.
3. Book Review: An in-class written book review will take place on Thurs., March 28.
4. Media Review: A brief review of a recommended movie is due by May 2. More information will be
given in class.
5. Attendance: Absence usually has a detrimental impact on one's grade. It is difficult to compensate
for what is lost when lectures, discussions, films, etc. are missed. Also students should note that
quizzes and exams may not be made up unless prior arrangements are made with the instructor. See
you in class!
E. Grading:
1. Grades will be determined by simple percentages, as follows: (There will be no curved grading.)
93 - 100% = A
77 - 79% = C+
90 - 92% = A73 - 76% = C
87 - 89% = B+
70 - 72% = C-
83 - 86% = B
60 - 69% = D
80 - 82% = B0 - 59% = F
2. The maximum value of each assignment (or aggregate of assignments) are as follows
(totaling 500 points):
First Exam:
Second Exam:
Map Quizzes:
Book Review:
Media Review:
150 points (32% of total course points)
150 points (32%)
100 points total (16%)
70 points total (14%)
30 pts. (6%)
F. Weekly Schedule (tentative): (* - Thursday map quiz)
January 29, 31 – Intro./What is Geography?
Feb. 5, 7– What is the American West?
Feb. 12, 14 – Physical Geog. (by region)
Feb. 19, *21 – Phys. Geog /Map Quiz: ID/MT
Feb. 26, *28 – Native Americans/MQ: CO/WY
Mar. 5, *7 – Exploration/MQ: UT/NV
March 12, 14 – Colonization/Exam One
March 19, 21 – SPRING BREAK
March 26, 28 – USA 1800’s/Book Review (Wed)
April 2, 4– 1900’s: Early Industries
April 9, *11 – Natural Resources/MQ: AZ/NM
April 16, *18 – Water and Development/MQ: OR/WA
April 23, *25 – Water and Development/MQ: California
April 30, May 2 – Urbanization & Culture/Media Review Due
May 7, *9– Population/MQ: Alaska and Hawaii
May 14, *16 – Industry and Resource Use/AmWest Map Quiz
May 23 -- (2PM) Final Exam