AMIND 140
U.S. HISTORY FROM A NATIVE AMERICAN PERSPECTIVE TO 1870
Instructor:
Classroom & Time:
Office:
Office Hours:
E-Mail:
Dr. Linda Parker
Fall 2014
AL 204. Wed, 1600-1840
Arts & Letters Bldg., Room 329
Office Hours: Tuesday & Thursday, 12:30-1:30; Wednesday, 2:303:30; and by appointment
parker1@mail.sdsu.edu
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course focuses on U.S. history from an indigenous perspective covering pre-Columbian
times to 1870. We will examine various Native American societies with attention given to
European intrusion, the U.S. Constitution and legislation to remove Indians, to control their
land and the resulting impact upon indigenous culture and society.
REQUIRED READING:
Calloway, Colin. First Peoples. Bedford/St. Martins. 4th edition, 2011
Deloria, Ella. Waterlily. Univ. of Nebraska, new edition, 2009
Handouts.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Students will be able to:
1. Identify and describe major trends and issues in U.S. history from the development of early
indigenous societies through 1870.
2. Trace and explain the evolution of American political concepts through a historical
framework which adopts an American Indian perspective, including states’ right, federalism,
and foreign policy.
3. Analyze major documents such as the U.S. Constitution, treaties, and court decisions and
their impact on indigenous populations.
4. Compare and contrast the Articles of Confederation, American Constitution and other early
documents with that of known Indian political institutions, such as the Iroquois Confederacy.
5. Describe and explain the nature of the Indian removal policy, its effects on native peoples
and their response to removal policy.
6. Explain the “Columbian exchange” of flora and fauna between Europe and North America
7. Analyze the impact of early California legislation on the native peoples of California.
8. Articulate the role of Indians in the American Civil war.
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GRADES:
Your final grade in the course will be based on:
Two major examinations (100 points each) 200 points
Exam on Waterlily
50 points
________
Total Points
250 points
Your final grade will be calculated according to the following point scale.
A
233-250
C175-183
A225-233
D+
168-175
B+
218-225
D
158-168
B
208-218
D150-158
B200-208
F
below 150
C+
193-200
CR
183-250
C
183-193
EXAMS:
Two exams will be given to evaluate your understanding of material covered in lectures,
assigned readings, class discussions, and films. The exams may contain short essay questions,
short answer, identification, and multiple choice questions.
SHORT EXAM ON WATERLILY:
This short exam may include short essays, brief answers, identification, and multiple choice
questions. The exam is worth 50 points.
QUIZZES & ASSIGNMENTS:
Throughout the semester quizzes and in-class assignments will be given at the instructor’s
discretion. They will cover assigned readings, lectures, and films. They will count as extra
credit and no make-ups will be given.
CLASS ATTENDANCE:
It is your responsibility to attend class on a regular basis. Exceptional attendance can benefit
your final grade, especially in borderline cases.
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COURSE OUTLINE:
The outline presented below is tentative and may vary, depending upon lectures, class
discussions, and progress of the class.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE AND ASSIGNED READINGS
Aug 28
Introduction
Sept 3
Introduction. Early Native Civilizations in North America
Calloway, pp. 1- 39, 65-71
Sept 10
Columbian Exchange of Flora and Fauna
Indians and the Environment
Calloway, pp. 78-85
Sept 17
European Invasion of North America
Calloway, pp. 85-102
Sept 24
Oct 1
American Colonists, Puritans and Indians of the Atlantic coast
Calloway, pp. 102-111, 133-135, 139, 152-186, 193-198
Oct 8
American Revolution
Calloway, pp. 218-255
Oct 15
National Government. Federalism
U.S. Constitution. American Indians & the New Nation
Calloway, pp. 232-237, 274-285
Handouts
Oct 22
EXAM 1
Oct 29
Indian Removal.
Calloway, pp. 286-298
Nov 5, 12
West, California Gold Rush and Indian Slavery
Calloway, pp. 332-341
Nov 19
Class discussion on Waterlily (read entire book)
SHORT EXAM ON WATERLILY
Nov 26
NO CLASS. Thanksgiving Break
Dec 3
Indians in the West and Southwest
3
The Indian Experience in the Civil War
Calloway, pp. 341-355
Dec 10
EXAM 2
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