OKLAHOMA HERITAGE
SBAC 2453
Dr. Tim Mauldin, WC 228
tmauldin@okcu.edu
Oklahoma’s rich heritage is unknown to many within the state as well as beyond.
According to the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation:
“America is steeped in the traditions of the west and the American Indian, and no
state boasts a richer heritage of both than Oklahoma. Indians from more than 67
tribes, including the Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, Seminole, Osage,
Cheyenne, Sac and Fox, Delaware, Apache, and Pawnee, call Oklahoma their
home today. Such famous Indians as Sequoyah, Black Beaver, Jim Thorpe, and
Maria Tallchief contributed to Oklahoma's development.
The state is also the setting for vast horse and cattle ranches, rodeos, and
working cowboys. Such famous cowboys as Bill Pickett, Tom Mix, Gene Autry,
and Will Rogers hail from Oklahoma.”
The State Tourism Department also provides the following interesting facts:

Oklahoma has the largest American Indian population of any state. The
name "Oklahoma" comes from the Choctaw words: "okla" meaning people
and "humma" meaning red, so the state's name literally means "red people."

The highest point in the state is Black Mesa in Cimarron County (4,973
feet); the lowest is due east of Idabel in McCurtain County (287 feet).

Oklahoma has more man-made lakes that any other state, with over one
million surface areas of water and 2,000 more miles of shoreline than the
Atlantic and Gulf coasts combined.

Oklahoma is the third largest natural gas-producing state in the nation.

Oklahoma ranks fourth in the nation in the production of all wheat, fourth
in cattle and calf production; fifth in the production of pecans; sixth in
peanuts and eight in peaches.

Oklahoma's four mountain ranges include the Ouachitas, Arbuckles,
Wichitas, and the Kiamichis.

Forests cover approximately 24 percent of Oklahoma.

Oklahoma has a land area of 69,919 square miles and ranks 18 in the
nation in size.
1
Course Description
Knowledge of Oklahoma's rich political, historical and cultural diversity should
contribute much to the student's college education. This knowledge should
enrich the student's understanding of national and global realities in the context
of Oklahoma's particular economic, cultural and political circumstances.
Examination of Oklahoma's heritage should benefit OCU's students as they
assume positions of leadership in business, government, and society.
Course Objectives

To provide students with a rich, balanced and thought-provoking
understanding of Oklahoma's politics, history, and culture.

To examine the relationships among the many factors--political, economic,
technological, social, religious, intellectual and biographical--that have
shaped Oklahoma's present circumstances and will influence Oklahoma's
future.

To encourage students to think critically about Oklahoma's rich heritage, in
order that they may better understand themselves and their future.
Your Professor Dr. Tim Mauldin
I am a member of the faculty at Oklahoma City University where I teach Public
Management, Policy Analysis, International Relations, American Government and
American History, among other courses. I hold a Masters degree in Public
Administration and Ph.D. in Political Science. I am a member of the Board of
Directors of the American Cancer Society, and I serve as government
representative for the Norman Red Cross Chapter. In this capacity, I represent
the Red Cross as a member of the Cleveland County Emergency Planning
Committee. I officiate as chief judge of the central Oklahoma St. Patrick's Parade.
Required Text
Oklahoma: A Rich Heritage by Odie B. Faulk and William D. Welge. Publisher:
American Historical Press (2004). ISBN: 1892724464.
2
Course Requirements
Our course does not aim at indoctrination; a free exchange of differing political
viewpoints is encouraged. Grading is in accordance with the University scale of
A, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, F. The online course is available for two
and three hours of undergraduate credit. NOTE: There will not be a one credit
hour can be added later.

Chapter Reports: a “summary and analysis” for each of the 18 chapters,
worth 4% each for a total of 72% of the overall grade.

Discussion questions about contemporary issues concerning Oklahma
Heritage providing 8% of the overall grade. These may be posted on line.

A “field report” where the student selects a museum, exhibition, event or
historical site of interest to visit. The selection is subject to Dr. Mauldin’s
approval. The student will prepare a brief report which will be posted
online for the benefit of others in our class. The field report constitutes
20% of the overall grade. Details regarding the field report are provided
below.
Chapter Reports
At the end of each week, you will submit your chapter reports of three chapters
from the text. The self-directed study of the three chapters will consist of a
summary and analysis of the readings by addressing the following questions:

What are the essentials points made in the three chapters?

What have I learned that interested me and/or surprised me?

Do I agree with the views of the text: how so, or how not?

Is there anything that the text omitted that you would have included?
Each three-chapter submission is worth 12% of the overall grade (4% for each
chapter).
Your summary for each chapter should be some 100- 200 words in length.
3
In each of these assignments, you are asked to do your own work, and you are
encouraged to offer your own opinion(s), informed by the information presented.
Your summary and analysis of each chapter will comprise 4% of the overall grade
in the course. There are eighteen chapters; thus, the chapter studies constitute a
total of 72% of overall grade. These may be submitted via e-mail, preferably in
the Educator Assignment Section or directly in the text of the e-mail.
Copies and back-up files should be maintained by the student. Zip files and
other formats will not be accepted. Copies and back-up files should be
maintained by the student.
Discussion Questions
Please go to the “Discussion Groups” section of our course web page and SELECT
ONE of the three discussion questions listed below. Please post your answer for
our class to see. Your answer will constitute 8% of your course grade. You will
find three separate discussion groups depending on the question you choose to
answer. Please post your answer by July 8th.
Discussion Question 1: Based on your travels, experience, interests and what
you have discussed with others, what would you recommend as additions to
Oklahoma's cultural life? More museums, if so what kind? More fine arts
events? Other examples or ideas?
Discussion Question 2: Oklahoma political leaders and others have suggested
that Oklahoma has difficulty keeping our college graduates in the state. What do
you think? What might Oklahoma do to provide more attractive jobs for college
graduates?
Discussion Question 3: From time to time, Oklahomans consider changes in our
system of government -- our state constitution, city charters and so forth. What
changes would you recommend in our state and local government?
Field Trip
Oklahoma has many interesting and informative museums, exhibits, events and
historical sites. You will select one from the list below, and with Dr. Mauldin’s
approval, “take a trip to see Oklahoma.” Following your “field trip,” you will write
a brief report (200 words or so) and post it on our website for the benefit of our
class. Your field report should indicate the name, location and nature of the
event or exhibit, what you found interesting (and not?) and whether you would
recommend it for others. Thus, your field report is a “review” of the event which
may guide others as they consider what to see and do regarding Oklahoma
heritage. The field trip and report constitute 20% of the overall grade.
4
Here are the categories for Oklahoma Heritage Field Trips. The details may be
found on the Okla. Dept. of Tourism website:
www.travelok.com/toDo/attractionsSearch.asp
African American Attraction
Agricultural Attraction
American Indian Attraction
Architectural Attraction
Botanical Garden
Children's Attraction
Cowboy/Western Attraction
Factory Tour
Historic Home
Historic Site/Landmark
Museum (American Indian)
Museum (Art)
Museum (Local History)
Museum (Specialty)
Museum (Western Heritage)
Nature Attraction
Performing Arts
Due dates:
Chapters
Chapters
Chapters
Chapters
Chapters
Chapters
1-3:
4-6:
7-9:
10-12:
13-15:
16-18:
May 22, 2006
May 30, 2006
June 5, 2006
June 12, 2006
June 19, 2006
June 26, 2006
FINAL COMPLETION DEADLINE: July 3, 2006
ALL WORK MUST BE SUBMITTED BY THIS DATE.
Extensions
All course work must be completed by the “final completion deadline” as stated.
In the interest of the student, extensions are discouraged. When necessary, it is
the student’s responsibility to request an extension and to offer an explanation
for the request. Extensions beyond this deadline will be considered only if at
least 60% of course work has been completed with a passing grade. Extensions
will only be granted when a completion deadline (a “Completion Contract”) is
established for the student with Dr. Mauldin. In no event will work be considered
after an additional semester. Failure to submit required course work will result
5
in credit only for work submitted, with a corresponding reduction in the overall
grade.
SUGGESTED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
1. What is the background (experience and education) of the person you are
interviewing? What is his or her current or past position, or relationship which
relates to your chosen topic? If your topic concerns family history, ask your
interviewee to trace his or her lifetime in Oklahoma.
2. What are some of your major responsibilities or involvement regarding the
chosen topic?
3. What are some significant historical, political or cultural events which have
affected the person being interviewed and his or her community? For example,
the Trail of Tears, the Depression, racial tensions, warfare, and so forth.
4. Have the interviewee describe an interesting, or typical day of his or her life,
as it relates to the topic.
5. What groups does your interviewee see as having had the most influence on
his or her life or position?
6. What aspects of the work done by your interviewee have been most
personally rewarding?
7. What does the interviewee think is the biggest obstacle to the Oklahoma's
progress?
8. Is there legislation, public policies, or government actions which the
interviewee has actively supported, or opposed, which related to the chosen topic?
9. What changes in Oklahoma society or government would your interviewee
recommend?
10. Regarding the topic, does your interviewee have any future plans or projects
of interest?
Some additional questions, which may be appropriate depending on the
interviewee, and which may be of personal interest for your career:
6
1. How did you achieve your position? Did you prepare in any special way?
How would you advise someone interested in your position to prepare to do so?
2. Are there career and professional opportunities in the field you represent
which you would encourage college students to consider? How might they best
prepare for these fields -- particular courses, intern programs, work with
particular organizations, etc.? Are there special training programs or skills which
you recommend?
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS ABOUT YOUR INTERVIEW
Schedule your interview well in advance. Allow time to re-schedule the
appointment in the event that your interviewee must do so. Be sure you that
interviewee
or
his/her
secretary
has
a
good
day-time
phone
number to reach you in case of any changes. Generally 30 minutes is as much
time as you should expect, but it is advisable to block out two hours for the
interview in case it runs longer, or you are given opportunities to meet other
people while you are there.
Call early the morning of your appointment to double-check with the
secretary that you are on your interviewee’s schedule and to be sure
that “nothing has come up.” Make sure you have good directions; you should
arrive at least fifteen minutes before your appointment, and be prepared to start
later than you are scheduled. You may want to take along a tape recorder, but
you should ask in advance if it would be appropriate. You may wish to ask the
secretary this question prior to the interview. Even if you use a tape recorder,
take notes. When the person you are interviewing refers to a document or
publication of interest, you may wish to ask (tactfully) if a copy of the document
or publication is available, and if so, how you might obtain one.
Following the interview, a short thank-you note to the interviewee is a
nice touch.
Some Online Resources Of Interest
The Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS):
www.ok-history.mus.ok.us
University of Oklahoma Press in Norman, Oklahoma:
www.oupress.com/
7
Oklahoma Genealogical Society (OGS):
www.rootsweb.com/~okgs/
Oklahoma State Government:
www.ok.gov
The Sam Noble Museum of Natural History:
www.snomnh.ou.edu
8