Outcomes 1:
Read primary and secondary historical sources about people, events, or locations that affect development and change in the American West. A student will be able to identify author bias as part of examining the reliability of the historical narrative.
Outcomes 2:
Examine historical actions within their own time period in order to understand the opportunities as well as restrictions faced by Native peoples, westering pioneers or businessmen, and eastern decision makers during the 18th and 19th century. A student will see how wars, laws, political actions, or social movements are unique shaped by the immediate past as well as by their own time period.
Outcome 3:
Identify change as well as continuity in political, economic, and social aspects shaping the development of western resources.
Outcome 4:
Use factual information to support logically developed essays that are true to time and place.
Outcome 5:
Break down a major project into reasonable tasks thereby acquiring life long skills to successfully handle large projects.
Outcome 6:
Select appropriate examples to support a logical vocal or written argument.
Outcome 7:
Use major turning points in western development to understand emerging trends
Outcome 8:
Analyze the impact of Native American, Asian, African American, and European immigration pressures on western economic, political, and social life.
Outcome 9:
Use historical analysis to examine modern problems and decision making.
Outcome 10:
Synthesize a large amount of material and draw reasonable, supportable conclusions
Outcome 11:
Understand how to effectively use a library and the web to find the answers to questions.
Outcome 12:
Develop a positive attitude toward life-long learning.