History of the American West H511; C705
Graduate Student Syllabus

In addition to the five books listed on the A421 syllabus, you will also need:

• Neil Foley, The White Scourge (1999)
• Elliott West, The Contested Plains (2000)

We will meet a few extra times to discuss course readings as a group, including:

• The week of Sept. 25 – Contested Plains
• The week of Nov. 10 – White Scourge
• And possibly another time or two TBA

The same short written assignment as listed in the general syllabus. (5%)

A 2-3 page book review of either Contested Plains or White Scourge, due the day we meet to discuss the book. (10%) See the book review guidelines handout for hints and advice.

A research paper, 12-15 pages in length, in which you analyze some primary source or text in relation to course themes and existing secondary sources. (35%) This is the same assignment as the undergraduates have plus a few extra pages, but I will expect a higher level of research and analysis from you, including a short historiographical section in your introduction, as well as a peer review of one of your classmates’ papers.

A final exam, consisting of identifications and an essay, based on class lectures, discussions, and course reading. (30%) Again, I will hold you as graduate students to a higher level of understanding and analysis, though the exam questions will be the same ones given the undergraduates.

Participation (20%) same as in the general syllabus, with the usual higher standards and extra class meetings taken into account.

Note: you do not have to take the midterm