Time Schedule:
Timothy M. Wright
HSTAA 432
Seattle Campus
Exploration and settlement; economic development; growth of government and social institutions; statehood.
Class description
This course traces the development of the United States's Pacific Northwest--primarily the area now known as Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. The focus is on the major events, ideas, and conflicts that have framed the region’s history and identity beginning with European contact in the 16th century and extending to approximately 1990. Major themes include regional connections to global and national affairs; struggles for civil and economic rights; contested ideas about the role and scope of the federal government; and evolving views about the environment and use of natural resources.
In addition, as befitting an upper-division history course, this course requires that students engage primary and secondary source material in a critical and analytical ways and then professionally present their findings in class discussions and well-constructed, well-written history papers. Students are also expected to conduct basic, but time-intensive, research in the university library and across a variety of academic and scholarly online resources.
Student learning goals
Students will develop a deeper understanding of the chronology and causes of major events and issues in Washington and Pacific Northwest history from the beginning of European contact to about 1990.
Students will sharpen their ability to perceive patterns, trends, and discontinuities in the region’s past.
Students will use the identification, analysis, and interpretation of historical documents, artifacts, and other sources to develop their information literacy skills.
Students will further develop their ability to produce clear, well-written and documented, fact-based essays.
General method of instruction
Lecture and discussion.
Recommended preparation
Students should have a solid understanding of United States history, strong study habits and writing skills, and a basic understanding of historical analysis.
Class assignments and grading
