PBL+The+West


 * The West: A Geography of Hope? **
 * Total Points: 60 Points **

The period of the rapid settlement of the American West was roughly 1870-1900. Millions of Americans and immigrants moved into areas mostly west of the Mississippi River. They did so because each group had __ hope __ that the West would provide a new beginning, and success (whatever that meant).

Your job for this PBL is to determine whether or not the American West was truly a Geography of Hope. To accomplish this task, we will:
 * 1) First, we will have a short discussion detailing why people would/could move to The American West.
 * 2) Define hope by completing a "[|Today's Meet"] session. Have a group discussion surrounding student responses to the definition of hope. Were there any group conclusions about the definition of hope?
 * 3) Complete two clicker responses: Who do you think would look at the American West as a "geography of hope"? Who would look at it as a "geography of despair"?
 * 4) Watch "[[file:mrwilliamshistory/uspbl_west_video.pdf|Ken Burns: The West: A Geography of Hope" video and answer questions]] related to the video. **20 Points**
 * 5) Take a closer look at Native American in the West by comparing/contrasting two maps: (1) [[file:mrwilliamshistory/5pFuM0h.jpg|Native American Maps: Our Own Names and Locations]]. (2) National Park Service Reservation Map (click here for a guide to the reservation numbers). What conclusions can you draw by comparing the two maps?
 * 6) Have a clicker review session: For which groups could the American West be considered a geography of hope? For which groups was the American West not a geography of hope?
 * 7) Begin the process of writing an essay: The topic question is, **[[file:mrwilliamshistory/uspbl_thewest_essay.doc|"Is it fair to refer to the American West (1870-1900) as a "Geography of Hope"?]] 40 Points**
 * 8) To organize, you will want: (1) Introductory Paragraph with thesis and examples. (2) Main body paragraphs which clarify the topics mentioned in your introductory paragraph and how the topics relate to your thesis. (3) Conclusion which summarizes your essay and discusses future implications for your topic.
 * 9) You will want to access the companion website to the film we watched The West: A Geography of Hope