Wednesdays, 7:00 - 9:40 p.m.
Nevada History
Springs 1999 Telephone: (Work) 882-2839
Dr. Michael Downey: (Home) 882-9028
Required Texts:
The Silver State: Nevada's Heritage Reinterpreted (1991) by James W. Hulse,
Nevada: A Bicentennial History, (1991) by Robert Laxalt
About the Course - This course is designed as an overview of the history of Nevada to date. As students interested in the shaping of this state you should go beyond the mere interest and material presented in the texts. You are excepted to develop an ability to systematically analyze the past and present events that has and will shape Nevada. This class will be an explorative overview of Nevada history and is not intended to be an all inclusive treatment of the subject.
You are expected to come to class, to read the assigned material by the day it is discussed in class and to be ready and willing to participate in class discussions. If you need help or have questions, you should talk to me. If a lecture is missed it is your responsibility to get class notes from another student. So make a friend in class!
The course is structured into five sections: (1) introduction about the land, prehistory, native Americans and the first explorers; (2) explorers, settlers, and events leading to statehood; (3) "Boom Or Bust" mining, railroads, ranching and agriculture; (4) gaming, politics, and growth; and (5) Nevada now.
Course Grade - Your grade will be determined on the following:
The midterms will not be cumulative but will incorporate all assigned readings, materials from the lecture and classroom presentations for the proceeding period. Make-up tests will not be given. If you miss one midterm test, you will take a different comprehensive final worth 50% of your grade. All test will be essay. Grades will be determine by the attached scale and policy.
Attendance - You are expected and required to be in class. With just a three hour class meeting once a week, this is especially important. A roll sheet will be present in class each week and it is your responsibility to sign in. It is not possible to pass the course if you do not attend class.
Tests Dates
Midterm One Wednesday, February 15, 1995
Midterm Two Wednesday, March 29, 1995
Final Wednesday, May 10, 1995
Lecture/Discussion Topics - Reading Assignments (Key, TSS= The Silver State & NH= Nevada A History)
January 18 Introduction/Course Requirements
Video
January 25 The Land, Prehistory and the Native Americans
TSS, Chapters 1&2; NH, Chapter 1
Classroom Presentations:
Subject Selection
Scheduling
Video
February 1 The First Explorers and Settlers.
TSS, Chapters 3, 4 & 5; NH, Chapters 2 & 3
Video
February 8 Events Lading to Statehood.
TSS, Chapters 6 & 7; NH, Chapter 8
Video
February 15 Midterm One
February 22 Winter Break - No Class
March 1
"Boom and Bust," Ranching and Agriculture.
TSS, Chapters 8 & 10; NH, Chapters 4, 5 & 6
Classroom Presentations
Video
March 8
"Boom and Bust," Mining and The Railroads.
TSS, Chapters 9,11,12 & 13; NH, Chapter 7
Classroom Presentations
Video
March 15
Gaming/Growth/Politics, The Early Years.
NH, Chapters 9, 10 & 11
Classroom Presentations
Video
March 22
More Gaming/Growth/Politics
TSS, Chapter 17; NH, Chapters 12 & 13
Classroom Presentations
Video
March 29 Midterm Two
April 5
Modern "Boom and Bust"
TSS, Chapters 14 & 15; NH, Chapter 14
Classroom Presentations
Video
April 12
Nevada's Governments: Federal, State and Local
TSS, Chapters 16, 18 & 19
Classroom Presentations
Video
April 19 Spring Break - No Class
April 26 The Counties
TSS, Chapters 20 & 21
Classroom Presentations
Video
May 3
Nevada Now
NH, Chapters 15 & 16
Classroom Presentations
Video
May 11 Comprehensive Final Exam