Description:

This course introduces students to the history of Kansas from the beginning of the Late Ceramic Period (1500) to the present. Emphasis will be on the examination of the living patterns of the various peoples who have inhabited the region during this time frame. This course will also analyze the social and economic factors and political objectives that transformed the central plains from the domain of the bison-hunting Plains Indian to a society based in a market-agricultural economy. 3 hrs./wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor’s course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Identify the major features of the physical geography of Kansas.
2. Identify and describe the major population groups that have inhabited Kansas.
3. Identify and relate the living patterns of the population groups to the physical geography of Kansas.
4. Explain the evolution of and characterize the intercultural contact between Europeans and Plains Indians.
5. Analyze the significance of Kansas in relation to political, social and economic issues within the United States of the 19th and 20th century.
6. Explain the political, social and economic factors within Kansas, and the local region that contributed to the critical events in territorial and Civil War Kansas.
7. Describe the patterns of settlement in Kansas after the Civil War.
8. Explain the impact of the introduction of transportation and communications technology into Kansas in the years after the Civil War.
9. Describe the evolution in economic conditions from the second half of the 19th century to the early 20th century Kansas.
10. Analyze the political reforms in Kansas in the late 19th and early 20th century in relation to economic and environmental factors.
11. Explain the impact of world war and global depression in Kansas.
12. Explain the economic and political relationship of Kansas to the United States as a whole in the years since World War II.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Kansas:  The Land and People in the Late Ceramic Age (1500-1825)
   A. Identify the major regions that make up the physical geography of
Kansas.
   B. Describe the economics and cultures of the major population groups
of the region.
   C. Analyze the impact of physical geography on the economies and
cultures of regional population groups.
   D. Compare and contrast the economies and cultures of the peoples of
the region.

II. Europeans on the Central Plains (1540-1803)
   A. Identify the major European explorations of the Central Plains.
   B. Explain the respective objectives of the various explorations of the
region.
   C. Describe the political and economic relationships between the
various Europeans and Indian populations of the region.
   D. Analyze the economic and cultural impact of European exploration on
local Indian populations.

III. American Westward Expansion (1803-1854)
   A. Describe the assessment of early American exploration of the Central
Plains.
   B. Explain the Indian policy of the United States in relation to the
Louisiana Purchase.
   C. Analyze the historical significance of the Christian missions to the
Indians of Kansas.
   D. Describe the impact of the Santa Fe and Oregon Trails on American
perceptions of Kansas.
   E. Explain the effect of major political and territorial events within
the United States on the status of Kansas in the 1820s to 1850.

IV. Territorial and Civil War Kansas (1854-1865)
   A. Discuss the congressional debate surrounding the Kansas-Nebraska
Act.
   B. Summarize the legal status of the Indians in Kansas at the time of
the Kansas-Nebraska Act.
   C. Describe the settlement process of Kansas after the Kansas-Nebraska
Act.
   D. Discuss the historical factors that contributed to the image of
Bleeding Kansas.”
   E. Analyze the social and political events that led to a free soil
Kansas.
   F. Explain the policies and events that led to violent conflict on the
Missouri-Kansas border.
   G. Assess the significance of the border conflict on the Civil War and
the United States as a whole.

V. Post-War Settlement and the Transformation of Kansas (1865-1880)
   A. Identify the sources and reasons for post-war settlement in Kansas.
   B. Explain the pattern of settlement and living conditions for these
settlers.
   C. Describe the impact of the development of the railroad in Kansas.
   D. Identify and explain the significance of the cattle towns in
Kansas.
   E. Discuss the environmental challenges of farming on the Central
Plains.

VI. Economic and Political Reform Movements (1880-1916)
   A. Analyze the relationship between farmers and the railroads in
Kansas.
   B. Identify the goals of the Farmers’ Alliance movement in Kansas.
   C. Explain the political and economic agenda and success of the
Peoples’ Party.
   D. Discuss the reform goals of progressive Republicans in Kansas after
1900.
   E. Compare and contrast the respective agendas of the Populists and
Progressives.

VII. The Impact of World War and Global Depression in Kansas (1916-1941)
   A. Explain the effects of World War I on farming activity in Kansas.
   B. Analyze the relationship between war farm policies and early
depression.
   C. Describe the environmental conditions in Kansas in the 1930s.
   D. Explain the impact of the Depression on the relationship between
Kansas and the federal government in the policies of the New Deal.

VIII. World War II and the Post-War Transformation of Kansas
(1941-Present)
   A. Describe the major economic and social consequences of World War II
on Kansas.
   B. Discuss the post-war economic strategies of Kansas agriculture and
businesses.
   C. Analyze the factors leading to expanded urbanization in Kansas.
   D. Explain the impact of the global market on Kansas farming and
business.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

1. At least two essay examinations accounting for 40-60% of the course
grade.
2. Two book reviews or one research paper accounting for 30% of the course
grade.
3. Three or four quizzes based on multiple choice and short answers or
class discussion accounting for 10-20% of the course grade.

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.