This course is designed to present an approach to the history of El Paso  from its first beginnings to the  the modern era.  The course will present the history of an integrated, or at least interconnected, United States-Mexico borderlands. Students will study cultural, social, economic and political development in the El Paso southwest. Particular emphasis will be given to social history and the history of ideas.

    Since each of us is influenced to a greater or lesser extent by all of the events of history, we are, as it were, the end result of the historical process. In this sense, then, students should approach this course with an eye to understanding history as a dynamic, evolutionary process. You all know who you are, but this exploration of our early El Paso history is designed to provide greater insight into WHY you are who you are.

    The most important aspect of this course, however, is Learning how to Learn in order to become a Successful Student! To this end, special emphasis will be given to time management, study skills, and critical thinking.

    The course consists of formal lectures and student group discussion sessions focused on the development of critical reading and writing skills. Key to both of these skills will be the application of critical analysis of the the assigned readings. Students will maintain a Discovery and Intention Journal as a key component of the course. Particular emphasis will be placed on the interaction of diverse peoples and cultures in the El Paso borderlands. Video and/or other multimedia presentations covering salient subjects will augment the course.

Course Objectives

    At the end of this course, students will be able to

An insatiable curiosity is the mark of a scholar and the hallmark of a dynamic culture