Course List

Our certificate program offers a unique regional studies curriculum for CU Â鶹ӰԺ undergraduate students with a passion for the American West. Our multi-disciplinary format allows an exploration of the region’s characteristic and evolving issues: from its flora and fauna to its history and literature; from the political, social, cultural, economic, and environmental concerns facing Westerners to the landscapes and ecosystems that they inhabit.

This 18-credit hour program includes an introductory course and a capstone course, and allows students to choose the remaining 4 classes from a variety of academic areas.

Program Requirements

The following courses are acceptable for credit toward the certificate. Other courses not on this list may be relevant for the program; please contact us at centerwest@colorado.eduÌýto request a review of any course not on this list for possible inclusion.

Apply Here

Course List Expandable

Master Course List

The following courses are acceptable for credit toward the certificate. Other courses not on this list may be relevant for the program, and will be reviewed for possible inclusion upon request.

Required Courses

ÌýThe American West (introductory course)

ÌýIndependent Study (capstone course)

Social Sciences (3 credit hours required)

Anthropology

  • ANTH 1120 Exploring a Non-Western Culture: Pueblos Indians of the Southwest
  • ANTH 4210 Southwest Archaeology
  • ANTH 4270 Plains Archaeology

Economics

  • ECON 3535 Natural Resources Economics
  • ECON 3545 Environmental Economics

Environmental Design

  • ENVD 4023 Environmental Impact Assessment
  • ENVD 4311 Housing Policies and Practices Seminar
  • ENVD 4346 Conservation and Recreation in the American West
  • ENVD 4364-201 Urban Geography Field Course: A Cultural History of Â鶹ӰԺ and its Environs
  • ENVD 4764 Special Topics –Ìýthis section only:ÌýIntroduction to Sustainable Development

Environmental Studies

  • ENVS 3140 Environmental Ethics
  • ENVS 3621 Energy Policy and Society

American Indian Studies (Ethnic Studies)

  • ETHN 1023ÌýIntroduction toÌýNative American and IndigenousÌýStudiesÌýÌý
  • ETHN 2013ÌýCriticalÌýIssues of Native American North America Ìý
  • ETHNÌý/ CINEÌý2203ÌýAmerican Indians in FilmÌýÌý
  • ETHN 2703ÌýAmerican Indian Religious Traditions (same as RLST 2700) Ìý
  • ETHN 2713ÌýNative American Literature (same as ENGL 2717)Ìý
  • ETHN 3023ÌýSelectedÌýTopics in American Indian StudiesÌý
  • ETHN 3103ÌýSelected Topics in American Indian StudiesÌýÌý
  • ETHN 3133ÌýNorth American Indians: Traditional Cultures (same as ANTH 3130)Ìý
  • ETHN 3213 American Indian Women (same as WMST 3210)Ìý
  • ETHN 3403ÌýIndian/Government ConflictsÌý
  • ETHN 4213 Indigenous Futurisms: Speculative Genres and Native TomorrowsÌý
  • ETHN 4233 Native American and Indigenous Environmental IssuesÌý
  • ETHN 4553 Indigenous Representations in the United StatesÌý
  • ETHN 4563ÌýNorth American Indian Acculturation (same asÌýANTH 4560)ÌýÌý

Asian American Studies (Ethnic Studies)

  • ETHN 3015 Asian/Pacific American Communities
  • ETHN 3575 Japanese-American Internment

ChicanoÌýStudies (Ethnic Studies)

  • ETHN 1016 Introduction to Chicano Studies
  • ETHN 2536 Chicano History and Culture (same as HIST 2537)
  • ETHN 2546 Chicana/o Fine Arts and Humanities
  • ETHN 2746 Survey of Mexican American Literature
  • ETHN 3026 Women of Color: Chicanas in U.S. Society
  • ETHN 4006 Hispanic and Native American Culture of the Southwest
  • ETHN 4136 Latinos and the U.S. Political System
  • ETHN 4306 The Chicano and the U.S. Social Systems

Geography

  • GEOG 3251 Mountain Geography
  • GEOG 4002 Topics in Human and Environment/Society Geography–Ìýthis section only:ÌýÂ鶹ӰԺ’s Open Space
  • ​GEOG 4501 Water Resources and Management of the Western U.S. (same as GEOG 5501)

Linguistics

  • LING 3220 American Indian Languages in their Social and Cultural Contexts

Political Science

  • PSCI 3201 The Environment and Public Policy
  • PSCI 3206 The Environment and Public Policy
  • PSCI 4131 Latinos and U.S. Political System (same as ETHN 4136)

Humanities (3 credit hours required)

Art and Art History

  • ARTS 3004/4004 Land and Environmental Art
  • ARTH 4439 Native North American Art
  • ARTS 4444 Art and Rural Environments Field School

English

  • ENGL 1800 American Ethnic Literature (same as ETHN 1800) ENGL 2115 American Frontiers
  • ENGL 2717 Native American Literature (same as AIST 2713) ENGL 3226 Folklore –Ìýthis section only:Ìý
    • Buffalo in Folklore
  • ENGL 3377 Multicultural Literature –Ìýthese sections only:Ìý
    • First Nations Film
    • Native American Women: Tribal Feminisms
  • ENGL 4717 Native American and Indigenous Studies Capstone Seminar

Film / Cinema Studies

  • CINE / ETHN 2203 American Indians in Film
  • FILM/CINE 3002 Major Film Movements –Ìýthis section only:
    • The Western
  • CINEÌý3043:ÌýTopics in Critical Film Studies –Ìýthis section only:
    • The Western and itsÌýContextsÌý

History

  • HIST 2117 History of Colorado
  • HIST 2227 Special Topics-Ìýthese sections only:
    • History of The American Southwest
    • Women of the American West
    • The Mining West
  • HIST 2537 Chicano History (same as ETHN 2536)
  • HIST 3020 Historical Thinking and Writing –Ìýthis section only:
    • Rocky Mountain High: Designing Wilderness in Modern America
  • HIST 3115 Seminar in Early American History –Ìýthis section only:
    • The Early West
  • HIST 3317 Seminar in the American West
  • HIST 4217 The American West in the Nineteenth Century
  • HIST 4227 The American West in the Twentieth Century
  • HIST 4235 Jacksonian America
  • HIST 4416 Environmental History of North America
  • HIST 4527 Mexican American History 1848 – Present
  • HIST 4617 Native North American History I: Human Settlement to 1815
  • HIST 4627 Native North American History II: 1815 to Present
  • HIST 4717 Chinese-American History (same as AAST 4717)

Jewish Studies

  • JWST 3130 Jews in the American West

Music

  • MUEL 2742 Wild West Soundscapes

Philosophy

  • PHIL 3140 Environmental Ethics (same as ENVS 3140)

Program for Writing and Rhetoric

  • WRTG 3020 Topics in Writing –Ìýthese sections only:
    • Native American Topics
    • Don’t Fence Me In
    • Myths of the American West
    • Composing Civic Life: Now and Then, the West
    • On the Border: US and Mexico

Religious Studies

  • RLST 2700 American Indian Religious Traditions (same as ETHN2703)
  • RLST 4300 Topics in Native American Religions

Natural Sciences (3 credit hours required)

Ecology and Environmental Biology

  • EBIO 2040 Principles of Ecology (lecture and lab)
  • EBIO 3040 Conservation Biology (same as ENVS3040)
  • EBIO 4100 Advanced Ecology –Ìýthis section only:
    • Lake and Stream Ecology
  • EBIO 4175ÌýThe Scientific Basis for Ecosystem Management of Public Lands
  • EBIO 4520 Plant Systematics (lecture AND lab)
  • EBIO 4800 Critical Thinking in Biology –Ìýthese sections only:
    • Biodiversity
    • Ecosystem Management
    • Land Use / Sustainability
    • Public Lands Management

Physics

  • PHYS 3070 Energy and the Environment (same as ENVS 3070)

Environmental Studies

  • ENVS 3040 Conservation Biology (same as EBIO3040)
  • ENVS 3070 Energy and the Environment (same as PHYS 3070)
  • ENVS 3140 Environmental Ethics (same as PHIL 3140)
  • ENVS 3621 Energy Policy and Society
  • ENVS 3525 Intermediate Environmental Problem Analysis: Topical Cornerstones –Ìýthis section only:
    • Natural Resources Management: Colorado and the West
  • ENVS 4800 Critical Thinking in Environmental Studies –Ìýthis section only:
    • Mineral Development in the Rockies

Geography

  • GEOG 1011 Environmental Systems 2: Landscapes and Water GEOG 3251 Mountain Geography
  • GEOG 3511 Intro to Hydrology
  • GEOG 3601 Principles of Climate
  • GEOG 4001 Topics in Physical Geography – Ìýthis section only:
    • Water Research / Arid Western U.S.
  • GEOG 4002 Topics in Human and Environment/Society Geography –Ìýthis section only:
    • Â鶹ӰԺ’s Open Space
  • GEOG 4291 Mountain Geomorphology (same as GEOG 5291)
  • GEOG 4371 Forest Geography: Principles and Dynamics
  • GEOG 4430 Seminar: Conservation Trends –Ìýthis section only:
    • Ecological and Landscape Impacts of Recent Climate Change in The Rocky Mountains
  • GEOG 4501 Water Resources and Management of the Western U.S. (same as GEOG 5501)

Geoglogical Sciences

  • GEOL 1010ÌýANDÌýGEOL 1030 Exploring Earth AND Intro Geology Lab I
  • GEOL 1012ÌýANDÌýGEOL 1030 Exploring Earth for Scientists AND Intro Geology Lab I)
  • GEOL 1020ÌýANDÌýGEOL 1030 (Dodos, Dinos, and Deinococcus: The History of a Habitable Planet AND Intro to Geology Lab I)
  • GEOL 1040 Geology of Colorado
  • GEOL 2100 Environmental Geology
  • GEOL 4980 River Basin Hydrology (same as GEOL 5980)

The following courses are acceptable for credit toward the certificate and are available Fall 2024. Other courses not on this list may be relevant for the program. Please contact us at ryan.lueck@colorado.eduÌýif you find a class you’d like us to consider.

Required Courses ( 3 Credit Hours each)

CAMW 2001 The American West (introductory course)

  • Students tour the cultural, social, and natural features of the American West, based on readings and presentations by guest speakers from the CU faculty and from important professions and positions in the West. Designed as the foundation course in the Western American Studies certificate program.

CAMW 4840ÌýIndependent Study (capstone course)

  • Independent Study for Western American Studies certificate program

Social SciencesÌý(3 credit hours required)

EconomicsÌý

ECON 3535 Natural Resources Economics - MWF, 1:25-2:15pm, Muezinger Psyc. and Biopshyc. E431, prerequisite: ECON 2010

  • Integrates economic analysis with life science aspects of natural resource systems to develop social policies for use of natural resources. Studies economists' approaches to resources policy analysis and applies them to energy, forestry, fisheries, mineral and water systems. Economics (ECON) majors may be approved to enroll with advisor & instructor approval and count towards the major GPA. Majors must consult with assigned ECON advisor to determine eligibility to be enrolled. Degree credit not granted for this course and .

ECON 3545 Environmental Economics - Stephanie Weber, TTh 9:30-10:45am, Duane Physics G131, prerequisite: ÌýECON 2010.

  • Highlights causes of excessive environmental pollution and tools for controlling it through economic analysis, values of preservation and distribution of costs and benefits from environmental protection programs. Economics (ECON) majors may be approved to enroll with advisor & instructor approval and count towards the major GPA. Majors must consult with assigned ECON advisor to determine eligibility to be enrolled. Degree credit not granted for this course and .

American Indian Studies (Ethnic Studies)

ETHN 3103 Selected Topics in American Indian Studies: Indigenous Media and Art, repeatable for up to 9 total credits on different topics - TTh 3:30 - 4:45, Angelica Lawson, Visual Arts Complex 1B88; recommended prerequisite:ÌýETHN 2001 or 2203

  • Examines a particular topic, theme, issue, or problem in American Indian Studies. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours on different topics. Recommended prerequisite: or .

ETHN 3403 Indian/Government Conflicts: Indigenous Rights and Red Power Movement, restricted to Juniors or Seniors - TTh 2-3:15, Natalie Avalos, Visual Arts Complex 1B90; recommended prerequisite: ETHN 1023 or 2001

  • Deals with historical events involving conflicts between the U.S. government and American Indians. Examples include the role of the FBI in the Pine Ridge Sioux Reservation (1972-76) or the 1864 massacre of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians in Colorado territory. Additional courses may relate to tribal governments. Recommended prerequisite: or . May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours on different topics.

ETHN 4233 Native American and Indigenous Environmental Issues (same as ETHN 5233) - W 3:35-6:05 Ekeley Sciences Bldg M203, Clinton Carrol

  • Explores the unique knowledges, practices and perspectives of Native American and Indigenous peoples with regard to environmental issues, and how they both contrast with and complement dominant ways of knowing. Views central themes of Land, Plants, Animals, and Air/Water through political-ecological lenses. Critically assesses historical and contemporary Indigenous environmental matters in the contexts of colonial histories and tribal sovereignty. Recommended prerequisite: or . Same as .

Chicano Studies (Ethnic Studies)

ETHN 4306 The Chicano and the U.S. Social Systems (same as ETHN 5306), restricted to Juniors or Seniors - T 3:30-6, Enrique Sepulveda, CASE W311; prerequisite ETHN 2001 or 2536

  • Gives special attention to ways U.S. institutions (i.e., legal, economic, educational, governmental and social agencies) affect Chicanas and Chicanos. Discusses internal colonialism, institutional racism, assimilation and acculturation, and identity. Same as .

Linguistics

LING 3220 American Indian Languages in their Social and Cultural Context, recommended restriction: Juniors and Seniors - MWF 11:15 - 12:05, Ambrocio Gutiérrez Lorenzo, Gold Sciences Bldg A2B07

  • A sampling of the many indigenous languages and cultures found in America. Emphasizes the United States, but also gives attention to the languages of Canada and Latin America. Recommended restriction: students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors).

Political Science

PSCI 3206 The Environment and Public Policy, recommended prerequisite: PSCI 1101 or 2012 - MW 3:35 - 4:50, Steven Vanderheiden, Muenzinger Psyc and Biopsych E0046

  • Considers constitutional, political, and geographic factors in development of public policy affecting the use of natural resources and management of the environment; organization, procedures, and programs for use of natural resources; and administration of environmental policies. Recommended prerequisite: or .

Humanities (3 credit hours required)

English

ENGL 1800 American Ethnic Literature (same as ETHN 1800) - 5 sections available.

  • Students will learn how writings by African American, Native American and Indigenous, Chicana/o/x, Latina/o/x, Asian American, and/or Arab American authors are central to the US literary tradition. The class explores the significance of ethnic US literatures and cultures through short stories, novels, plays, films, and more.

Philosophy

PHIL 3140 Environmental Ethics (same as ENVS 3140), restricted to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors - 5 Sections available.

  • Examines major traditions in moral philosophy to see what light they shed on value issues in environmental policy and the value presuppositions of the economic, ecological, and juridical approaches to the environment. Same as ENVS 3140.

Program for Writing and Rhetoric

WRTG 3020 Topics in Writing - these sections only:Ìý

  • 052 Topics in Writing: Don’t Fence Me In, prerequisite WRTG 1150 - TTh 9:30 - 10:45, Jay Ellis, CASE E224

    Through sustained inquiry into a selected topic or issue, students will practice advanced forms of academic writing. Emphasizes analysis, criticism and argument. Taught as a writing seminar, places a premium on substantive, thoughtful revision. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours. Department enforced prerequisite: or equivalent (completion of lower-division writing requirement).

Natural Sciences (3 credit hours required)

Ecology and Environmental BiologyÌý

EBIO 2040 Principles of Ecology (lecture and lab) same as EBIO 2640 and ENVS 2000 - 2 lectures, 16 labs. Recommended prerequisites: EBIO 1030, 1040, and 1050 or 1220, 1230, and 1240.Ìý

  • Lecture and laboratory. Introduces principles of ecology, emphasizing patterns and processes at various levels of biological organization. Scope global, but examples often from local environment. Laboratory emphasizes techniques of field biology. Uses animals and/or animal tissues. Recommended prerequisites: and and or and and and (minimum grade C-). Same as and .

Physics

PHYS 3070 Energy and the Environment (same as ENVS 3070) no physics prerequisite/background in physics required - MWF 9:05 - 9:55, Christopher Pochas, Duane Physics G125

  • Contemporary issues in energy consumption and its environmental impact, including fossil fuel use and depletion; nuclear energy and waste disposal; solar, wind, hydroelectric, and other renewable sources; home heating; energy storage; fuel cells; and alternative transportation vehicles. Included are some basic physical concepts and principles that often constrain choices. No background in physics is required. Same as .

Environmental Studies

ENVS 3140 Environmental Ethics (same as PHIL 3140), restricted to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors - 5 Sections available.

  • Examines major traditions in moral philosophy to see what light they shed on value issues in environmental policy and the value presuppositions of the economic, ecological, and juridical approaches to the environment. Same as .

GeographyÌý

GEOG 3251 Mountain Geosystems - MWF 11:15-12:05, Noah Molotch, Benson Earth Sciences Bldg 180

  • Surveys mountain environments and their human use with illustrations from temperate and tropical mountain areas.

GEOG 4501 Water Isues in the American West (same as GEOG 5501) - MW 3:35 - 4:50, William Travis, Guggenheim Geography Bldg 205

  • Water scarcity is a perpetual issue facing communities in the western Unites States. This course critically evaluates water use, emphasizing problems associated with geographic maldistribution, appropriations, irrigation, industry, pollution and regional development. Interprets and analyzes hydroclimatic data, surface and groundwater. Same as .

Geological Sciences

GEOL 1040 - Geology of Colorado - TTh 9:30 - 10:45am, Lon Abbott, Benson Earth Sciences Building 180

  • Reviews the geologic evolution and history of Colorado. It first develops the basic concepts needed to interpret the geology and then systematically shows how the state evolved through geologic time. Designed for those who enjoy understanding the beauty and splendor of the state.