The story of America is, to a large extent, the story of the American West. The histories of New England and the American South and North are significant, of course, but the West and, specifically the movement West, serve as the enduring symbol of American self-definition. In the words of Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States, “The West has been the great word of our history; the westerner has been the type and master of our American life.” It is in this context that this course will consider our topic. We will read, view, and discuss the “facts” of the West and its history and, most especially, the narratives and myths that have grown out of and surround the West. We will consider significant historical moments and events and ideas, larger-than-life characters, both Native Americans and newcomers. We will examine the roles played by the Native Americans, both cooperative and hostile, as warriors, neighbors and victims. Finally, we will see how these narratives and myths have played out throughout the centuries and are still playing out in our own day.