Extended Studies Course Information
University of Northern Colorado

Syllabus
Summer 2009

COURSE INFORMATION:  OCTA Convention registration is required - www.octa-colorado.org/2009_convention.htm.  Registration for this course will not be accepted after the last day of the Convention.

A.  COURSE DESCRIPTION:

• This course will provide opportunities for general educators to learn of the historical and geographical significance of the Oregon-California trails through Colorado.

B.  PREREQUISITE:

• College degree

• Registration for OCTA convention

C.  GOALS OF THE COURSE:

• Learn the history of pioneer trails through the West - Years 1849-1859.  Prepare oneself as a teacher of others to show geographical impact and significance of trails through Colorado.

D.  CONTENT OF THE COURSE:
Pre-convention guided tours:

• South Platte/Overland Trail

• Cherokee Trail

• Overland Mail and Stage Route

Premier of OCTA movie for television: "In Pursuit of a Dream"

All-day bus tours:

• Cherokee Trail and Overland Stage Route

• Four Forts/South Platte River

• Loveland/Berthoud

Presentation topics:

• Pathways to Gold: Colorado's Cherokee and Smoky Hill Trails

• Mapping the Gold Rush to Colorado

• Road from Fort Riley to Bridger Pass

• Cherokee Trail Through Time

• A Military Perspective of the Great Sioux War

• The Cherokee Trail and Blackfoot Cave

• Reappraisal of the 1857 Overland Emigration

• Mariano Medina, a legend in his own time

• Colorado's Trapper Trail

• Partnership Projects in Trail Recordation and Preservation

• Issues for OCTA on Trail Archaeology

• National History Day

• Partnering with Federal Agencies on Your Trail Projects

• Rocky Mountain Area Research

E.  COURSE REQUIREMENTS - S/U GRADING:
In order to earn a grade of S, the participant will:

• Register for the 2009 OCTA National Convention held in Loveland, CO

• Participate in guided excursions on trails

• Attend presentations on topics of choice during the Convention

• Submit written reflection papers after excursions and presentations chosen (if 2 credits are requested)

• Complete assignments in timely manner

F.  GRADING CRITERIA

a.     One credit hour ($55 tuition) requires a minimum of 15 hours of participation in choice of:
Guided vehicle tours (7:30 am - 5 pm each - Mon 8/17 or Tues 8/18, or Thurs 8/20 or Sat 8/22).
Presentations (45 min. each) by authors and historians   Wed 8/19 or Fri 8/21
b.     In addition to the choice of attendance as noted above (for fifteen attendance hours), there will be a required submission of a reflection paper, which will be graded S/U.  This paper will be comprised of a reflective journal, summarizing each Guided Tour or presentation attended during the Convention, along with suggestions for incorporating the information learned into your mode of educational sharing, i.e. teaching, writing, trail guiding.  Papers that solely review the content of the Convention will not be accepted.  Thoughtful ideas must be presented for application of the Convention content.
         The typewritten paper (three to five pages, double spaced) must show the following criteria: (a) clarity of writing; (b) relevance of content; and (c) demonstration of graduate level work in thought process and writing skills.  The title page of the reflection paper should include the student's name, mailing address and title of paper.
         The paper must be postmarked by August 31st or e-mailed by September 3rd, 2009.
Peg Isakson, 3654 Parlin Ct, Loveland, CO 80538 or readwithpeg@aol.com.

G.  SUGGESTED READINGS

Books will be available for  purchase for participants who may want to get a more indepth understanding of Oregon-California Trails.  Purchases are not required for course credit.  The OCTA Convention Book Room will be open Aug. 18, 6 pm and close Aug. 21, 9 pm.  Please see the Convention schedule for more detailed information about hours.

• FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION FORMS, PLEASE CONTACT:
  Peg Isakson: readwithpeg@aol.com or 970-227-7127