New Mexico and the American West

Catalog description

Discover the diverse landscapes, histories, and human-environment interactions that define New Mexico and the American West. In this course, we examine the historical, cultural, political, economic, and environmental forces that have shaped the region, from Indigenous histories and colonial legacies to contemporary land use, sustainability challenges, and climate impacts. Through critical discussions, landscape interpretation, and geographic inquiry, we will explore how people and the environment have co-evolved in the West, how narratives and representations influence conceptions of the region, and how modern challenges continue to shape its present and future. By the end of the course, you will develop a deeper understanding of the complex and contested landscapes of the West and the forces that shape this iconic region.