This course will provide a basic understanding of the role of the frontier in American history and the impact of the frontier experience on Americans. The course will include a study of the significant trends and events that are associated with American westward expansion during the 400 year period that followed initial European exploration in the mid-sixteenth century. Topics and themes will include: motives for and consequences of exploration, the nature and impact of interaction with Native Americans, settlement patterns, economic development and exploitation, the adaptation and growth of social institutions, and the folklore and romanticism that has developed around the frontier experience. Fall/Spring as needed.