Course List

Western American Studies Course Short List Fall 2025

The following courses are acceptable for credit toward the certificate in Fall 2025. Other courses not on this list may be relevant for the program, and will be reviewed for possible inclusion upon request. For more info about the program, email Academic Programs Coordinator Ryan Lueck at ryan.lueck@colorado.edu. For more info about Center of the American West programs and events, visit https://www.colorado.edu/center/west/.

Center of the American West Required Courses (3 credit hours each)

CAMW 2001 The American West (introductory course) - TTh 11-12:15am, Clare Small Arts and Sciences 104, Inst. Brooke Neely

• 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 4840 Independent Study (capstone course) - available with instructor approval, Inst. Brooke Neely

• Independent Study for Western American Studies certificate program

Center of the American West Optional Courses

CAMW 3939 American West Internships

Social Sciences (3 credit hours required)

Anthropology 

ANTH 1120 Exploring a Non-Western Culture: Pueblos Indians of the Southwest - Meets Online: See class notes, Inst. Kaitlyn Davis

• Examines the geography, kinship, politics and religious values of Pueblo Indian peoples of the US Southwest in historical and contemporary context through an anthropological perspective. Specific details of Pueblo Indian languages, cultures, and histories are used to illustrate basic ideas and debates in anthropology including: the concept of culture, the influence of language on thought, the grounding of culture in human biology, religion and reason, the nature of oral traditions, and archaeological interpretation. 

ANTH 4270 Plains Archaeology - TTh 8-9:15am, Kitt Central N100/1, Inst. TBA

• Archaeological evidence for Native American ways of life on the North American Great Plains from the initial peopling of the region into the 19th century. Recommended prerequisite: ANTH 2200. Same as ANTH 5270. 

Economics

ECON 3535 Natural Resources Economics - MWF 1:25-2:15pm, Benson Earth Sciences Bldg 185, Inst: TBA, Recommended prerequisite: ENVS 1000, Recommended corequisite: ENVS 3020. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours, provided topics vary.

• 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 4535.  

ECON 3545 Environmental Economics - TTh 9:30-10:45am, Eaton Humanities Bldg 135, Inst. Stephanie Weber; requires prerequisite ECON 2010 (minimum grade C-). Econ minors are allowed to be enrolled.

• 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 ECON 4545.

Environmental Studies

ENVS 3140 Environmental Ethics - 4 Sections Available:

MWF 9:05-9:55am, Muenzinger Psyc and Biopsych E432, Inst. Tim Burkhardt

MWF 10:10-11am, Ramaley Biology Bldg N1B31, Inst. Tim Burkhardt

MW 4:05-5:20pm, Sustain Energy and Envrion Cmplx N136, Inst. Benjamin Hale

T 11am-12:15pm, Meets Remotely, Inst. David Youkey

Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomores, Juniors or Seniors) only.

• 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 PHIL 3140.

ENVS 3621 Energy Policy and Society - TTh 10-11:15am, Sustain Energy and Environ Cmplx N124, Inst. Nirav Patel

• 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 ECON 4545. 

American Indian Studies (Ethnic Studies)

ETHN 1023 Introduction to Native American and Indigenous Studies - MW 8-8:50am, 4 Recitations Available on Fridays, Duane Physics G130, Inst. Kelsey John

• Introduces critical terms, issues, and questions that inform the discipline of American Indian Studies. Examines "historical silences" and highlights how American Indian scholars, poets, and filmmakers use their work to address/redress historical subjects, and represent their Native communities.

Chicano Studies (Ethnic Studies)

ETHN 2536 Chicano History and Culture (same as HIST 2537) - TTh 3:30-4:45pm, Visual Arts Complex 1B88, Inst. Enrique Sepulveda

• Through historical and social scientific studies, novels, autobiographies, testimonies, films, music, and art, this course will provide students a survey of Chicana/o history and culture. Historical overviews of Chicana/o peoples from Mesoamerica; the Spanish Conquest; the historical presence of Chicana/o peoples in the Southwest; the rise of the Chicana/o student and community movements; immigration issues; and the gender, sexuality, and criminalization issues. 

Geography

GEOG 3251 Mountain Geography - Meets Online (This class will be taught online and delivered asynchronously which means there are not scheduled days and times. Instructor may determine pacing and deadlines for coursework completion. See course syllabus for more information), Inst. Margaret White

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

GEOG 4501 Water Resources and Management of the Western U.S. (same as GEOG 5501) - MW 3:35-4:50pm, Eaton Humanities Bldg 125, Inst. William Travis

• 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 GEOG 5501. 

Linguistics

LING 3220 American Indian Languages in their Social and Cultural Contexts - TTh 11am-12:15pm, Ekeley Sciences Bldg E1B50, Inst. Ambrocio Gutiérrez Lorenzo

• 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 - TTh 2-3:15pm, Ramaley Biology Bldg N1B23, Inst. Steven Vanderheiden, recommended prerequisite: PSCI 1101 or PSCI 2012. Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomores, Juniors or Seniors) only.

• 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: PSCI 1101 or PSCI 2012.

Humanities (3 credit hours required)

English

ENGL 1800 American Ethnic Literature (same as ETHN 1800) - 4 Sections Available

TTh 3:30-4:45pm, Muenzinger Psyc and Biopsych E126, Inst. BK Clapham

MWF 9:05-9:55am, Muenzinger Psyc and Biopsych E118, Inst. Jared Taylor

TTh 8-9:15am, Bruce Curtis Bldg E158, Inst. BK Clapham

MWF 3:35-4:25pm, Ekeley Sciences Bldg M203, Inst. Jared Taylor

• 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.

ENGL 2115 American Frontiers - TTh 11am-12:15pm, Ketchum Arts and Sciences Bldg 1B87, Inst. Maria Windell

• This course explores the power of the frontier myth in US literature and culture. The material we cover may range from stories of the American West and American empire to frontiers like cyberspace or outer space (the final frontier). Texts may include short stories, novels, movies, photographs, and computer games. 

History

HIST 4527 Mexican American History 1848 - Present - MWF 1:25-2:15, Ketchum Arts and Sciences Bldg 1B71, Inst. Natalie Mendoza Gutierrez

• Examines Mexican-origins people in the United States from the 19th century through the present. Focuses on Mexican-American history as both an integral part of American history and as a unique subject of historical investigation. Using primary and secondary sources, students will examine how Mexicans and Mexican-Americans have negotiated, influenced, and responded to political, social, cultural, and economic circumstances in the U.S. Recommended prerequisite: HIST 1015 or HIST 1025.

Philosophy 

PHIL 3140 Environmental Ethics (same as ENVS 3140) - 4 Sections Available

MWF 9:05-9:55am, Muenzinger Psyc and Biopsych E432, Inst. Tim Burkhardt

MWF 10:10-11am, Ramaley Biology Bldg N1B31, Inst. Tim Burkhardt

MW 4:05-5:20pm, Sustain Energy and Envrion Cmplx N136, Inst. Benjamin Hale

T 11am-12:15pm, Meets Remotely, Inst. David Youkey; recommended prerequisite: ENVS 1000. Recommended corequisite ENVS 3020. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours, provided topics vary.

• 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

Native American Topics - TTh 3:30-4:45pm, Cristol Chem and Biochem Bldg 145, Inst. Jaquetta Shade-Johnson

• 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: WRTG 1150 or equivalent (completion of lower-division writing requirement).

Don't Fence Me In - 2 Sections Available:

TTh 12:30-1:45pm, Center Acad Success and Engagement E220, Inst. Jay Ellis

TTh 3:30-4:45pm, Eaton Humanities Bldg 160, Inst. Jay Ellis

• 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: WRTG 1150 or equivalent (completion of lower-division writing requirement).

Natural Sciences (3 credit hours required)

Ecology and Environmental Biology 

EBIO 2040 Principles of Ecology (lecture and lab) - 2 lectures, 15 labs (see CU Class Search for Labs)

MWF 11:15am-12:05pm, Miramontes Baca Education Bldg 157, Inst. Abbey Paulson

TTh 12:30-1:45pm, Engineering Center ECCR 245, Inst. Michael Gil, recommended prerequisites: EBIO 1030 and EBIO 1040 and EBIO 1050 or EBIO 1210 and EBIO 1220 and EBIO 1230 and EBIO 1240 (minimum grade C-). Same as EBIO 2640 and ENVS 2000.

• 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.

EBIO 3040 Conservation Biology (same as ENVS3040) - Meets Online (This class will be taught online and delivered asynchronously which means there are not scheduled days and times. Instructor may determine pacing and deadlines for coursework completion. See course syllabus for more information), Inst. Tracey Halward, recommended prerequisite: EBIO 2040 or EBIO 2640 or ENVS 2000 (minimum grade C-). Same as ENVS 3040.

• Applies principles of population ecology, population genetics, biogeography, animal behavior, and paleobiology to the maintenance of biodiversity and natural systems. The resulting theory is then applied to conservation policy and management techniques.

Physics

PHYS 3070 Energy and the Environment (same as ENVS 3070) - MWF 9:05-9:55am, Duane Physics G125, Inst. Scott Parker

• 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. 

Environmental Studies

ENVS 3070 Energy and the Environment (same as PHYS 3070) - MWF 9:05-9:55am, Duane Physics G125, Inst. Scott Parker,, fulfills cornerstone requirement for Environmental Studies Major. Recommended prerequisite: ENVS 1000, recommended corequisite: ENVS 3020. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours, provided the topics vary.

• 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 ENVS 3070.

ENVS 3140 Environmental Ethics (same as PHIL 3140) - 4 Sections Available:

MWF 9:05-9:55am, Muenzinger Psyc and Biopsych E432, Inst. Tim Burkhardt

MWF 10:10-11am, Ramaley Biology Bldg N1B31, Inst. Tim Burkhardt

MW 4:05-5:20pm, Sustain Energy and Envrion Cmplx N136, Inst. Benjamin Hale

T 11am-12:15pm, Meets Remotely, Inst. David Youkey

• 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 PHIL 3140.

ENVS 3621 Energy Policy and Society - TTh 10-11:15am, Sustain Energy and Environ Cmplx N124, Inst. Nirav Patel

• 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 ECON 4545. 

Geography

GEOG 1011 Environmental Systems 2: Landscapes and Water - 3 Lectures Available, See CU Course Search for Lab Availability

MWF 1:25-2:15pm, Eaton Humanities Bldg 150, Inst. Sisimac Duchicela

2 Sections Meet Online (This class will be taught online and delivered asynchronously which means there are not scheduled days and times. Instructor may determine pacing and deadlines for coursework completion. See course syllabus for more information), Both Sections Inst. Margaret White

• In many ways, the Earth is defined by its abundance of water and vigorous hydrologic cycle. This course introduces how floodplains and their associated river systems, river deltas, erosional features such as the Grand Canyon, depositional features such as Cape Cod and Long Island, as well as mountain and even desert landscapes reflect the great power of water in shaping our planet and impacting life on Earth.

GEOG 3511 The Water Cycle - TTh 12:30-1:45pm, Guggenheim Geography Bldg 3, Inst. Keith Musselman

• The pathway a raindrop or snowflake takes from the atmosphere to the stream determines water quality and quantity society relies on. This course examines the water cycle and its relationship with climate, vegetation, and soil. Learn how to work with quantitative analysis tools used by water managers during labs. 

GEOG 3601 Principles of Climate - TTh 11:30am-12:45pm, Sustain Energy and Environ Cmplx N136, INst Weiqing Han

• Describes the basic components of the climate system: the atmosphere, ocean, cryosphere and lithosphere. Investigates the basic physical processes that determine climate and link the components of the climate system. Covers the hydrological cycle and its role in climate, climate stability and global change. Recommended prerequisites: one semester of calculus and ATOC 1060 or ATOC 3300 or GEOG 3301 or GEOG 1001. Same as ATOC 3600 and ENVS 3600.

GEOG 4371 Forest Geography: Principles and Dynamics - TTh 5-6:15pm, Guggenheim Geology Bldg 2, Inst. Rachel Isaacs

• Surveys principles of forest geography and ecology. Includes both individual tree responses to environmental factors and species interactions within communities. Emphasizes forest dynamics and their relation to management problems. Same as GEOG 5371. 

GEOG 4501 Water Issues in the West (same as GEOG 5501) - MW 3:35-4:50pm, Eaton Humanities Bldg 125, Inst. William Travis

• 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 GEOG 5501. 

Geological Sciences

GEOL 1010 AND GEOL 1030 Exploring Earth AND Intro Geology Lab I  - 2 Lectures Available, See CU Course Search for Lab Availability

MWF 12:20-1:10pm, Benson Earth Sciences Bldg 180, Inst. Suzanne Anderson

TTh 12:30-1:45, Benson Earth Sciences Bldg 185, Inst. Karl Mueller

• Introductory geology for majors and non-majors. Studies Earth, its materials, its characteristics, its dynamic processes, and how it relates to people. Separate lab (GEOL 1030) is recommended. Degree credit not granted for both GEOL 1010 and GEOL 1012.

GEOL 1012 AND GEOL 1030 Exploring Earth for Scientists AND Intro Geology Lab I) - 1 Lecture Available, See CU Course Search for Lab Availability

MWF 10:10-11am, Benson Earth Sciences Bldg 185, Inst. Jennifer Stempien, recommended prerequisite: ENVS 1000. Recommended corequisite: ENVS 3020. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours, provided the topics vary.

• Studies Earth, its materials, its characteristics, its dynamic processes, and how it relates to people. This course is an introductory geology course suitable for geology and other STEM majors. Like GEOL 1010, but taught at a higher intellectual level with a greater amount of quantitative analysis. Separate lab (GEOL 1030) is recommended. Degree credit not granted for both GEOL 1010 and GEOL 1012.

GEOL 1020 AND GEOL 1030 (Dodos, Dinos, and Deinococcus: The History of a Habitable Planet AND Intro to Geology Lab I) - 3 Lectures Available, See CU Course Search for Lab Availability

MWF 9:05-9:55am, Benson Earth Sciences Bldg 180, Inst. Kathryn Snell

2 Sections Meet Online, Inst. Alan Lester

• Examines how the solid, fluid, and living Earth interact, how changes in the oceans, atmosphere and life reflect that interaction over the immensity of geologic time, and how the rock record is analyzed to reconstruct the co-evolution of Earth and life.

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

• 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.