OSHER 75 - The History of Conflict: Perspectives on the Colorado Plateau

Conflict is a major theme of western American history, and perhaps especially so the history of the Colorado Plateau where monument designations, archaeological preservation, wilderness creation, road building, and water development have polarized the region for years. This course will use the methodologies and perspective of history and archaeology to examine controversial episodes on the high plateau and canyon country of southeastern Utah. The first half of the course, Land and Sovereignty, will address disputes concerning ownership and control of territory and archaeological resources on public lands. The second half, Water and the Future of the West, looks at water policies and their impact on land usage. Participants will come away from this course with a better understanding of the varying perspectives concerning land, archaeology, and water on the Colorado Plateau. They will also understand how these perspectives are best informed through a deep historical dive.