Full course description
Course summary:
"History is all around us." This is the first course in the History of the National Park Service series, which takes you on a journey through time from the first federal land set aside for preservation to the newest sites in the NPS System.
Course objectives:
After completing this course, learners should be able to:
- Discuss the history of the Yosemite Valley as a precursor to the creation of the National Park Service.
- Define the Yosemite Grant.
- Describe the effects of tourism on the Yosemite Valley.
- Discuss the impact that John Muir had on the creation of the National Park Service.
- Reflect on the question, "What if there were no National Parks?"
- Define the Yellowstone Act.
- Discuss the Cultural Resource implications of the establishment of Mesa Verde National Park.
- Describe the expansion of National Park Service in the United States.
Recommended background:
There are no prerequisites for this course; all are welcome.
Course topics include:
- The Origin of the National Park Service Idea: 1860s and 1870s
- The Origin of the National Park Service Idea: 1880 through 1910
Elements of the course:
- Informational text
- Interactive practice activities
- Supplemental reference materials
- Final assessment
This course is self-paced, allowing learners the flexibility to complete the course as quickly or slowly as they need.
After completing all course content and activities, you will complete a final quiz to demonstrate your understanding of key course concepts. Upon successful completion of the quiz, you will be awarded a certificate of completion.
Course creators:
This course was designed and developed by the Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands at Indiana University.
How to access:
Upon enrolling, you will receive instructions and the link to the Canvas course. Note: When you register, you will receive an email invitation. Be sure to accept that invitation, or Canvas will not allow you to open the course modules.
Enrollees can move through content modules at their own pace within the course timeframe.