The History of the National Park Service - Course 2: The New Significance of the NPS
Self-paced
Full course description
Course summary:
"History is all around us." This is the second 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 Hetch-Hetchy Dam controversy and its implications on conservation.
- Discuss Mather and Albright's influence on the creation of the National Park Service.
- Define the Organic Act.
- List the "cast of characters" who influenced the creation of the National Park Service.
- Reflect on the idea of preservation vs. use.
- Discuss the use of the Civilian Conservation Corps to expand resources in national parks.
- Describe the Reorganization Act.
- List the types of sites that were transferred to the National Park Service.
- List the new categories of Parklands.
Recommended background:
There are no prerequisites for this course; all are welcome.
Course topics include:
- Creation of the National Park Service
- The National Park Service Adapting and Reacting to Change
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.