Birth of the Cowboy (one-day lesson)

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Overview

In this lesson, students will learn about the image of the cowboy changed at the turn of the century. As Americans began to mourn the "closing of the frontier," they simultaneously began to celebrate the cowboy, who quickly became the hero of the mythic West. Students will begin to understand the romanticization of the West.

Learning Goals:

  • Students will read about cowboys’ shifting reputation at the turn of the century.
  • Students will connect popular perceptions of the cowboy to a trend in popular culture that began to romanticize the West.

DAY ONE

Website Materials:

Prior to class:

Students should read “Frederick Jackson Turner” and answer questions in preparation for this lesson.

Step 1: 15 minutes: Review homework

a) Have students pair-share their responses to the homework questions on the “Frederick Jackson Turner” worksheet.

b) As a whole class, discuss the following questions:

  • What image of the West emerged at the turn of the century?
  • Why do you think the cowboy became a symbol for the vanishing West?

Step 2: 20 minutes: Read document

Pass out “The Virginian.” Have students read the document and answer questions.

Step 3: 15 minutes: Discussion

As a whole class, discuss the following:

  • What are some similarities and differences between Turner’s history and Wister’s novel?
  • Why were both authors very popular?

Homework

Have students read “Cowboys’ Shifting Reputation” and answer questions.

EVALUATION CRITERIA:

For this homework assignment to meet standards, students must fulfill the following criteria:

  • In response to question #1, students must identify a shift in the public's perception and appreciation of the cowboy.
  • In response to question #2, students must tie in the historian interpretations on the "Frederick Jackson Turner" worksheet, and demonstrate an understanding that Americans had begun to romanticize the West.

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