Social Science (BSEd)

K-12 education candidates must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.70 and a 2.70 GPA in the major. For more information regarding admission requirements and certification policies, see Teacher Education in this catalog.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to use the methods of the social sciences in investigating important questions about people and society.
• Students will be able to express clearly in writing the results of their research.
• Students will be able to present course content in a style appropriate to the junior high and high school classroom.
• Students will be able to identify and explain important figures and events in American and world history.
• Student will be able to use social science techniques and concepts in analyzing new knowledge and current events.

• Teacher candidates will understand how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and design and implement developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking)
• Teacher candidates will use understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards. (Cross-curricular Skill: Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity)
• Teacher candidates will work with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation. (Cross-curricular Skill: Teamwork)
• Teacher candidates will understand the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) they teach and create learning experiences that make these aspects of the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
• Teacher candidates will understand how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking)
• Teacher candidates will understand and use multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide the teacher’s and learner’s decision making. (Cross-curricular Skill: Problem Solving)
• Teacher candidates will plan instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross- disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context. (Cross-curricular Skill: Integrative Learning)
• Teacher candidates will understand and use a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
• Teacher candidates will engage in ongoing professional learning and use evidence to continually evaluate their practice, particularly the effects of their choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapt practice to meet the needs of each learner. (Cross-curricular Skill: Ethical Reasoning)
• Teacher candidates will seek appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession. (Cross-curricular Skill: Civic Knowledge and Engagement & Teamwork)