Bachelor of Arts in History: Social Studies Education
Secondary Coordinator: Serina Cinnamon
Middle Grades Coordinator: Scott Billingsley
Location: Department of History
Program Description
The program of study in Social Studies Education consists of four curricular components: freshman seminar and general education, the content courses, the professional studies core, and content pedagogy (methods and internship). Upon successful completion of the program and related requirements, graduates are eligible for a Standard Professional I license to teach secondary or middle grades social studies in the State of North Carolina. The NC Department of Public Instruction issues the teaching license based on University recommendation.
The Social Studies Education program is one of 12 teacher education programs offered at UNCP. Social Studies Education majors are subject to Teacher Education Program regulations, admission requirements, continuation requirements, and graduation requirements.
The Social Studies Education program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the NC State Board of Education.
Program Standards
The Teacher Education Program standards for all education majors are described fully in the UNCP Teacher Education Program Teacher Candidate Handbook.
Program Goals and Objectives
The goal of the Social Studies Education program is to educate effective, professional social studies teachers who have a solid foundation in the liberal arts; an academic major in history and a strong concentration in the social sciences; and the skills and attitudes essential for preparing middle grades and secondary school students for responsible citizenship in a multicultural, democratic society and an interdependent world. Teaching social studies, which includes “the entirety of human experience,” requires that students
- know the major periods of United States, North Carolina, World, European, African, Asian, and Latin American history and identify the basic political, social, economic, cultural, and geographical themes of each period;
- recognize the influence of each civilization upon the world and acknowledge the European heritage of significant United States institutions;
- situate significant current events within an historical framework and recognize their interrelatedness;
- understand the nature, content, and concepts of the social science disciplines (Anthropology, Economics, Geography, Political Science, and Sociology) and apply social science concepts to the study of individuals, societies, and institutions;
- develop constructive attitudes toward diversity, pluralism, change, conflict, and uncertainty;
- understand the historical and contemporary place of Social Studies in public education, with particular attention to the current North Carolina Social Studies curriculum, and become familiar with recent trends and their significance for social studies educators;
- formulate appropriate objectives and utilize a variety of effective instructional strategies, resources, and assessment techniques which are designed to develop the skills of inquiry, decision-making, problem solving, and critical thinking;
- develop classroom management skills consistent with current professional standards, respect for all individuals, fairness, and a positive classroom climate;
- exhibit a working knowledge of instructional technology and the ability to integrate appropriate Computer Based Instructional resources and strategies into social studies instruction;
- complete a sequenced program of field experiences and professional activities that develop a respect for the profession, a sense of individual competence, and an appreciation for continual reflective practice, collaboration, and professional development.