Department of History and Social Science

In accordance with the stated purpose of the university, this department strives to promote an understanding of past and present human societies to enhance student learning.

In addition to offering degrees in history and social science and minors in geography and history, the department also offers pre-law curricular planning and advisement. Students may pursue only one major or minor within the Department of History and Social Science.

Students interested in pursuing a degree in teacher education should refer to the Teacher Education Program Requirements for program admission, progression, and graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program of study, graduates will be able to:

History, B.A.

demonstrate a knowledge of and critical engagement with the literature, methodologies, theories, and debates of the historical discipline;
demonstrate the ability to plan, organize, and compose an analytical historical research paper or project;
successfully engage, through journal-keeping, research papers, assigned readings, and written/oral reflections, in archival, field-experience or international study-travel opportunities; and
successfully engage in on-campus or regional scholarly programs (colloquia, conferences).

Social Science, B.A. and Social Science, B.S.

demonstrate a knowledge of the literature, methodologies, theories, and debates of the social sciences (e.g., history, geography, economics, anthropology, sociology, and political science);
demonstrate the ability to plan, organize, and compose an analytical historical research paper or project; and
successfully engage, through journal-keeping, research papers, assigned readings, and written/oral reflections, in archival, field-experience or international study-travel opportunities.

Social Studies (7-12 Licensure), B.A. and Social Studies (7-12 Licensure), B.S.

demonstrate a knowledge of and critical engagement with the literature, methodologies, theories, and debates of the social sciences (history, geography, economics, anthropology, sociology, political science, and psychology);
demonstrate the ability to plan, organize, and compose an analytical historical research paper or project;
demonstrate proficiency in developing social studies lessons and unit plans (objectives, procedures, assessment, and differentiated instruction);
demonstrate knowledge and application of individual and group motivation and behavior to build an active learning environment;
classroom management strategies that encourage positive social interaction, active learning, and self-motivation;
exhibit effective professional dispositions required to build a safe, growing learning environment in which all students can learn;
demonstrate understanding of how students differ in their learning styles and create instructional opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners;
demonstrate content knowledge and performance skills across content pedagogy courses and assessment tests in preparation for the final field experience; and
demonstrate pedagogical knowledge and application skills in learning and teaching.

Programs

Major

Minor