Social Studies Education (SSE)

Prepares teacher candidates to plan and deliver effective instruction in the social sciences for grades 6 through 12. Emphasizes instructional methods, content integration, lesson planning, classroom management, and use of instructional resources aligned with state standards. Candidates will explore discipline-specific approaches to teaching history, geography, economics, civics, and related fields.

Examines concepts and instructional strategies for teaching social sciences in elementary settings. Emphasizes integrated curriculum design that connects history, civics, economics, and geography with other subject areas using developmentally appropriate, standards-based approaches.

Synthesis of teacher candidate's courses and preparation for the professional interview and application process.

Provides a supervised final internship in a social science education setting where candidates assume full teaching responsibilities. Emphasizes the demonstration of effective instructional practices, classroom management, and professional conduct in school-based placements.

Provides a supervised field experience in a social science education setting where candidates observe instruction and begin to demonstrate effective teaching practices. Emphasizes the gradual assumption of instructional responsibilities in school-based placements.

Techniques, strategies, and concepts employed by social science teachers that are effective in motivating middle and high school students to acquire informational and procedural knowledge about various areas of the world. Students are expected to plan an authentic classroom activity demonstrating the use of the methods, techniques and content studied.

Prepares teacher candidates to plan, deliver, and assess instruction in secondary social studies disciplines, including history, geography, civics, and economics. Emphasizes standards-aligned lesson design, instructional strategies, classroom management, and the integration of disciplinary thinking and inquiry. Candidates will use research-based practices to support effective teaching in grades 6 through 12.

Examines current research, theory, and instructional practices in social studies education across K through 12 settings. Emphasizes trends such as inquiry-based learning, integration of technology, and authentic assessment aligned with national and state standards. Candidates explore a selected topic and communicate their findings using digital tools for professional dissemination.