Bachelor of Art Education in Social Studies Education

The primary purpose of the Social Studies Education degree is to prepare secondary (grades 7-12) social studies teachers for the public schools. The degree is designed to prepare students to pass two of the Oklahoma Teacher Certification Tests (OSAT fields 17 and 18), that are requirements for certification to teach social studies in Oklahoma. Successfully completing the degree and passing these two tests will allow a person to be certified to teach American history, Oklahoma history, government, and economics (field 17) and world history and geography (field 18). While the degree is specifically aimed at enabling students to meet Oklahoma standards, the requirements for the degree are similar enough to standards of other states that obtaining certification elsewhere is not a major problem. It is commonly required by many states for social studies teachers to have passed a course or exam in the history of the state where certification is sought.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate familiarity, understanding, and application of the NCSS themes: a. Culture and cultural diversity, b. Time (chronology), c. Continuity and change, d. People, e. Places and environments, f. Individual human development and identity, g. Individuals, groups, institutions and power, h. Authority and governance, i. Production, distribution and consumption, science, technology, and society, j. Global connections and interdependence, and civic ideals.
2. Plan and teach an inquiry-based lesson as a CAEP requirement for the College of Education.
3. Practice a variety of social studies strategies, including some of the following: a. Lecturing b. Questioning c. Leading and structuring group discussions d. Teaching controversial topics e. Planning f. Teaching writing g. Teaching research h. Knowing where to find helpful teaching materials and adapting them i. Understanding and developing classroom management skills j. Understanding how to differentiate instruction k. Develop constructive peer review and honest self-evaluation and reflection
4. Create a year-long world history plan to include the following: a. A unit plan demonstrating alignment with Oklahoma and NCSS C3 standards b. At least three lesson plans using a variety of teaching and assessment strategies.
5. Demonstrate the background, practice, and skills needed for internship / student teaching semesters.
6. Pass certification testing for US / Oklahoma history / economics / civics (OSAT17) or world history / geography (018)
7. Demonstrate the ability to speak and write in standard academic language.