Faculty

Kenneth Shonk, Jr., Assistant Professor

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Develop Content Literacy in the Social Studies: Students will be trained as "entry-level" social scientists where students do the work of the historian, anthropologist, sociologist, political scientist, or psychologist. Students will be expected to engage in modes of thinking, content-specific literacy, research and writing endemic to the social studies.
2. Intellectualize the Art and Craft of Teaching: Students will be expected to intellectualize the art and craft of social studies education through the successful completion of courses on the sociology and philosophy of teaching and learning. A methods course must also be completed, where students will be introduced to, and expected to master and integrate the latest theories and research in social studies education.
3. Demonstrate Mastery of Content: Students will be prepared for careers in teaching by completing a specially designed curricular path that is rigorous, collegiate, and intellectually challenging. This will culminate in the successful completion of a senior thesis capstone in history or political science in which students must demonstrate a mastery of myriad skills by completing a work based on original research.

Broad Field Social Studies Major (comprehensive) (EA-A)

Broad Field Social Studies is a comprehensive liberal arts major designed specifically for students who intend to teach within the social studies disciplines at the Early Adolescence-Adolescence Level (EA-A). Certification to teach also requires completion of a series of Wisconsin Teacher Certification (DPI) requirements. See the Teacher Education section of this catalog for details.

The Broad Field Social Studies program is interdisciplinary and includes course work in Anthropology, Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, Psychology and Sociology. Broad Field Social Studies students must also complete a concentration in History, Political Science or Psychology. The Broad Field Social Studies Major is a comprehensive major that fulfills both the major and minor requirements for graduation.

The Broad Field Social Studies major prepares students to teach in their area of concentration and to teach "fusion" courses. Fusion courses are defined as those that integrate several social studies disciplines and require composite preparation in social studies. Civics, social problems, American problems, area studies, and contemporary issues are examples of fusion courses.

Coursework in Broad Field Social Studies may also be used, where appropriate, to fulfill the university's General Education requirements. Students majoring in Broad Field Social Studies are urged to work in close cooperation with their academic advisors to ensure efficient completion of the program.

Broad Field Social Studies (EA-A) Major Requirements

57 total credits

Foundational Content Knowledge courses (21 credits required):

Education and Social Studies courses (6 credits required):

Area of Concentration (30 credits required):

A concentration in History or Political Science through completion of either the History or Political Science Teaching Major. Foundational Content Knowledge courses may, where appropriate, be applied to the area of concentration. See the History and Political Science Concentration sections of the catalog for details.

Social Studies Teaching Minor for Elementary Education Majors Requirements

This minor, which is open only to students majoring in Elementary Education, is designed to provide breadth and sufficient depth across the broad range of social studies disciplines. The minor is to be planned by the student in consultation with his or her advisor. A written plan for the minor must be filed with the advisor at the time of the student's application for admission to the Teacher Education programs. Any modifications in the plan may be made only with the advisor's consent. This minor must be taken in connection with Wisconsin MC-EA licensure (ages 6-12/13; grades 1 - 7/8th) which requires completion of TED 407 and appropriate student teaching. This minor equips a prospective teacher to support the Wisconsin Model Academic Standards for Social Studies.

24 total credits

History required courses (6 credits required):

Sociology/Philosophy required course (3 credits required):

Geography required course (3 credits required):

Economics required course (3 credits required):

Political Science required course (3 credits required):

Gender Studies required courses (3 credits required):

Global Studies required courses (3 credits required):