Undergrad. Catalog 09 Social Studies

Revised June 2009

Social Studies Teacher Certification

For additional information consult the major department, the Department of Professional and Secondary Education, or the Teacher Education Center, Room 251, Francis Harvey Green Library.

ELECTIVE SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER CERTIFICATION

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania grants a secondary social studies certificate enabling the holder to teach comprehensive social studies in public schools. West Chester University's program is accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS), and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Certification programs are offered in conjunction with the B.A. programs in geography, history, and political science as well as the Department of Professional and Secondary Education. (Certification-only programs are not available at this time for those already holding a baccalaureate degree since enrollment is capped.) For information, contact the appropriate department or the Teacher Education Center, Room 251, Francis Harvey Green Library.

Program of Study

This program is designed to assure that prospective social studies teachers possess the knowledge, capabilities, and dispositions associated with the concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the disciplines that make up the social studies, and that they are able to create learning experiences that make these aspects of the subject matter meaningful for learners. The course of study emphasizes ten NCSS-thematic strands:

Culture and cultural diversity
Time, continuity, and change
People, places, and environment
Individuals, groups, and institutions
Power, authority, and government
Production, distribution, and consumption
Science, technology, and society
Global connections
Civic ideals and practices
Individual development and identity

Prospective teachers must complete subject-matter courses in history and social sciences that make up no less than 40 percent of a total four-year or extended preparation program with a major of 21 hours in either geography, history, or political science.

COMMON REQUIREMENTS

See the “Teacher Certification Programs” section of this catalog for information about new requirements. Once approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), new programs and requirements will supersede the following curriculum description. These new requirements are applicable to all teacher certification students entering fall 2009 will be published in a forthcoming addendum to the catalog.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
ELECTIVE SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER CERTIFICATION

SSC 331 Teaching Citizenship Education (3) Methods and materials of teaching social studies for prospective secondary school teachers. Emphasis is on combining educational theory with social studies content for effective teaching. Exercises and practical application. Enrollment is restricted to those who will be student teaching the next semester. Permission to waive this policy may be granted by the Department of History chairperson. PREREQ: EDS 306. Writing emphasis course.