Social Studies Degree

T&L 400. Methods and Materials. 3 Credits.

Various teaching methods and strategies and the materials used in teaching in a subject area. (Some Methods and Materials courses carry an academic department prefix and number. The number of methods courses required by a department may vary. Consult with an adviser.) Some offered F only; some F,S. See adviser. Prerequisites: T&L 250 and T&L 345, and admission to the Teacher Education program. Corequisites: T&L 486. Repeatable to 18 credits. F,S.

T&L 345. Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. 3 Credits.

A general curriculum development and instruction course designed for the undergraduate pre-service middle school and/or secondary teacher across all disciplines. It introduces and provides practice in planning, multiple instructional strategies, and methods of formal and informal assessment. It considers the impact of historical foundations, teaching philosophy, discipline standards, knowledge of diverse learners and special needs, and technology on curriculum development. Prerequisites: T&L 250. F,S.

T&L 350. Development and Education of the Adolescent. 3 Credits.

A comprehensive examination of the characteristics and behavior of the adolescent student with implications for curriculum and instruction in the junior/middle and high schools. Topics covered will be transition from childhood to adolescence, including cognitive development, self-concept, physiological changes, social needs and values, and values and attitudes of adolescents. This course will provide an understanding of the wide range of differences in developmental patterns of children and the influences of economic, sociological and psychological factors in development. An additional 10 hour field experience is required for the course. Prerequisites: Admission to Teacher Education Program and T&L 250. F.

T&L 433. Multicultural Education. 3 Credits.

This course takes an anthropological view of multicultural education. In this course, we will learn how to serve students from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We will discuss how students' needs should be addressed both in and out of class, and that the diversity, language, and culture that students bring to class must be viewed as a resource, strength, and benefit. The activities and materials presented in this course will teach you how to be respectful of diversity (gender, sexuality, disability, age, socioeconomic status, religion, ethnicity, race, language, and culture). Through class activities, readings, discussions, guest speakers and reflection, you will better understand the needs and perspectives of culturally diverse classrooms and it prepares you to teach about cultural diversity. This class examines several cultures including Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanics, as well as populations making up our New American community members who have arrived as refugees. It also explores diversity that exists aside from race and culture. This course will assist you in gaining deeper insight into your own backgrounds and belief systems and how it impacts your views and perspectives on working and interacting with individuals who come from a different cultural background. Note: This course requires you to complete 10 hours of field experience working with students from diverse backgrounds. Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Education program. F,S,SS.

SOC 306. Social Change and Social Movements. 3 Credits.

The focus of this course is on social change in American society in the context of current environmental and social problems. Topics include definitions of social change, patterns and causes of social change, theoretical explanations for social change, contemporary social movements and the theoretical explanation for their origins and planned social change strategies. S.

POLS 318. American Political Thought. 3 Credits.

A historical analysis of the major thinkers and of the streams of thought which molded the political life and institutions of the United States from the Puritans to the present. F.