Social Science Secondary Teaching B.A.

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Program Director: Darin Lenz, Ph.D.

Overview

The social science secondary teaching major endeavors to equip prospective teachers to be knowledgeable about history and the social sciences, to be understanding of contemporary approaches to studying them and to be prepared to instruct middle and secondary school students in these subjects. It does so through a program of study that is interdisciplinary in approach, global and multicultural in perspective and informed by a Christian worldview. Upon completion of the major, students will be prepared to take the CSET examination in social science, proficiently meet the instructional goals of the California history-social science framework and provide faithful and wise service to society reflective of the values expressed in the Fresno Pacific Idea.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Recognize the core components of the social science major, and be able to effectively integrate them in teaching.
Identify the variety of cultures, societies and economic systems that prevail in the world, and be able to teach the social sciences from a cross-cultural perspective.
Be knowledgeable about the importance of religious and secular ideas throughout history, and able to teach the social sciences from a value-oriented perspective.
Communicate effectively and appropriately through speech and writing.
To think analytically and critically analyze events and interpretations of history, politics, economics, and the modern world.

Locations Offered

Main Campus Fresno

General Education Or Other Prerequisites

Required Courses (11 Courses, 37-49 Units)

The Ancient, Medieval and Early Modern World

Choose one or more of the following if HIST 120 and HIST 130 were taken at FPU; choose two or more of the following if HIST 120 and HIST 130 were not:

HIST 325 - History of Christianity 4 Units
HIST 360 - Greece: Drama and Paideia in the Polis 4
HIST 365 - Rome: Politics, Pagans and Patristics 4
HIST 367 - The Ancient Near East 3
HIST 400 - Modern Africa: History, Politics and Culture 3
HIST 405 - The Renaissance and English Literature 4 Units
HIST 380 - Reformation History and Theology 4
HIST 385 - Early Modern Europe 4
HIST 410 - Modern Latin America: History, Politics And Culture 3
HIST 412 - History of Mexico 3

The Modern World

PS 400 - Comparative Politics 3

Choose two or more of the following

(but none chosen above) if HIST 140 was taken at FPU; choose three or more of the following if HIST 140 was not:

HIST 325 - History of Christianity 4 Units
HIST 395 - Modern Europe 4
HIST 400 - Modern Africa: History, Politics and Culture 3
HIST 406 - Modern Asia: History, Politics and Culture 3
HIST 410 - Modern Latin America: History, Politics And Culture 3
HIST 412 - History of Mexico 3
HIST 418 - Modern Middle East: History, Politics and Culture 3
PS 420 - International Relations 3

The United States of America

Choose one or more of the following:

HIST 350 - American Religious History 3 Units
PS 390 - Religion and Politics in America 4 *

Choose one or more of the following:

Economics

Choose one or more of the following:

History

Choose one or more of the following:

*American Studies Program (15-16 units)

The American Studies Program (CCCU) in Washington, D.C., may be taken in place of PS 390 . If the Public Policy Track is taken, it replaces PS 380 . If the Global Development Track is taken, it replaces ECON 390 .

Teacher Education Program Information

Students who are interested in applying for admission to the Teacher Education Program should consult with their academic advisors and/or contact the Regional Enrollment Office prior to (2 or more semesters before) completion of their degrees.

Admissions Requirements:

Applicants to the Teacher Education Program are required to complete the following in order to be considered for admission.

Online application
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
A written request to waive the GPA requirement can be submitted for Program Director consideration.
Three letters of reference
Personal statement documenting experience working with youth
LA-385: Critical Approaches to Teaching is recommended to students, as it provides school-based experiences with youth that meet this requirement.
Verifications of negative TB test and Certificate of Clearance.

Testing Requirements:

Students are strongly encouraged to complete the required tests prior to admission to the credential program. Students must meet established testing requirements to progress into the student teaching or internship phase of the Teacher Education Program.

Passing results on CBEST
Passing results on CSET for area of credential

Required Co-Requisite Courses:

Students are strongly encouraged to complete the required co-requisite courses as part of their undergraduate programs. If not completed prior to admission to the Teacher Education Program, the equivalent graduate-level courses can be added to a student's academic plan for the credential program.