History
Undergraduate Macon Campus Residential
The secondary programs in History and Political Science share a common conceptual framework based on the unit’s Transforming Practitioner Framework and the common GA Program Standards, which are not discipline-specific beyond the requirement for a major in the relevant field. Each program builds upon a major or its equivalent in the appropriate discipline.
Knowledge of and involvement in civic affairs are crucial characteristics of citizenship in the United States; therefore, social studies education plays a vital role in secondary school curriculum. As democracy in the United States evolves, our nation requires citizens who can adapt enduring traditions and values to meet changing circumstances. Students in the social studies classroom analyze their own and others’ opinions, study the history and current research on important issues, and begin active participation in our society in order to become informed citizens. The primary goal of social studies education is to help students develop into active participants in a culturally divers, democratic society in an interdependent world.
The Secondary Social Studies Education Certification programs collaborate with the disciplinary departments in the College of Liberal Arts to help students become practitioners who know both social studies content and educational pedagogy. For teachers to create a classroom environment where civic competence can be promoted, they must have a strong background in social studies content, in learning processes, in the nature and needs of adolescents, and in effective ways to engage all students in the learning process.
In a combination of social studies content classes (in the major), educational theory and methodology classes, and field experiences, students will develop the skills necessary to blend theory and practice.
Program Objectives
Content and Process: To Know
- To be knowledgeable of United States, Western, and World history, geography, political science, economics, and other content areas, including the behavioral sciences, in order to better facilitate student learning.
- To be knowledgeable of the interdisciplinary nature of the social studies within and across disciplines in order to move student learning beyond facts toward a synthesis of knowledge.
Application: To Do
- To engage social studies students in learning experiences that facilitate a deeper understanding of the pluralistic culture of the United States and of the diverse cultures, beliefs, ideas, languages, histories, and practices of other nations.
- To devise learning experiences that incorporate science, technology, and society to meet objectives so as to better generate critical thinking and problem-solving-based student understanding.
- To promote civic competence, including the required knowledge, skills, and attitudes students need to assume the role of citizen in our democratic republic.
- To help students construct a knowledge base and attitudes drawn from academic disciplines as specialized ways of viewing reality.
Attitude: To Be
- To reflect upon the changing nature of knowledge in order to better foster into student learning experiences integrated approaches to resolving issues of significance to humanity.
- To possess an understanding and respect for diversity across cultures, ethnic groups, geographic regions, and in social roles.