History-Social Science Teacher Preparation for Middle and High Schools, B.A.

History-Social Science Teacher Preparation for Middle and High Schools, B.A.

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Program Description

The bachelor of arts (B.A.) in History-Social Science Teacher Preparation for Middle and High Schools prepares graduates to teach social science classes in middle and high schools. 

The state of California requires that middle and high school social science faculty have specialized expertise sufficient to teach US, California, and World History; US Government; Ethnic Studies; Geography; and Economics. This major is directly aligned to the state’s History Social-Science Framework, the Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum, and the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing single subject requirements.

This B.A. degree is currently approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and ensures that graduates hold subject matter competency to teach social science courses in middle and high schools. Graduates of this program must still obtain the single subject credential in social science at an accredited college or university in order to teach in California. However, the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) will be waived for graduates of this BA degree program.  

Upper-division coursework emphasizes United States and World history with particular focus on issues of equity, access and diversity; guides students through the process of creating social science curriculum; and gives students classroom observation hours required to apply for credential programs.

Graduates will learn advanced skills in analysis, research, interpretation, and written and oral communication. They will heighten their cultural sensitivity, ability to work with others, and sense of educational ethics in ways that enhance their ability to teach in California’s exciting and diverse classrooms. 

This program requires a total of 81-84 units.  These include: 39 units of lower division coursework; 20 units of upper division coursework; 18-21 units of upper division elective coursework; and a 4 unit assessment capstone course. However, because the coursework overlaps with many General Education requirements, students will only need to complete 12 additional General Education units outside of the major.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the BS degree in History-Social Science Teacher Preparation for Middle and High Schools, graduates will be able to: 

1. Demonstrate knowledge of Content Domain 1, World History, of the History-Social Science Content Standards for California Public Schools (hereafter HSSCS), including appropriate research skills and historiographic thinking.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of Content Domain 2, U.S. History, of the HSSCS including appropriate research skills, historiographic thinking and awareness of multiple historic perspectives.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of Content Domain 3, California History, of the HSSCS including the relationship between California and U.S. History, while also understanding the conditions that make California unique.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of Content Domain 4, Principles of American Democracy, of the HSSCS including ability to analyze the effect of government structures, economic conditions, and social forces on the distribution and use of power.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of Content Domain 5, Principles of Economic, of the HSSCS including use of marginal analysis, equilibrium analysis, micro and macro analysis, and positive and normative analytical skills.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of Content Domain 6, Geography, of the HSSCS including geographic character of landscapes, societies, and ecosystems across the earth, as well as five basic themes of geography: location, place, human and environmental interaction, movement, and regions, with particular emphasis on sustainability.
7. Consistent with section 51226.7 of California’s Education Code (passed in 2016), develop cultural understanding of how different groups have struggled and worked together, highlighting core ethnic studies concepts, such as equality and equity, justice, and race.
8. In accordance with public school credential program requirements to spend 45 hours in a classroom setting before embarking on a credential, observe, instruct, and mentor in a classroom setting, employing and inviting practice of specialized history-social science disciplinary knowledge and thinking. 
9. Practice pedagogical strategies for effective delivery, engagement, and investigation of specialized history-social science disciplinary knowledge and thinking in middle and high schools.
10. Analyze the history of education in the United States, especially with respect to access and equity in public schools.

Program Roadmaps

These program roadmaps represent recommended pathways through the program. Please see an advisor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs.

4-Year Freshmen Roadmap

• History-Social Science Teacher Preparation for Middle and High Schools, B.A.  

 

Admissions requirements for this program conform to Cal State East Bay’s general requirements for both first year and transfer students.

 

Career Opportunities

Middle and high school social science teacher

Student Standing and Progress Toward the Degree

Courses required for the program may not be taken on a credit/no credit bases.  Outside the program, no more than six (6) units may be taken on a Credit/No Credit basis.  No more than six (6) units with a grade below “C” may be submitted in fulfillment of any program requirement. Students must successfully complete the Assessment Capstone (History 404) in the final year of their participation in the program.  Please note that for acceptance to teacher credentialing programs, a cumulative GPA of 2.5 is generally required.