DEPARTMENT OF TEACHING AND LEADERSHIP
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
PITTSBURG STATE UNIVERSITY
FALL 2011
______________________________________________________________________________
Course Number: EDUC 363-01
Title: Elementary School Social Studies
Credit Hours: 3
Course Time Schedule: M-W-F 10:00-10:50
Instructor: Dr. Frank Miller
Office Phone: 620-235-4493
Office: 112F Hughes Hall
Office Hours: M-W-F 9:00-10:00 11:00-12:00
E-Mail: fmiller@pittstate.edu
Tu-Th 9:30-11:00 12:30-1:00
_____________________________________________________________________________
I.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The teaching of social studies with respect to objectives, methods, materials, and content
using major constructs of the social science disciplines. Emphasis is placed on meeting
the needs of a variety of learners via learning styles, cooperative learning, multicultural
education, multiple intelligences, and Bloom’s Taxonomy using the national and state
social studies standards. This class is available for departmental honors credit (see course
instructor for more information).
II.
PREREQUISITES
Admission to teacher education is required.
III.
PURPOSE OF THE COURSE
The purpose of this course is to provide elementary teachers with the necessary tools to
develop appropriate social studies experiences for each of their students.
IV.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The teacher candidate will meet Kansas State Department of Education Standards for
Early Childhood/Late Childhood (K-6) Licensure in the area of social studies as well as
the following specific objectives:
understand the nature of social studies as a field of study, the essential
components of the discipline, and the purposes for which it is taught;
know, understand, and use the major concepts and modes of inquiry from the social
studies discipline to promote students’ abilities to function effectively in their social
environment;
demonstrate awareness and understanding of recent trends in social studies education;
demonstrate knowledge of and ability to implement the diversity of curricular
approaches available to social studies educators;
develop materials and strategies that provide opportunities for creative and critical
thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills;
demonstrate an ability to design social studies lessons and units that are
developmentally appropriate to the needs, values, and interests of a diverse group of
students;
consider individual learning styles in the development of methods and materials to
enhance learning experiences of all children (special needs, minority, average,
gifted);
demonstrate the ability to integrate the social studies curriculum with other
curriculum areas;
utilize all available resources (test results, performance evaluation, student records,
parent and student conferences, counselors, resource specialists, etc.) to assess the
learning needs and capabilities of students and to modify instruction when necessary;
demonstrate the ability to devise developmentally appropriate assessment activities,
instruments and rubrics.
In addition to the objectives listed above, the course will also address the following
PSU Effective Teaching Skills Indicators:
1. Is dependable, flexible, and punctual. (See Attendance Policy on page 3.)
2. Maintains a consistently positive and professional demeanor. (See
Professionalism Policy on page 3.)
12. Practices self-evaluation and reflection to enhance instructional effectiveness.
19. Develops clear short and long-term instruction plans (e.g., lesson plans, units,
and/or modules) that include objectives, materials, activities,
adaptations/modifications, and evaluation techniques based on the curriculum.
21. Selects materials and activities consistent with the objectives of the lesson and
the students’ diverse abilities resulting in appropriate adaptations and
modifications.
22. Has knowledge of and plans developmentally appropriate instruction.
23. Uses available technologies for planning and integration with other
disciplines.
38. Uses available educational technologies for effective instruction.
V.
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REQUIRED TEXTS AND MATERIALS
Chapin: Elementary Social Studies (7th ed.)
Nystrom World Atlas
Kansas Social Studies Curriculum Standards (Kg-6th Grade)
VI.
INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES
• Handouts from instructor
• Videos and other audio/visual media
• Internet resources
VII. TEACHING STRATEGIES
Lecture and demonstration
Reading in resource books and periodicals
Discussion
Cooperative learning projects and activities
Guest speakers
Student presentations
Use of videos and other audio/visual media
Multimedia presentations
VIII. REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION
A. ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance and participation in class activities are essential for successful
completion of this course. Students are expected to be in attendance for each class
session except in case of emergency. In accordance with Curriculum & Instruction
departmental policy, if a student has six absences (excused or unexcused), the
course instructor reserves the right to drop the student from the course. If a student
is allowed to remain in the class following the 6th absence due to extenuating
circumstances, the final grade will be lowered one letter grade with the 6th absence
and another letter grade for each subsequent absence. The department has adopted
this policy in order to ensure that teacher candidates obtain the necessary
background that will enable them to become effective educators.
B. PROFESSIONALISM
Teacher candidates are expected to maintain professional demeanor at all times.
Examples of professionalism include showing respect by listening to the instructor
and other class members when they are speaking to the class; participating in class
activities and discussions; refraining from texting or working on other course
assignments during class time; turning in course assignments on the due dates;
arriving to class on time and staying for the entire class period, except in the case of
emergencies.
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C. ACADEMIC HONESTY
Teacher candidates are expected to follow the PSU Academic Honesty Policy that
addresses unethical acts associated with coursework or grades. Full text of this policy
can be found on the Pittsburg State University web page. Course instructors will
report suspected violations of this policy to the University Academic Honesty
Committee for review and action.
D. ACTIVITIES
1. Chapter quizzes and in-class written assignments –- 5 points will be deducted
from final course grade for each assignment not completed. Students must be in
attendance to receive credit for these assignments (50 points).
2. Social Studies Activity Presentation (10 points).
3. Social Studies Unit Plan (25 points).
E. EXAMINATIONS
There will be a final examination (take home) (15 points).
F. SCORE POSTING AND GRADING
Test scores and feedback will be provided to the students by the course instructor.
Final course grades will be based on the following criteria:
Chapter quizzes and in-class written assignments ----------- 50 points
Social Studies Activity Presentation---------------------------- 10 points
Social Studies Unit Plan ----------------------------------------- 25 points
Final Exam (take home) ----------------------------------------- 15 points
The grading system for final course grades will be as follows:
A = 90-100 points
B = 80-89 points
C = 70-79 points
D = 60-69 points
F = 59 points or lower
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IX.
COURSE CONTENT
Aug 22:
Course Introduction
Aug 24, 26, 29:
Chapter 1 – The Elementary Social Studies Curriculum
Aug 31, Sep 2:
Chapter 2 – Planning for Social Studies Instruction
Sep 7, 9, 12, 14:
Chapter 3 – Instructional Strategies
Sep 16:
Virtual Class (class does not meet -- online assignment
will be given in class)
Sep 19, 21, 23:
Chapter 4 – Using Multiple Assessments to Evaluate
Students’ Learning in the Social Studies
Sep 26, 28, 30, Oct 3, 5, 7:
Chapter 5 – Aiding Our Students to Interpret History
Oct 10:
Virtual Class (class does not meet -- online assignment
will be given in class)
Oct 12, 14, 17, 19:
Chapter 6 – Teaching Geography
Oct 21:
Fall Break!
Oct 24, 26, 28:
Chapter 6 – Teaching Geography (continued)
Oct 31, Nov 2:
Chapter 7: Teaching Economics
Nov 4
Virtual Class (class does not meet -- online assignment
will be given in class)
Nov 7, 9, 11, 14, 16:
Chapter 7: Teaching Economics (continued)
Nov 18, 21:
Chapter 8 – Teaching Civic Education
Nov 18 - Social Studies Unit Plan due
Nov 23, 25:
Thanksgiving Holidays!
Nov 28, 30, Dec 2, 5:
Chapter 8 – Teaching Civic Education (cont.)
Dec 7, 9:
Multicultural Education
Final Exam (take home) due on Dec 7