DEPARTMENT OF CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
PITTSBURG STATE UNIVERSITY
SPRING 2010
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Course Number: CURIN 363-01
Title: Elementary School Social Studies
Credit Hours: 3
Course Time Schedule: M-W-F 9:00-9:50
Instructor: Dr. Frank Miller
Office Phone: 620-235-4493
Office: 112F Hughes Hall
Office Hours: M-W-F 2:00-3:30
E-Mail: fmiller@pittstate.edu
Tu-Th 9:30-12:00
______________________________________________________________________________
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 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 and punctual. (See Attendance Policy on page 3)
2. Maintains a consistently pleasant, positive, and professional demeanor. (See
Professionalism Policy on page 3)
15. Participates in self-evaluation and reflection to enhance competence in
instructional effectiveness.
23. Develops clear short and long-term instruction plans (e.g., lesson plans, units,
and/or modules) that include instructional materials, activities, and evaluation
techniques based on the curriculum objectives.
25. Selects materials and activities consistent with the objectives of the lesson and
the students’ prerequisite skills, attention span, and learning styles.
26. Has knowledge of and implements assorted instructional techniques and
technology to provide for instructional variation and integration with other
disciplines.
27. Reflects an understanding of learning theory and knowledge of human
development in planning for developmentally appropriate instruction.
38. Uses available educational technologies and teaching aids to enhance
instruction (e.g., computers, multimedia, the internet).
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V.
REQUIRED TEXTS AND MATERIALS
• Chapin: Elementary Social Studies (7th ed.)
• Nystrom World Atlas
• Kansas Social Studies Curriculum Standards (Kg-6th Grade) - - may be purchased at the
PSU Bookstore or you may print a copy (see Kansas Social Studies Standards on
ANGEL under “Lessons”)
VI.
INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES
•
•
•
•
Handouts from instructor
Videos and other audio/visual media
Internet resources
Teacher candidates are required to maintain an electronic portfolio throughout their
teacher education program.
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.
B. PROFESSIONALISM
Students 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 working on other course assignments during class time;
arriving to class on time and staying for the entire class period, except in the case of
emergencies; maintaining a positive attitude toward the course, the instructor, and
peers.
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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. In-class projects and daily quizzes (25 points). Students must be in attendance
to receive credit for these activities.
2. Social Studies Activity presentation (10 points).
3. Social Studies Unit Plan (25 points).
4. Unit Plan/Lesson Plan presentation (5 points)
5. Unit Plan Summary report (5 points)
* NOTE: Students must complete all of the above assignments in order to receive
credit for the course. Twenty percent (20%) of the points for any activity will
be deducted for each day the assignment is late.
E. EXAMINATIONS
There will be a mid-term examination (15 points) and a final examination
(15 points).
F. SCORE POSTING AND GRADING
Scores are not posted in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Test scores
and feedback will be provided to the students by the course instructor. Final course
grades will be based on the following criteria:
In-Class Projects and Daily Quizzes ----------------- 25 points
Social Studies Activity presentation------------------ 10 points
Social Studies Unit Plan ------------------------------- 25 points
Unit Plan/Lesson Plan presentation ------------------ 5 points
Unit Plan Summary report ------------------------------ 5 points
Mid-Term Exam ---------------------------------------- 15 points
Final Exam ---------------------------------------------- 15 points
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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
IX.
COURSE CONTENT
Jan 15:
Course Introduction
Jan 20, 22, 25:
Chapter 1 – The Elementary Social Studies Curriculum
Jan 27, 29, Feb 1, 3:
Chapter 2 – Planning for Social Studies Instruction
Feb 5:
Virtual Class (assignment will be given in class)
Feb 8, 10, 12:
Chapter 3 – Instructional Strategies
Feb 15, 17, 19:
Chapter 4 – Using Multiple Assessments to Evaluate
Students’ Learning in the Social Studies
Feb 22, 24:
Chapter 5 – Aiding Our Students to Interpret History
Feb 26:
Virtual Class (assignment will be given in class)
Mar 1, 3, 5:
Chapter 5 – Teaching History (continued)
Mar 8, 10:
Chapter 6 – Teaching Geography
Mar 12:
Mid-Term Exam
Mar 15-19:
Spring Break!
Mar 22, 24, 26, 29, 31:
Chapter 6 – Teaching Geography (continued)
Apr 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14:
Chapter 7 – Teaching Economics
Apr 16:
Virtual Class (assignment will be given in class)
Apr 19, 21, 23, 26, 28, 30:
Chapter 8 – Teaching Civic Education
May 3:
Chapter 9 – Helping All Our Diverse Students
May 5, 7:
Chapter 10 – Linking Social Studies and Literacy
Week of May 10:
Final Exams