Social Studies
Social studies is an interdisciplinary subject area focused on the study of individuals, communities, systems, and their interactions across time and place. Its purpose is to prepare students for local, national, and global civic life. Through social studies, students learn how to navigate the world. It is an essential subject, critical to young learners' academic success and well-being.
Teaching social studies in upper elementary grades requires content knowledge in the four main disciplines of social studies: history, geography, civics, and economics. Specifically, upper elementary teachers will need to teach their students about the geography, government, economy, and history of Michigan and its relationship to the United States. Upper elementary teachers will teach early U.S. history through 1800, as well as global issues.
WHY THIS CONCENTRATION?
The success of our democracy depends on equitable access to this vital learning for all students. PCKET majors who have a concentration in social studies will be uniquely prepared to teach the next generation how to be effective citizens.
COURSE
The Social Studies concentration requires 9 credits of courses across several disciplines. Students who select this concentration cannot double count courses taken for PCKET core requirements.
- SST 308 - Teaching Elementary Social Studies: Grades PK-3 (3 credits)
- SST 311 - Data Literacy for Social Studies Teachers (3 credits)
- HST 301 - Colonial America (3 credits)
- HST 302 - Revolutionary America (3 credits)
- HST 312 - History of American Women (3 credits)
- HST 314 - African American History (3 credits)
- HST 315 - Latinos: The Forging of Ethnic Identities (3 credits)
- HST 318 - History of Democracy in America (3 credits)
- HST 320 - American Indians (3 credits)
- HST 323 - Michigan History (3 credits)
- HST 328 - U.S. Constitutional and Legal History (3 credits)
- PLS 102 - Issues in U.S. Politics (3 credits)
- PLS 203 - State Politics (3 credits)
- PLS 206 - American Constitutional Foundations (3 credits)
Social Studies Professional Organizations
Michigan Council for History Education
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English Language Arts
Integrated Science
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Study Abroad
The PCKET offers several study abroad opportunities for students to earn credit in the major and in the grades 3-6 concentrations
Scholarships
PCKET students have access to funding opportunities design to support their education. Awards vary by eligibility, application process
Professional Organizations
We encourage students to get involved with professional organizations in their content areas. Joining these groups offers valuable resources, connections, and opportunities for growth as future educators