Undergraduate Catalog

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Social Science (SSCI) and Social Studies (SST) Undergraduate Programs

361 STEWART HALL/(320) 308-5226

Also see School of Public Affairs description and requirements.

Social Science Director/Social Studies Director: Kyle Ward

The Social Science and Social Studies programs are committed to the interdisciplinary study of human behavior using multiple perspectives and tools of scientific analysis. In interdisciplinary courses, issues confronting us are examined from many points of view. An understanding of topics such as power or population change, for example, is best achieved through an integrated approach using insights from anthropological, economic, geographical, historical, political, psychological and sociological dimensions, as well as from other areas such as the natural sciences and humanities.

Career benefits for students are many; the skills and knowledge gained from the Social Science and Social Studies programs are applicable in a variety of settings, including possible careers in teaching, government service, or business. This approach provides strong preparation for graduate study in the social sciences, international fields and law. Our graduates are "generalists" who have a wide range of interests and backgrounds well suited to the rapidly changing job markets of the 21st century.

Bachelor of Science-Teaching (63-69)

The Social Studies Education major prepares students for Minnesota licensure as middle/secondary (5-12) social studies teachers. Students selecting this major must complete the Liberal Education program, the Social Studies Licensing Core, one of the emphases in the B.S. Social Studies major designated for licensure, and the Professional Education component.

The following courses make up the University's approved Social Studies Licensing Core: ANTH 250; ECON 201; GEOG 253, 270; HIST 140** or 141**, 106 (global only)*, 385; ETHS 310; POL 111, 251; PSY 240; SOC 160; SST 253, 453. Many of these social studies licensure core courses may be used in the liberal education program. (*Students emphasizing history will use HIST 210, 211 and electives in African, Asian, Latin America and/or Middle Eastern history instead of HIST 106 (global only). **They will also include both HIST 140 and 141 in their emphasis.)

Individuals who plan to seek this licensure should consult the Director of Social Studies Education in the School of Public Affairs, SH 361, 320-308-5226, immediately upon enrolling at SCSU or changing to this field to determine the current plan for the social studies licensure competencies to be developed and demonstrated. Fifteen credits of coursework at SCSU and a 2.50 GPA at SCSU are required for admission to the Bachelor of Science Social Studies Education (Teaching) major leading to middle/secondary social studies licensure.

Social Studies Education majors will pick one of the following emphases:

Social Studies Major: Economics Emphasis (21)
Economics Core: ECON 205, 206, 360, 405, 406
One of ECON 471 or 474, and one of the following: ECON 417, 420, 442, 451, 460, 461, 465, 472, 473.
Note: Students in this emphasis are not required to take ECON 201 in their Social Studies Licensing Core.

Social Studies Major: Geography Emphasis (24)
Geography Core: GEOG 270, 271, 273, 274
Required regional courses: 376 and one non-western: 368, 369, or 373; 410 may be substituted with approval of adviser.
Electives: 6 credits - one must be regional - one must be topical
Note: Students in this emphasis are not required to take GEOG 253 in their Social Studies Licensing Core.

Social Studies Major: History Emphasis (24)
History Core (24 credits, of which at least 18 must be at the 200-level or above).

1. U.S.: HIST 140 and 141 (6 Cr.)
2. Western Civ I and II (6 Cr.)
3. Africa, Asia, Latin America or Middle East (6 Cr.)
4. HIST electives (6 Cr.)

Social Studies Major: Political Science Emphasis (24)
Political Science Core POL 101, 111, 312, 251, 311, 491 or 492
One course in comparative government or one course in international relations (300/400) (3 Cr.)
One course in political theory (300/400) (3 Cr.)

Social Studies Major: Sociology Emphasis (24)
Sociology Core
SOC 111 or 160, 268, 301, 302, 303 (15); STAT 193
SOC gender elective: SOC 273, 355, or other course with approval of adviser (3);
400 level SOC elective (3)

Middle School Social Studies Specialty Area for Elementary Education Majors (15)
Required courses: One course each (exclusive of SSCI 104 and 320) from any five of the following areas: Anthropology, Economics, Geography, History, Social Science, Sociology, Political Science, Psychology.

A minimum of 3 courses must be at the 200-400 level. Other than HIST 109 or SOC 268, no course included in Area C of General Education may be counted in the social studies specialty area. Transfer students who have completed the MN Transfer Curriculum or who have earned an AA degree may count one appropriate course from their General Education program toward the fulfillment of this specialty area.

Social Studies Elementary Education Minor (18)
One course from six of the following eight areas/departments: ANTH, ECON, GEOG, HIST, SSCI, SOC, POL, PSY
Four courses must be at the 200-400 level (Cannot use SSCI 320)