Mar 28, 2024  
Mansfield University 2011-2012 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
Mansfield University 2011-2012 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Social Studies, History, Bachelor of Science in Education


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs

Offered by the Department of History, Philsophy and Political Science
Professor Guenther, Newman
Associate Professors, Bosworth, Chua, Gaskievicz (chairperson), Holderby, McEvoy
Assistant Professor Rothermel


The Department of History and Political Science offers two history degrees: a B.A. in History, and a B.S.Ed. in Social Studies/History. We offer minors in history, political science, international studies, and environmental studies. The Bachelor of Science in Education, Social Studies History degree program is nationally recognized by the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS), 8555 Sixteenth Street, Suite 500, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, (301) 588-1800, www.ncss.org.History Program

 

The past is a living, dynamic subject and very much a part of today. This program in the humanities provides a solid background in the methods and concepts of historical investigation and introduces students to the various schools of historical interpretation. It includes courses in American, European, and Non-Western history, as well as a wide variety of arts and sciences courses.

The mission of the History Program includes

  • Providing a broad, balanced education in the discipline of history
  • Developing skills in critical thinking, problem solving, and communicating (both written and oral) through research and applications
  • Nurturing attitudes and values conducive to lifelong learning and to active, effective citizenship
  • Encouraging the academic study of leadership and leadership skills in historical contexts

Vision

The History programs of Mansfield University prepare graduates with the knowledge and skills to be effective historians.  Students who pursue a B.S.Ed. degree in Social Studies,  History are trained to be reflective teachers who believe that all students can learn and help them to do so. The research and writing skills developed in our programs also open opportunities in many other areas. History is excellent preparation for law school. Combined with the appropriate courses, it provides a good background for journalism. Producers of television shows, documentaries, and movies, with settings in the past, all have research staffs to insure historically accurate productions. History graduates work in such diverse careers as editing publications, archival management, foreign service, and museums.

Goals and Values

The History program promotes the acquisition of historical knowledge, critical thinking, writing, and research skills in the context of a liberal arts education.   The program supports the Mansfield Plan goal of making a liberal arts education the foundation for every student.  To do that, it offers numerous courses approved for the General Education program.  The program also supports the Mansfield Plan’s goal to improve the first year experience, provide superior academic advising, and develop programs that encourage faculty to interact with and mentor students. 

Student Learning Outcomes

In all history programs students will accomplish the following:

  • Demonstrate factual and conceptual understanding of historical events.
  • Articulate how societies are influenced by their geographical location, natural resources, and physical relationship to other parts of the world.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the world’s civilizations and peoples, and their political, economic, social, and cultural histories.
  • Reflect an understanding of the roles of race, class, gender, and ethnicity in history.
  • Demonstrate an ability to recognize and interpret multiple forms of evidence (visual, oral, statistical, material culture artifacts).
  • View other societies in a comparative context and look at one’s own society in the context of other societies.
  • Acquire familiarity with the uses and the limitations of historical comparison as an analytic tool.
  • Recognize the distinction between primary and secondary sources and understand how each are used in historical research.
  • Write clear, well organized, properly documented and grammatical prose.
  • Locate printed and online information sources to research a topic thoroughly.

Students following the Social Studies: History Program will also be able to accomplish the following:

  • Demonstrate professional knowledge and skills on Praxis I and II examinations as requried by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and national council for Social Studies (NCSS). Criterion: At least 80% of the candidates will earn passing scores on Praxis II: Social Studies Content Knowledge.

 

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs