Social Studies
Help young learners understand the social forces that shape our society. From the study of history to understanding how our government works, social studies curriculum is essential for young citizens.
This program will train you in the latest strategies for teaching students about the important cultural, economic, geographic, political and social dimensions of human society, with an emphasis on evidence-based lessons and creative projects that enhance learning.
A bachelor’s degree in social studies with elementary teacher certification will prepare you to teach all subjects in grades K-5 with the option to become certified to teach social studies subjects in grades 6-8 upon meeting endorsement requirements. Plus, with successful completion of the program, you’ll earn both a bachelor’s degree and faculty recommendation for the Michigan Elementary Standard Certificate.
Dearborn Discovery Core
Please see the Dearborn Discovery Core (General Education) webpage or additional information.
Foundational Studies
Writing and Communication (GEWO) – 6 Credits
Upper-Level Writing Intensive (GEWI) – 3 Credits
Quantitative Thinking and Problem Solving (GEQT) – 3 Credits
Critical and Creative Thinking (GECC) – 3 Credits
Areas of Inquiry
Natural Science (GENS) – 7 Credits
- Lecture/Lab Science Course
- Additional Science Course
Social and Behavioral Analysis (GESB) – 9 Credits
Humanities and the Arts (GEHA) – 6 Credits
Intersections (GEIN) – 6 Credits
Capstone
Capstone (GECE) – 3 Credits
Core Course Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Language Arts | ||
| COMP 105 | Writing & Rhetoric I | 3 |
| EXPS 298 | Exploring Writing to Communicate, Learn, & Teach | 3 |
| LING 280 | Introduction to Linguistics | 3 |
| LIBR 465 | Literature for Children | 3 |
| or EDA 236 | Literacy in Grades 3-9 | |
| Social Studies | ||
| EXPS 282 | History & Civics Elem Schools | 3 |
| EXPS 283 | Geography & Econ Elem Schools | 3 |
| or EDM 292 | The world around us: Integrated world geography for upper elementary teachers | |
| Mathematics | ||
| MATH 385 | Math for Elemen Teachers I | 3 |
| MATH 386 | Math for Elem Teachers II | 3 |
| MATH 387 | Math for Elem Teachers III (Not required for the Early Childhood major.) | 3 |
| Science Studies | ||
| NSCI 231 | Inquiry: Physical Science 1 | 3 |
| NSCI 232 | Inquiry:Earth/Planet Science 1 | 3 |
| NSCI 233 | Inquiry: Life Science 1 | 3 |
| EXPS 420 | Science Capstone | 3 |
Not required for the Early Childhood major. | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 39 | |
- 1
Two of the three NSCI core courses may be transferred to UM-Dearborn. A) an introductory physical science will satisfy NSCI 231, B) an introductory earth/planetary science will satisfy NSCI 232, and C) an introductory life science course will satisfy NSCI 233.
BIOL 240/BIOL 242 and NSCI 120/NSCI 121 cannot be used for science credit.
Pre-Professional Requirements
Pre-professional courses are generally completed in the freshman and sophomore year.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EDA 205 | Introduction to Education | 3 |
| or EDA 200 | Social Justice & Community Based Education | |
| EDA 419 | Early Literacy/Language Devel | 3 |
| or EDA 219 | Early Literacy: PreKindergarten to Grade 3 | |
Required for Early Childhood and Special Education Majors only | ||
| EDC 240 | Psych of Child Development | 3 |
| EDF 450 | Health, Nutrition and Physical Activity for Children and Families | 3 |
| EDT 211 | Design Tech-Based Learn Solutn | 3 |
| EXPS 250 | Elem Ed Vis & Perf Arts | 3 |
| EXPS 407 | Inquiry-based Math and Science | 3 |
Required for Early Childhood Majors only | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 21 | |
Major Requirements
A minimum of 36 semester hours from the following:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| EXPS 282 | History & Civics Elem Schools | 3 |
| EXPS 283 | Geography & Econ Elem Schools | 3 |
| HIST 101 | The World to 1500 CE | 3 |
| HIST 103 | The World Since 1500 CE | 3 |
| HIST 112 | The American Past II | 3 |
| HIST 3601 | Michigan History | 3 |
| POL 101 | American Politics | 3 |
| POL 371 | Problems in Intl Politics | 3 |
| or POL 471 | American Foreign Policy I | |
| or POL 472 | American Foreign Policy II | |
| URS 300 | Urban and Regional Studies | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
300 Level GEOG Elective | ||
| ECON 201 | Prin: Macroeconomics | 3 |
| ECON 202 | Prin: Microeconomics | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 36 | |
Major Notes:
- 12 semester hours required at UM-Dearborn.
- 9 semester hours at 300 level or above required.
Program Notes:
- Minimum GPA's are required for program completion: 2.75 cumulative, 2.75 in major, 2.75 in optional minor(s), and 2.75 in Professional Studies.
- Advising Policy: The student is responsible for complying with requirements described in the Undergraduate Catalog as well as on the Four Phase Checklist. Students are expected to meet with their College of Education, Health, and Human Services advisor at least once per year and in the term prior to graduation.
- Courses taken on a PASS/FAIL basis will NOT be accepted toward program completion.
- The minimum number of semester hours required to graduate is 128.
- CEHHS recommends successful program completers for State of Michigan Certification, however, it is ultimately up to the State of Michigan to issue certificates. Certain offenses on a criminal record can keep individuals from obtaining teacher certification. Please refer to The Revised School Code, Act 451 of 1976, section 380.1539b.
- Students must meet Dearborn Discovery Core requirements.