What You’ll Learn

Great leaders are born from great teachers.

As a social studies education major, your enthusiasm for history, politics and government will help shape the minds of your future students who may one day become our nation’s mayors, senators or president.

What will I study as a social studies education major?

Our program blends classes in history, sociology and political science to give you the necessary background to teach social studies. Your history studies will include a mix of courses regarding:

  • North Carolina history
  • United States history
  • African-American history
  • influences of economics on society
  • American government
  • geography
  • sociology

To be an effective teacher, education and psychology courses will prepare you for working with a variety of students in different classroom settings.

  • In your education classes, you’ll learn the methods and techniques of teaching, as well as how to complete the day-to-day activities of a teacher, including planning a curriculum, lessons plans and daily assignments for your students.
  • Courses in psychology will give you insight into teaching a diverse classroom with students of different learning abilities and backgrounds.

Popular classes in the social studies education program

Course

Description

SOC 133 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology Study the growth and change of different cultures.td>
EDU 296 Psychology of the Exceptional Examine how to understand exceptional children, especially in the classroom setting.
HIS 391 Historiography Learn how to conduct historical research and study the work of great historians.
PSY 237 Psychology of Adolescence Learn how to understand the behavior and problems that arise from the transition from childhood to maturity.

Where will I study social studies education?

All of your classes will feature a variety of technologies that are becoming more common in 21st century classrooms. You’ll learn the most effective ways of using smart boards and laptops to make your daily lessons engaging and fun for your students.

A majority of your education will also come from local social studies classrooms. From urban settings to the suburbs, you’ll develop a broad perspective of the education system and the ability to observe variety of school settings and student personalities.

In addition, your education at an HBCU will give you a unique perspective to the needs of African-American students. As classrooms become more ethnically diverse, you’ll be well-equipped to teach students from a variety of backgrounds.

What will I learn outside the social studies education program?

JCSU is a private liberal arts university. What this means to you is that your education will broadly cover all areas of study. The diversity of your classes will help you look at “the big picture” in any career you choose.

  • Classes in computer science and communication arts will give you a definite advantage in the job market and workplace.
  • Taking several English and foreign language classes will help you interact with a global community that is getting smaller each day.
  • By taking math and science classes, you’ll have a better understanding of the world around you.
  • Health and physical education courses give you the knowledge to cope with everyday stress and lead a better, longer life.

Having a college education will give you the tools to succeed in life. Having a liberal arts education will give you the opportunity to take your success further.