Secondary Certification in Citizenship Education

The College offers a program for students seeking certification to teach Citizenship Education in the secondary schools. The program includes three required components: the Citizenship Education core, the secondary education core, and a major in one of the following disciplines: history, political science or economics. There is no major in citizenship education. (Note: The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has reinstating a social studies certification. The College anticipates that it will reinstate this certification program. Dr. James H. Broussard is the coordinator of the Citizenship Education Certification Program.

Citizen Education Core Courses

This course examines how individuals and firms make choices within the institutions of free- market capitalism. Individuals decide how much of their time to spend working and what to buy with the earnings of their labor. Firms decide how much to produce and in some cases what price to charge for their goods. Together these choices determine what is produced, how it is produced and for whom it is produced in our economic system. 3 credits.
This course extends the study of consumer and producer choices to discover how they affect the nation's economy. Macroeconomics deals with the economy as a whole as measured by the key variable of inflation, unemployment, and economic growth. Emphasis is on both Keynesian and classical theories and how they predict what monetary and fiscal policies can be used to affect these variables and reach national economic goals. Prerequisite: ECN 101. 3 credits.
A study of the development of civilizations from the development of human civilizations to the end of the first era of empire building in India, China, and the Mediterranean. Topics include the river valley civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, and China; the formation of great philosophies and religious traditions in Asia and Greece; and the first empires in the Mediterranean world, India, and China. 3 credits.
This course is a survey of modern world history, from 1492 to the present. The course will focus on one of the most important aspects of modern history: the processes of colonization and decolonization. The course is framed by three main areas of inquiry. First we explore why it was the Europeans who expanded over the globe from 1500 to 1900. The second area that is examined is the cultural encounter that resulted from European expansion.. The final section of the course deals with the twentieth century. The following themes are covered: colonial resistance, the three world order and globalization. 3 credits.
The major events and developments in America from Columbus to the Civil War, with emphasis on the creation of a distinctive American society from the interaction of different cultures, ethnic groups, and ideas. Major themes include the transformation of European cultural ideas in colonial America and the impact of republican ideology, democratization, and the spread of the market economy between the Revolution and the Civil War. 3 credits.
American history from 1865 until the present. Students learn about important themes in recent history such as law and order, native land rights, protest movements, foreign policy and its critics, and the rise of corporate power and its economic and political consequences. 3 credits.
A study of the various geographic regions of the world and how the natural environment has influenced historical and cultural development. Prerequisites: sophomore standing or permission of instructor. 3 credits.
This course provides a survey of key developments, institutions, and issues in American politics. Topics include the ideas that shaped the original American political system, the presidency; Congress and federal courts; the operation of political parties and interest groups; domestic and foreign policy debates; and contemporary issues such as civil rights and affirmative action.
This is an introduction to the study of comparative politics: the comparison of political systems in order to understand how and why these systems function differently. The course is built around three fundamental questions: What is comparative politics? What kinds of phenomena do we compare? What are the major theoretical approaches that guide our studies? We also examine distinctions between the "developing" and the "developed" worlds, and between authoritarian and democratic political regimes. Prerequisites: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. 3 credits.
This course is designed to introduce students to the study of international relations. The course hinges on a series of questions: Who are the principal actors in the international system? What are the theoretical ways of discerning why these actors do what they do? How has the international system evolved into its present form? What are the central issues confronting the international system? Topics addressed include weapons of mass destruction, ecology, terrorism, political economy, development, and dependency. 3 credits.
† indicates a required course

An upper division course in American Government(PSC-330 State and Local Politics is recommended.)

Either HIS-360 or PSC-360

Secondary Education Courses

A study of the legal, social, historical and philosophical foundations of American education correlated with a survey of the principles and theories of influential educators. Includes required weekly field practicum (two hours per week minimum). Limited to education majors or permission of instructor. 3 credits
This course is designed to allow the pre-service music, art, language, or grade 7 - grade 12 secondary teacher certification candidate to gain an understanding of the complex factors impacting the education and language acquisition of the diverse language and cultural minority groups of the United States.This course may be taken while student teaching. Social Diversity Studies. Prerequisites: permission of instructor. 3 credits.
A study of the basic principles and procedures for middle school and secondary classroom management and instruction. Prerequisite: EDU 110; secondary teacher certification candidate; junior status; approval of instructor; must be take prior to SED 431 or 440. 3 credits.
A continuation of the basic principles and procedures for middle school and secondary school classroom management and instruction. Prerequisites: EDU 110; SED 280, 430; secondary teacher certification candidate; junior or senior status; approval of the instructor; must be taken prior to SED 440. 3 credits.
Students spend an entire semester in an area school under the supervision of a cooperating teacher. Prerequisites: A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 for admission to teacher candidacy is required; EDU 110; SED 430, 431; open to seniors or students seeking certification only; fulfillment of all Act 354 requirements as outlined by the Pennsylvania Department of Education; passing scores on the PPST Reading, Writing, and Mathematics PRAXIS exams; approval of the major subject area adviser and the Education Department faculty. 12 credits.
This course is designed to introduce all categories of disability. Specific attention will be given to the potential cognitive, physical, social, behavioral, and language differences in children with disabilities. Delivery approach will include, but not be limited to: lecture, case study discussions, and student presentations. 3 credits.
This course will begin with a historical overview of the field of special education, including key legislation and litigation that drives current practice. Assessment tools for diagnosing disability will be introduced, as well as assessment tools for documenting student progress. In addition, collaboration and communication skills essential for working as a part of the special education team will be practiced and further developed. Delivery approach will include, but not be limited to: lecture, field experiences, and hands-on experience with various assessments. 3 credits.
† indicates a required course

Students must conform to state guidelines that require two math courses and an English or American literature course in addition to the general education requirements. Students must apply to the certification program after completing at least 48 credits (including the math and English courses) with a 3.0 grade point average and must maintain that average in order to proceed to student teaching and certification.