Social Studies (BA.SST)

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The major in Social Studies provides students with a strong foundation in teaching secondary Social Studies, enabling them to implement state and national educational standards.

Upon completion of the Social Studies major, students will be able to:

Demonstrate a broad store of knowledge of history, geography, economics, politics, and related social sciences.
Describe, analyze and explain economic, political, cultural, social and physical systems in the context of time and space.
Demonstrate the ability to conduct and present both orally and in writing quality research so as to participate actively in—and foster—the ongoing construction of knowledge.
Apply knowledge of Social Studies creatively in order to instill in their own students a love of learning and a critical awareness of the significance of Social Studies for human well-being.

Complete the following core courses (33 cr):

ANT 1010 - Introduction to Cultural Anthropology 3 cr -OR- SOC 1010 - Introduction to Sociology 3 cr
ECO 1010 - Economics and Society 3 cr
POS 1020 - American Politics and Government 3 cr
GEO 2020 - World Regional Geography 3 cr
GEO 2150 - Cultural Geography 3 cr
HIS 4601 - History Research Seminar 3 cr
HIS 4602 - History Thesis Seminar 3 cr (note that ENG 2010 is a prerequisite to HIS 4602)

In addition, two global courses to be chosen as follows (6 cr):

(Option A)

any HIS course in African, Asian, European, or Latin American history; AND:
either a second history (HIS) course (from the regions listed above, but from a different region)

(Option B)

ECO 3220 - International Trade and Development 3 cr; AND:
POS 3260 - Middle Eastern Politics and Government 3 cr

In addition, two social science courses in one or more of the following disciplines (6 cr):

Economics, Environmental Studies, Geography, Political Science.

(Credits required for the major: 45 cr)

And complete the university's Gen Ed requirements

Click here to review the Gen Ed requirements

Note:

HIS 2070 - Vermont History is strongly recommended for students seeking education licensure in the state of Vermont.

Students who plan to be secondary Social Studies teachers should take ECO 3080 - Foundations of Economics for Secondary Educators as one of their social science elective courses.