Nov 08, 2024

2016-2017 Springfield College Undergraduate Catalog

2016-2017 Springfield College Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

History / Education / Secondary Teacher Licensure Program

Degree: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a major in History

(a minimum of 120 credit hours) Requirements are subject to change.

Students selecting this major also major in Education and seek licensure as a teacher of history at the secondary level. The study of history at Springfield College is designed to provide students with a basic body of historical and related knowledge which will enable them to better understand the world they inhabit, the problems of their society, and their own lives. The College believes that this core of historical understanding enables students to function as educated and informed citizens in a democratic society. A knowledge of history and its methodology helps students understand the origins and background of contemporary problems, allowing them to deal more effectively with those problems. Furthermore, a knowledge of the ethnic and cultural diversity that has created the present will help students to communicate and cooperate in a multicultural society.

Another major goal of the history program is to assist students in developing analytical, problem-solving, research, and writing skills. The major emphasizes content and information, but is also designed to foster the skills and attitudes that will increase the ability of graduates to find employment, regardless of their occupational goals. Careers in government service, law, business, and teaching readily follow the training of those who major in this discipline.

Students complete core requirements in history and related social sciences, and they have the option to pursue a concentration, deepening their focus in a particular area or corollary of history. For more information about the history major, contact Dr. Fernando Gonzalez de Leon at (413) 748-3261 or the Admissions Office at (800) 343-1257.

Download a History / Education / Secondary Teacher Licensure Program Checksheet

CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS

I. General Education Program (40 - 46 credits)

The General Education program at Springfield College is informed by its century-old Humanics tradition of educating the whole person in spirit, mind, and body, for leadership in service to humanity. These requirements have the goal of developing literate, thoughtful, socially responsible students, and instilling in them a spirit of inquiry into the nature of humankind and the universe. Towards those ends, the requirements emphasize and encourage: the acquisition of knowledge, understanding, and competency essential for the improvement of the human condition in a diverse society; a search for personal and spiritual values; and the development of an understanding and appreciation of physical well-being. For specific requirements, see the General Education Program (40 - 46 credits) section or the Sequencing Guide for this major.

II. Major Requirements (History)

A. Core Requirements

HIST 101 - Survey of the History of Western Civilization Credits: 3
HIST 102 - The Making of the Modern World Credits: 3
HIST 105 - Colonial America to the Civil War Credits: 3
HIST 106 - The Civil War to Modern America Credits: 3
HIST 482 - History Seminar Credits: 3-4
HIST ___ - 6 credits of American history electives (must include HIST 210)
HIST ___ - 6 credits of non-American history electives
HIST ___ - 9 credits of any history electives (excluding HIST 441)

B. American History electives (6 credits)

Select 2 courses (6 credits) from the following:

HIST 210 - African American History Credits: 3
and one of the following:
HIST 360 - Early American Thought and Culture Credits: 3
HIST 361 - Modern American Thought and Culture Credits: 3
HIST 365 - Environmental History of America Credits: 3
HIST 387 - Studies in History - America in the World Credits: 3
HIST 388 - Studies in History - American Credits: 3-4
HIST 481 - Recent American History Credits: 3

C. non-American History electives (6 credits)

Select 2 courses (6 credits) from the following:

HIST 223 - History of Russia Credits: 3
HIST 325 - The Ancient and Classical World Credits: 3
HIST 326 - Medieval History Credits: 3
HIST 327 - Early Modern Europe Credits: 3
HIST 335 - Modern China Credits: 3
HIST 387 - Studies in History - America in the World Credits: 3
HIST 389 - Studies in History - Non-American Credits: 3
HIST 405 - The History of the Soviet Union Credits: 3
HIST 450 - Europe Since 1900 Credits: 3

D. History electives (9 credits)

Select 3 courses (9 credits) from any history course excluding the following:

HIST 441 Supervised Experience in History

III. Optional Concentrations

In consultation with their advisors, students may choose one or more of the following concentrations, which will be duly noted on the transcripts.

A. European Studies

This interdisciplinary concentration emphasizes Western Europe and covers fields from history to political science. Advanced study of one of the major European languages is strongly encouraged. In consultation with the advisor, students must choose 21 s.h. in at least three different disciplines. Sample courses include:

ENGL 467 - Shakespeare Credits: 3
HIST 326 - Medieval History Credits: 3

B. American Studies

This interdisciplinary concentration covers all aspects American life from art to sociology. In consultation with the advisor, students must choose 21 s.h. in at least three different disciplines.

ARTS 219 - American Art 1700-1900 Credits: 3
HIST 360 - Early American Thought and Culture Credits: 3
RELI 104 - Religion in America Credits: 3

C. World Culture and Civilization

This interdisciplinary concentration emphasizes areas beyond Western Europe and North America and covers fields from art history to political science. The advanced study of a foreign language is strongly encouraged. In consultation with the advisor, students must choose 21 s.h. in at least three different disciplines. Sample courses include:

HIST 335 - Modern China Credits: 3
SPAN 104 - Latin American Culture and Language Credits: 3

D. History and Public Service

This interdisciplinary concentration focuses on European, American, and Latin American culture, including recreation, business, and human services and administration. Advanced study of a foreign language is strongly advised. In consultation with the advisor, students must choose 21 s.h. in at least three different disciplines. Sample courses include:

BUSM 150 - Introduction to Business Credits: 3
HIST 365 - Environmental History of America Credits: 3
SMRT 103 - Introduction to the Global Recreation Industry Credits: 3

IV. Electives (to complete a minimum of 120 credits)

Completion of the following requirements ensures successful completion of the Education major with a specialization in Secondary Teacher Licensure.

Required courses:

Program Requirements

All history majors must have a 2.500 GPA in the history core requirements to graduate as a history major.

Admission to Undergraduate Teacher Preparation Programs

Once admitted to Springfield College, the student must meet the following requirements in order to become an official candidate for licensure and get formally admitted to a specific teacher preparation program. This typically occurs prior to the student’s junior year or the equivalent for transfer students.

Follow the appropriate course of study based on the field the student is interested in teaching. This includes majoring in an acceptable major for that licensure area and taking the required teacher preparation courses. This enables the student to fulfill the prerequisites needed to gain admission to a teacher preparation program. Examples of acceptable majors and licensure areas are psychology for early childhood; American studies, English, or mathematics and computer technology for elementary and/or special education; biology, English, history or mathematics for secondary; movement and sports studies for physical education or dual health & physical education; art/studio art concentration or art therapy for art education; and health studies for health education.
Complete, or be in the process of completing, all prerequisites identified for the specific program.
Earn a minimum 2.750 (3.250 MOST-PHE) cumulative grade point average for all designated licensure courses. This includes all subject matter knowledge coursework as well as teacher preparation professional coursework. See educator preparation homepage on our website for specific lists of ‘Prerequisites and Program Requirements’ for each licensure program. [Note: In all programs except physical education and health, the grade point average for the student’s major is calculated separately from the grade point average for professional preparation courses.]
Earn a minimum 2.500 (3.250 MOST-PHE) cumulative grade point average and minimum grades specified for designated courses
Demonstrate the personal characteristics/professional behaviors needed to become a quality teacher (i.e., responsible, dependable, hard working, professional, committed to the teaching profession, etc.).
Be recommended for admission into a teacher licensure program by the appropriate major department and the Education Department. For students in health and physical education, the only recommendation required is from the Physical Education and Health Education Department.
Receive a passing score on the Communication and Literacy Skills Tests (reading and writing) of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL).
Students must be admitted to a specific program prior to enrolling in their final pre-practicum.

Note: Students who have been admitted to a teacher preparation program must maintain all the admissions requirements listed above through the semester preceding the practicum (student teaching) in order to be eligible to begin the practicum experience and must maintain cumulative GPS’s in order to successfully complete the program.

Once all admissions requirements have been met, the student must fill out the application for admission. Applications are available from advisors, departments, or the Educator Preparation Office.

The Director of Educator Preparation & Licensure will review the completed application and notify the candidate of the admission decision. If a student wishes to appeal this decision, a written appeal must be submitted to the Educator Preparation Council.

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