Course credit
3 credit hours
Course description
Applying knowledge of current trends, resources, and content as a means of developing, enriching, and expanding the social studies curriculum. Some classroom observations are required.
Delivery
This course is available in an online format using eLearning, a Blackboard learning management system requiring Internet access and a web browser. While most students encounter very few technical difficulties, our team of support specialists is available to assist you as needed.
Prerequisites
UNI students: ELEMECML 3164 (210:164); junior standing
Instructor
Lynn E. Nielsen, Professor, Curriculum & Instruction
Evaluation
16 assignments
Overview
The purpose of this course is to overview the social science content knowledge elementary and middle level teachers need in order to successfully teach social science in the classroom. This course is designed for elementary education majors who have a social science area of emphasis. Students enrolled in this class read related professional literature while reflectively analyzing and writing about classroom applications.
Objectives
Knowledge of Content
Skills
Dispositions
Course Organization
Written Assignment 1: Traveling Through Time and Space
Written Assignment 2: Is History Subject to Interpretation?
Written Assignment 3: Who Was Abraham Lincoln?
Written Assignment 4: The Content of the Social Sciences: History
Written Assignment 5: The Content of the Social Sciences: Geography
Written Assignment 6: The Content of the Social Sciences: Economics
Written Assignment 7: The Content of the Social Sciences: Government
Written Assignment 8: An Elementary Student's American History Book
Written Assignment 9: An Elementary Student's Atlas
Written Assignment 10: An Elementary Student's Economics Alphabet Book
Written Assignment 11: An Elementary Student's Guide to American Citizenship
Written Assignment 12: Book Summary: History/Biography
Written Assignment 13: Book Summary: History/Geography
Written Assignment 14: Book Summary: History/Economics
Written Assignment 15: Book Summary: History/Government
Written Assignment 16: Summary and Synthesis of Learnings
Grading
For each assignment listed above, a rubric has been developed defining specific assignment criteria and point values:
Written Assignment 1: 20 points
Written Assignment 2: 20 points
Written Assignment 3: 20 points
Written Assignment 4: 20 points
Written Assignment 5: 20 points
Written Assignment 6: 20 points
Written Assignment 7: 20 points
Written Assignment 8: 20 points
Written Assignment 9: 20 points
Written Assignment 10: 20 points
Written Assignment 11: 20 points
Written Assignment 12: 20 points
Written Assignment 13: 20 points
Written Assignment 14: 20 points
Written Assignment 15: 20 points
Written Assignment 16: 40 points
Discretionary: 60 points
Total 400 points
Grading Scale
| Points | Percentage | Grade |
| 360-400 | 90-100% | A |
| 320-359 | 80-89% | B |
| 280-319 | 70-79% | C |
| 240-279 | 60-69% | D |
| <239 | <59% | F |
Plagiarism Policy
Please review the UNI Plagiarism Policy. Plagiarism of any kind can result in severe consequences as outlined in this policy.
Textbook(s)
Fritzer, P. & Brewer, E. (2010). Social studies content for elementary and middle school teachers (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
Choose four books. Each selected book should be intended for adult reading and should extend the reader’s knowledge of the social sciences. Selections should conform to a book corresponding to each of the following categories:
Texts are available from www.bookfinder.com
University Book and Supply carries most books used in guided independent study.
To search for textbooks by course, click on "Select a Campus Term" and select Univ.Northern Iowa - Guided Independent Study
Visit the store at 1009 West 23rd Street, Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Phone: 319-266-7581 or 800-728-7581
Fax: 319-277-1266
E-mail: bookstore@panthersupply.com
To enroll
ONLINE
GIS enrollment information
IN PERSON
UNI Continuing and Distance Education
2637 Hudson Road (corner of 27th St. and Hudson Rd.)
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0223
Campus map (Look for Building 31)
For more information
Diane Tournier
Guided Independent Study
UNI Continuing and Distance Education
319-273-2123 or 800-772-1746
gis-program@uni.edu