A course designed to provide a broad variety of research-based methods for teaching social studies in the classroom. Social studies standards will be presented with an emphasis on teaching across the curriculum with literature-based thematic units. Various assessment techniques that reflect multicultural, technological, and geographical connections will be explored.

At the conclusion of this course each student should be able to:

1. Develop an awareness of social studies content, standards, methodology, resources, and professional organizations.
2. Develop a working knowledge of assessment tools for the social studies classroom.
3. Understand strategies for using active learning, problem solving, inquiry, and creative and critical thinking in teaching social studies.
4. Develop methods for effectively using textbooks, current events, the Internet, and literature in the social studies classroom.
5. Understand methods for teaching civics, politics, and government through the development of a democratic classroom.
6. Develop strategies for teaching character education and social action within a Christian school context.
7. Develop an awareness of economic principles and strategies to help students become good consumers.
8. Develop strategies to teach appreciation and positive attitudes toward different cultural, racial, and ethnic groups.
9. Develop ways to design learning opportunities for students at various stages of the learning spectrum.
10. Understand strategies for teaching social studies through human interactions in the classroom.
11. Demonstrate competency in applying the six essential elements of geography.