History, B.A., Social Studies/Secondary Education Concentration

Go to information for History/Political Science . 

Department Contact:

Chair (History): Dr. Denise Holladay Damico, ddamico@francis.edu
Chair (Education): Dr. Stephanie Ivory, sivory@francis.edu, 814-472-2844

Program Description:

A professional program which combines the major with specialized courses in education and leads to secondary teacher certification. For students wishing to extend their learning experience beyond the classroom, a variety of internship opportunities
are available. 

The History, B.A., Social Studies/Secondary Education Concentration option prepares candidates for Pennsylvania grades 7-12 certification. Students seeking Secondary Education certification must complete all requirements of the content area degree.

Student Learning Outcomes:

History majors will:

• Understand major developments in History.
  • Identify key events, movements, and figures in the history of the U.S., and understand these events, movements, and figures in transnational history.
  • Identify key events, movements, and figures in the history of Europe, and understand these events, movements, and figures in transnational context.
  • Identify key events, movements, and figures in world history and understand these events, movements, and figures in transnational context.
  • Develop a chronological and synthetic paradigm of the past.
• Develop critical thinking skills within the context of the discipline of History.
  • Find and analyze primary source documents.
  • Find and interpret secondary sources.
  • Generate evidence-based original analysis.
• Develop effective writing skills.
  • Utilize methods appropriate to the discipline of History.
  • Implement citation styles consistent with the professional standards of History.

Progression and/or Retention Criteria:

A student must complete an application for admission and be accepted into the Professional Teacher Preparation Program prior to registering for 300/400 level Education courses.

To be accepted into the Professional Teacher Preparation Program, the candidate must have:

• Completed no less than 48 credits as required by the PDE;             
• Achieved at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA;                                                                          
• Achieved no grade lower than C in major and collateral courses;                                          
• Demonstrate proficiency in Basic Skills: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics (SAT exemption, ACT exemption, PAPA, and/or CORE, EDUC 421);                      
• Completed at least 6 semester hour credits in college level English;
• Complete at least 6 semester hour credits in college level Math;
• Completed EDUC 150;
• Met with advisor in the Education Department;
• A brief essay (“Why I Want to Pursue Teaching as a Career”);
• Letter of recommendation (Candidate must have a letter endorsed by a faculty member outside the Education Department).

Estimated Completion Time:

Typically 4 years of full-time study

Total Credits Required:

128 credits

See requirements for Education .