History (B.A./B.S.) - Teaching Specialization

Program Coordinator/Contact

William Prigge, Department Head
Department of History, Political Science, Philosophy, and Religion
West Hall Room 109

Program Information

The history curriculum is adaptable to personal interests and needs, allowing students to explore the past and make connections to the present. Students pursuing a History Teaching Specialization may select either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in preparation for careers in various fields related to education. The program also provides a necessary background for graduate work or other specialized training.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students with a major in History will be able to:

• Demonstrate a knowledge of the most important historical events in U.S. History, including an in-depth study of issues facing minorities within the U.S.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of the most important historical events beyond the United States.
• Interpret the past in context; contextualize the past on its own terms.
• Develop a disciplined, skeptical stand and outlook on the world that demands evidence and a sophisticated use of information.  This includes recognizing the difference between strong and weak arguments based on evidence, and seeking citations and peer review in other works.
• Demonstrate an awareness that knowledge is often incomplete or imperfect, and thus multiple alternatives must be considered and conclusions are subject to change.
• Know the difference between primary and secondary documents, demonstrate how and when to cite in the format of the profession.
• Identify and summarize the historical arguments of other scholars.
• Frame a historical question and develop research strategies to address it, generate historical argument that is reasoned and based on evidence selected, arranged and analyzed.
• Effectively navigate the library and online databases, as well as the archives or in the community for primary sources, peer-reviewed literature and book reviews.

Academic Requirements

• A grade of “C” or better is required in SPCM 101 , ENGL 101 , PSYC 101 , and MATH 102  or higher (if these courses are in your plan of study), and all courses for the major (classes with department/program prefix).
• An overall GPA of 2.5 is required to enroll in any education courses.
• No more than 6 credits in HIST 491 - Independent Study (COM)  and HIST 494 - Internship (COM)  may be counted toward the major or minor. 

Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure

Accreditation

National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education Programs
South Dakota Department of Education

Certification and Licensure

• Completion of an approved bachelor’s Secondary preparation program.
• Completion of an approved Indian Studies course.
• Pass the state designated content knowledge test or 2.7 GPA in content major coursework.
• Pass the state designated pedagogy test.
• Completion of a Suicide Awareness and Prevention training, available free online through the South Dakota Department of Education.
• Apply online with the South Dakota Department of Education.
• Written recommendation from institution of higher education (SDSU) verifying program completion.

Course Delivery Format

The program provides courses online and face to face on campus and at various off-campus attendance centers.