History & Adolescence Education Degree Program | Grades 7-12 draft

Program Overview

The History and Adolescence Education Degree Program at Mercy University prepares students to become certified secondary social studies teachers in grades 7-12. The five-year program combines a Bachelor of Arts in History with a Master of Science in Secondary Education, providing a comprehensive foundation in social studies content, pedagogy, and adolescent development. Graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge to engage and inspire adolescent learners and lead effective educational programs.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The History and Adolescence Education Degree Program prepares students to become certified teachers in grades 7-12 in the content area of Social Studies. Upon completion of the program, graduates will have a strong foundation in social studies content and pedagogy, and the skills necessary to engage and inspire adolescent learners.

Objectives:

• To provide students with a thorough understanding of the major concepts, principles, theories, and underlying philosophies of secondary education programs that address the cognitive and psychological development of adolescent learners.
• To equip students with the ability to create learning opportunities and approaches to assessment that reflect an understanding of adolescent learners and value and respond to the diversity of the student population.

Program Description:

The History and Adolescence Education Degree Program is a combined Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science degree program that can be completed in five years. The program is offered at all four Mercy University campuses and online, providing students with the flexibility to complete their degree while balancing other commitments. During the first four years of the program, students will complete the requirements for a Bachelor of Arts in History, as well as the requirements for the Secondary Education Program. The Secondary Education Program includes coursework in educational foundations, diverse perspectives, teaching English as a second language, approaches to literature, and educational psychology and adolescent development. In the fifth year of the program, students will complete the requirements for a Master of Science in Secondary Education, Grades 7-12. The Master of Science program includes coursework in educational leadership, curriculum and instruction, assessment, and research. Students who successfully complete the program will be eligible for certification as secondary social studies teachers in New York State.

Outline:

Content:

The History and Adolescence Education Degree Program curriculum includes coursework in the following content areas:

• History
• Social Studies
• Education
• Pedagogy
• Adolescent Development

Structure:

The program is a five-year combined Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science degree program. The first four years of the program are dedicated to completing the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in History and the Secondary Education Program. The fifth year of the program is dedicated to completing the requirements for the Master of Science in Secondary Education, Grades 7-12.

Course Schedule:

The course schedule for the History and Adolescence Education Degree Program is as follows:

• Year 1: General Education courses, History courses, and Secondary Education courses
• Year 2: History courses, Secondary Education courses, and Education courses
• Year 3: History courses, Secondary Education courses, and Education courses
• Year 4: History courses, Secondary Education courses, and Education courses
• Year 5: Master of Science in Secondary Education, Grades 7-12 courses

Individual Modules with Module Descriptions:

The History and Adolescence Education Degree Program includes the following modules:

• EDUC 500: Educational Foundations and Diverse Perspectives
This module introduces students to the foundations of education, with a focus on the diverse perspectives that shape educational practice. Students will examine the historical, philosophical, and sociological foundations of education, and discuss the implications of these foundations for teaching and learning.
• EDUC 502: Foundations of Education for Students with Disabilities
This module provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work effectively with students with disabilities. Students will learn about the different types of disabilities, the legal and ethical issues related to working with students with disabilities, and the strategies and techniques for teaching students with disabilities.
• EDUC 505: Teaching English as a Second Language
This module prepares students to teach English as a second language to adolescent learners. Students will learn about the principles of second language acquisition, the methods and techniques for teaching English as a second language, and the assessment of English language proficiency.
• EDUC 507: Approaches to Literature: Early Childhood through Adolescence
This module provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to teach literature to adolescent learners. Students will learn about the different genres of literature, the principles of literary analysis, and the methods and techniques for teaching literature.
• EDUC 517: Educational Psychology and Adolescent Development
This module provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the psychological development of adolescent learners. Students will learn about the cognitive, social, and emotional development of adolescents, and the implications of this development for teaching and learning.
• EDUC 700: Curriculum and Instruction
This module provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and implement effective curriculum and instruction. Students will learn about the principles of curriculum design, the methods and techniques for teaching different subjects, and the assessment of student learning.
• EDUC 701: Educational Leadership
This module provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead and manage an effective educational program. Students will learn about the principles of educational leadership, the roles and responsibilities of educational leaders, and the strategies and techniques for improving student learning.
• EDUC 702: Assessment in Education
This module provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to assess student learning effectively. Students will learn about the different types of assessments, the principles of assessment design, and the methods and techniques for interpreting and using assessment data.
• EDUC 703: Research in Education
This module provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct educational research. Students will learn about the principles of research design, the methods and techniques for collecting and analyzing data, and the principles of interpreting and reporting research findings.

Assessment:

Students in the History and Adolescence Education Degree Program are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Exams: Students are required to take exams in each of the modules in the program.
• Projects: Students are required to complete projects in each of the modules in the program.
• Portfolios: Students are required to develop portfolios of their work over the course of the program.
• Student Teaching: Students are required to complete a semester of student teaching in a secondary school.

Teaching:

The History and Adolescence Education Degree Program is taught by a team of experienced educators who are committed to providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective teachers. The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Lectures are used to provide students with the foundational knowledge necessary for teaching social studies.
• Discussions: Discussions are used to allow students to share their ideas and perspectives on the material covered in class.
• Activities: Activities are used to engage students in the learning process and to help them apply the knowledge and skills they are learning.
• Simulations: Simulations are used to provide students with the opportunity to practice teaching in a safe and supportive environment.

Careers:

Graduates of the History and Adolescence Education Degree Program are prepared for a variety of careers in education, including:

• Secondary Social Studies Teacher
• Curriculum Developer
• Educational Administrator
• Educational Researcher
• Policy Analyst