“The primary purpose of the social studies is to help young people develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world” (National Council for the Social Studies, 1994 p. 157).
The History and Social Science education program at Virginia Tech is designed to prepare reflective teachers who are ready, willing, and able to facilitate the type of systematic critical literacy work that is a vital part of preparing 21st century citizens to become thoughtful and nuanced readers of the word and the world, both past and present.
The History and Social Science (Social Studies) Education program at Virginia Tech offers:
- A graduate licensure program in which students earn a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction with a postgraduate professional license for History and Social Science (social studies) 6-12,
- A Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction for practicing teachers. This course can be taken on a full time or part-time basis.
- A PhD in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on History and Social Science (social studies education).
The History and Social Science education program is recognized as a University Exemplary Department for working collaboratively with the Department of History to fulfill common or complementary goals.
History and Social Science News
Dr. E.T. Ewing from the Department of History is given Affiliate Faculty Status in the history and social science program.
I've come to a frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in the classroom. It's my personal approach that creates the climate. It's my daily mood that makes the weather. As a teacher, I possess a tremendous power to make a child's life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated and a child humanized or de-humanized.
- Haim Ginott