EDUC

SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY?

STUDIES

(E01.00)

Kel McDowell

email: kmcdowell@sd46.bc.ca

TUESDAY

5:30-9:20

WMC

3253

PREREQUISITE:

EDUC 401/402

Course Description:

This course is designed to help you better understand the subject area of social

studies and to learn about methods and strategies for teaching and assessing the goals of this vast and

complex subject. The importance of building a coherent design or vision to guide your social studies

program will be emphasized throughout the course. The course is essentially divided into three sections:

a/ theoretical foundations b/ methodology & strategies c/ curriculum design and implementation.

Specific assignments will be used to assess students understanding of each of these sections.

Course Format:

A number of different teaching approaches and/or formats will be incorporated into

this course including combinations of short lectures, discussions, group conferencing, reading review

groups, and in-class assignments and activities. Co-operative and shared learning groups will be

formed and practiced throughout the duration of the semester.

Course Objectives:

-

establish and justify a personal vision of what social studies is

- understand the rationales and goals of the social studies curriculum

- become familiar with the British Columbia IRP for secondary social studies

- learn strategies for promoting and assessing the major goals of social studies

- be able to develop a yearly course plan including units and lessons

- introduce assessment strategies that will enhance student learning in all areas

- have a developed and thoughtful perspective and justification for the above objectives

Course Readings:

A scheduled list of weekly readings will be circulated at the first class.

Required:

Case, R., & Clark, P.

(1999).

The Canadian Anthology of Social Studies: Issues and

Strategies for Teachers. Pacific Educational Press (Vancouver).

Recommended:

Ministry of Education, Skills and Training.

(1998)

Social Studies K-7: Integrated

Resource Package. (Accessible on-line)

Additional:

A few short selected readings will be distributed by the instructor in preparation for

some classes. (A fee for copying expenses may be required)

Assignments

&

Evaluation:

-

Class Participation, Mini Assignments & Activities:

15%

(self & instructor evaluation)

- Short Paper:

15%

(instructor evaluation)

- Personal Choice Assignment: 20% (instructor evaluation)

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EDUC

- Course Plan Assignment: Group Project (self, peer, instructor evaluation):

50%

Each assignment will be explained in full detail at the first class.

ALL assignments must be completed to receive a final grade for this class.

Final percentage and letter grade conversions will be discussed at the first class.

Instructor Expectations:

Each summer I look forward to welcoming a new group of students into my class. The classes are

structured in a way that I hope everyone will feel comfortable and eager to learn. I truly enjoy social

studies education and try to bring lots of enthusiasm into my classes. I also expect my students to come

prepared and ready to fully participate in each class. Attendance is important as classes are lengthy and

a significant amount of material will be covered each week. In order to learn and understand the

material, some lessons will involve participating in a number of in-class assignments and activities to

facilitate the learning of various teaching methods and strategies. Furthermore, a significant amount of

class time will be used for work on the large group project so in fairness to your group members it is

pertinent that you attend. For each class and/or mini assignment missed without an appropriate reason,

2 marks will be deducted from your participation mark and will therefore affect your final grade.

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