Political
Science
Department | Program | Courses
B.A. Degree with a Major in Political Science Education,
with Secondary Teaching Certification in Social Studies, Grades
8-12
Secondary teaching certification may be earned through a major in Political Science together with required course work and experiences in Education. Students must meet all requirements for admission to the Teacher Education Program, for admission to Student Teaching, and for recommendation for certification, including the required admission and Eligibility (exit) portfolios.
A major in Political Science Education is achieved by completion of the following requirements, in addition to the General Education and electives required for a degree:
Required Core Courses—PSC 100, 110, 220, 235, and 250
Required Capstone Course—PSC 480
Required Distribution Courses—At least four (4) other 200-300-400 level PSC courses, one (1) of which must be in some aspect of American government chosen from PSC 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, or 330; and one (1) in some aspect of international relations and/or comparative governments, chosen from PSC 351, 352, or 355.
Short Term courses will not meet these requirements.
Required Collateral Courses—Students must select additional collateral courses, chosen in consultation with the adviser, including courses in American, Western, and Non-Western history; as well as course work in economics, geography (no longer offered at Berea), psychology, and sociology
Required Education Studies Courses—EDS 150, 228, 311, 349, and 355
Required Professional Year Courses—EDS 479, 480, 481, and 482
Exploring the Major—Students interested in this major should complete at least two, and preferably three, of the following courses in their first year: PSC 100, 110, 250, or 320. All four courses should be completed by the end of the second year. MAT 010 (or waiver) is a prerequisite for PSC 100 and 110. Also, MAT 012 (or waiver) is a prerequisite for MAT 104, which is a prerequisite for PSC 235. Also see Teacher Education Program below.
Admission to the Major—In most cases, students should have completed at least one (preferably more than one) course in the major, with at least a 2.0 GPA in PSC courses. See the “Requirements for Admission to the Teacher Education Program” under Education Studies for admission requirements, including the minimum overall GPA of 2.5.
Course Sequencing Considerations (in order to complete degree requirements within nine terms)—MAT 104 should be taken no later than the first term of sophomore year. Students should complete satisfactorily PSC 100, 110, 220, and 250 by the end of the second year. PSC 235 is a prerequisite for PSC 480. Because it is offered only in Spring Term, generally, PSC 235 should be taken no later than junior year (and can be taken in the Spring of the second year). In the senior year, majors must complete PSC 480, which is offered only in Fall Term. Also see Teacher Education Program sequencing recommendations below.
Proficiency Requirements for Retention in and Completion of the Major—In addition to completing specified course requirements in the major, each student must demonstrate advanced oral and written communication skills in PSC 480 by completing a major research paper and discussing and presenting it to the satisfaction of the departmental faculty.
Admission to and Completion of the Teacher Education Program—Students will begin their teacher certification program with EDS 150, which may be taken as early as the second term of the first year. Those students past their first year (including transfers) will be given priority for registration in EDS 150. Prior to the first day of the EDS 150 class, students must have completed a state criminal records clearance, which takes 6-8 weeks to be processed. Students will learn about this procedure during pre-registration. While taking EDS 150, students will be assigned an Education Studies Adviser. Education majors are encouraged strongly to take EDS 150 by the second term of the first year, but no later than the first term of sophomore year. (Multiple sections of EDS 150 are offered each Fall and Spring term.) EDS 311 must be completed either prior to or in the eighth term. EDS 228, 349, and 355 (or approved alternative) must be completed prior to the eighth term. EDS 479 and 480, together with a school practicum of 3-4 hours daily, must be taken in the eighth term. Up to two additional course credits may be taken in the eighth term. Only EDS 481 (1 credit) and 482 (3 credits) may be taken in the ninth term. Throughout their preparation, students seeking teacher certification are encouraged to seek out rich and substantive experiences with students of the ages they plan to teach beyond those associated with EDS courses. Such activities include SFA-related service work (e.g., One-on-One Tutoring), working with after-school programs, summer camp experiences, and the like. Completion of teacher certification requires nine terms. For further information about the Teacher Education Program, Student Teaching, and Recommendation for Certification, see “Requirements for all Students Seeking Certification.”
Curriculum Guide
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