Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2020 - EDUC 414 E100

Designs for Learning: Secondary Social Studies (4)

Class Number: 1396

Delivery Method: Distance Education

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Mon, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    EDUC 401/402 or corequisite EDUC 403.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Focuses on teaching secondary school social studies and addresses aspects of the theory and practice of social studies education. Students examine their own thinking about social studies education through critical reflection, work with the prescribed curriculum, and explore various ways to develop engaging learning experiences for young adults within a consistent framework using appropriate instructional materials and methods.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will be delivered remotely.  Students are expected to be available and online during the regularly-scheduled class times above.  See 'Grading Notes' for more information.


This course is designed for teachers to expand their understanding of social studies education and its place as a subject in secondary schools. Students will explore theories, strategies for teaching, and curriculum implementation of this vast and complex subject. The importance of creating a personal vision of social studies and curriculum development will be emphasized throughout the course. The course is divided into three distinct but overlapping sections:
  1. foundational aspects of social studies
  2. teaching strategies
  3. curriculum design & implementation

Specific assignments are given to assess student understanding in each of these sections.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • understand the underlying objectives of social studies education in schools
  • establish and justify a personal vision of social studies
  • learn teaching strategies for classroom practice
  • become familiar with the British Columbia secondary social studies curriculum
  • experience curricular planning including lessons and units for social studies
  • work collaboratively and cooperatively with other professionals

Grading

  • Reading Responses 30%
  • Facilitation Activity 20%
  • Lesson Plan 25%
  • Unit Plan Curriculum Assignment 25%

NOTES:

Due to COVID-19, the course will be taught using both a remote and online format for this semester. Online discussions, reading review groups, and written assignments will be used to convey the meaning of the course as best as possible under these new and unexpected circumstances. Co-operative learning groups will be formed and are a major part of how the course will be delivered throughout the duration of the semester.

STUDENTS SHOULD HAVE SET UP ZOOM ON YOUR COMPUTER FOR SOME OF THE ONLINE DISCUSSIONS AND GROUP WORK. RESOURCES AND READINGS WILL BE AVAILABLE ON CANVAS.

REQUIREMENTS:

COVID-19 has presented significant challenges to how we will teach our classes this summer. Hence, classes will not be taught in a traditional manner, but students should still plan on being available during part or all, of the regularly scheduled class time. Although the weekly classes will be shorter, the restructured classes involve working in small groups on a weekly basis and for most of you, the time to meet is likely best during the originally scheduled time of the class. In fairness to your group members it is pertinent that you attend each week. For each class missed without an appropriate reason, 2% will be deducted from your overall mark. In cases where there is a valid reason to miss a class, marks will not be deducted but you will be required to do an additional written assignment. The additional assignment will be discussed on an individual basis.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Case, R., & Clark, P. (2016). The Anthology of Social Studies: Pacific Educational Press (Vancouver). (Note: Be sure to obtain secondary level)
ISBN: 9780864913883

Ministry of Education, Social Studies Curriculum: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/teach/curriculum/english/social-studies-curriculum

Other selected readings will be distributed by the instructors throughout the semester.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2020

Please note that all teaching at SFU in summer term 2020 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.