Department of History and Philosophy

Learning outcomes for students who complete degree programs in the Plymouth State University Department of History & Philosophy:

HISTORY

By graduation, students who have majored in history will be able to:

1. Identify the significance of key ideas and issues, periods and people, events and movements in world history.
2. Identify the significance of key ideas and issues, periods and people, events and movements in United States history.
3. Locate historical and scholarly sources using electronic and print media.
4. Analyze and evaluate primary and secondary sources.
5. Communicate effectively through polished narrative, persuasive, and analytical writing and presentations.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the range of careers and contributions beyond the classroom that draw on the skills and knowledge developed through historical study.

PHILOSOPHY

By graduation, students who have majored in philosophy will be able to:

1. Identify key movements, figures, and problems in the history of philosophy.
2. Analyze and evaluate classical through contemporary philosophical writing.
3. Illustrate competent writing skills in various forms of writing (expository, critical, logical, and rhetorical).
4. Demonstrate ethical and rhetorical skills in discussions and oral presentations.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of, and appreciation for, the value of philosophy in our personal lives and in our contemporary world.

SOCIAL STUDIES EDUCATION

By graduation, teacher candidates who have majored in Social Studies Education will have developed the knowledge, disposition, and ability to:

1. Create learning opportunities at the appropriate school levels that support learners’ intellectual, social, and personal development.
2. Create learning experiences that fit the different approaches to learning of diverse learners.
3. Develop a variety of instructional strategies to encourage student development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and performance skills.
4. Develop appropriate school level learning environments that encourage social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
5. Employ verbal, nonverbal, and media communication techniques that foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom.
6. Plan instruction for the appropriate school levels, based on understanding of subject matter, students, the community, and curriculum goals.
7. Create and evaluate student learning using various formats including performance-based, discussion, traditional testing techniques, and portfolio assessments.
8. Create formal and informal assessment strategies to evaluate and ensure the continuous intellectual, social, and physical development of learners.
9. Foster cross-subject matter collaboration and other positive associations with parents and others in the larger community to support student learning and well-being.
10. Demonstrate the responsibility of being reflective practitioners and continuous learners.