Social Science Major
The social science degree curriculum offers students who are interested in a career in education a chance to concentrate on subjects such as history, political science, sociology, geography, psychology and economics.
Since most social science majors pursue a teaching credential in secondary education, students receive a background in the arts and sciences as well as in courses offered by the School of Education.
After completing a social science degree, graduates are prepared to begin credentialing programs in multiple-subject and single-subject credential areas. Several credential programs are offered at CLU.
For faculty see Social Science faculty listing, for course descriptions see individual majors: Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, Psychology and Sociology.
Major Requirements for B.A. Degree/Social Science Waiver: 50 credits minimum (Note: at least 12-14 of these credits are generally taken as part of the Core); Economics 200-- Micro-economics and 201 Macro-economics OR Economics 203--General Economics; Geography 151--Physical geography and a lab OR Geography 155--Cultural geography; History 101 and 102--World Civilizations, 201 and 202--American history surveys OR 203 and 204--History and Politics of the American People, History334--California history; Political Science 102--Theory and Practice of American Government OR Political Science 205--American National Government, Political Science 406--State and Urban Government; Psychology 200--General Psychology; Sociology 102--Social Issues and Problems. In addition, 16 Upper Division credits must be taken in three prescribed areas including one course in European History, one course in nonwestern History, and two courses in American History.
This major is designed for the student who wishes to obtain a teaching credential to teach social science in the secondary school. Interested students should contact the Education Department for advisement.
Candidates for a California Secondary Teaching Credential should contact the School of Education Office and the chair of the History Department for a complete list of course requirements for a Single Subject Waiver in Social Science. See also Credential information for the state of California.
Internships
Students Try Hand at Teaching
by Nicole C. from the La Reina Herald, April 1997
While walking through the halls, she may blend in with the masses of migrating girls while he is quite noticeable. Mary Beth A.(21) and Ryan D. (22) are two students from CLU who are working here at La Reina as part of their college studies. At CLU, Mary Beth is majoring in both History and Social Science while Ryan is majoring in History with a minor in Psychology....
The intern program is a way for graduating seniors at CLU to gain experience in school environments. Mrs. B. says she is "pleased" with the program and that it is "very helpful to all involved." Mary Beth is "grateful to have the experience of working with the students and teachers" while Ryan confesses that "the students are actually teaching [him]." This first hand experience in a high school environment has made them both realize that teaching is more difficult than they first thought. But Mary Beth is having no "second thoughts" while Ryan says "the students have been very supportive and have made [him] feel comfortable."