History, Politics, and Geographic Analysis, Secondary Education Specialization, B.A.

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Department Chairperson - Dr. Joseph Bobak

The distinctive program of History, Politics, and Geographic Analysis (HPGA) seeks to enhance the personal lives, professional competencies and commitment to lifelong learning of students whether they study HPGA as majors, minors, or through the general education program. The disciplines of History, Political Science and Geographic Analysis are an integral part of the liberal arts. They can produce a liberally educated person who values knowledge and has the capacity to acquire knowledge, to think critically, and to apply the mature judgment required of a free and responsible citizen in a democratic society.

Specifically, the History, Political Science, and Geographic Analysis (HPGA) program brings students, through a study of the past, present, and future to an understanding of world societies and the forces which mold their institutions. In a broader sense, it aims to help students contextualize the development of humanity and appreciate and value their societies and institutions.

The goals of the History, Political Science, and Geographic Analysis (HPGA) program contribute to the College’s curricular purpose by enabling students to perceive the larger social, political, economic, historical, geographical, and environmental contexts within which individual action is set. Knowledge of the dynamic processes underlying these contexts will lead students to identify those points in their individual lives and careers where they can contribute responsibly to life in an interdependent world.

Students who complete the major in History, Politics, and Geographical Analysis will demonstrate:

Knowledge Base in History, Politics, and Geographic Analysis - Students will demonstrate depth of fundamental knowledge and comprehension of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, trends within social science, and empirical findings to discuss how historical, political, and geographic principles apply to social phenomena.
Critical Thinking - Students will demonstrate skills and concepts in historic interpretation and methodologies as well as basic political processes, institutions, and concepts as they operate in different national and international contexts. Furthermore, students will evaluate arguments in an impartial fashion.
Information Literacy in Social Science Research - Students will identify and describe the contours (Characteristics) and stakes (Assertions) of conversations among historians, political scientists, and geographers within the social sciences.
Communication - Students will demonstrate the ability to construct a cogent argument, present information orally, and in written form, engage in discussion of historic, political, and geographic concepts, explain the ideas of others, and express their own ideas with clarity, as well as produce a research study or other historical project.
Professional Competence - Students will be able to apply history specific content and methodologies to succeed in post baccalaureate employment, graduate school, professional school, and or professional organizations.

Education - Secondary Education

Secondary Education Certification Program Option

Any student interested in teacher certification in this field should refer to the Secondary Education portion of this catalog. Secondary Education Certification is this discipline has its own separate course requirements for the completion of the major and certification. It is advised that any interested student make an appointment with the Secondary Education coordinator

Department Chairperson - Dr. Sara Rutledge

Secondary Education Coordinator - Dr. Beth Shoff

Bachelor Degree programs leading to certification in secondary education are available in Biology, English, General Science, and Social Studies through the College’s Secondary Education Program and are designed to provide students with a broad knowledge base in the teaching specialty.

The Secondary Education program at Mount Aloysius College flows naturally from the College’s philosophical roots. Preparation for a career in teaching requires a desire to serve others, engage in life-long learning, and work toward social justice and the common good. The Secondary Education program prepares students to accept people of all faiths and walks of life, respect their individual gifts and talents, and empower those who have been disenfranchised in the system. As guided by the philosophy of Mount Aloysius College, students are expected to value and engage in holistic learning experiences that synthesize intellectual, spiritual, emotional, social, and creative ways of thinking, and base their own teaching on these principles.

The mission of the Secondary Education certification is to develop teachers whose pedagogy is based on theoretical understandings, who employ frequent reflection, and who are competent in using a wide variety of teaching, learning, and assessment techniques. Recognizing that quality in teaching requires a broad knowledge base and content, Secondary Education students will complete one of the following majors: Biology, English, General Science or History/Political Science to be able to complete a secondary education program.

PA State Department of Education changes in regulations may result in changes in the requirements of education programs.

Education Department Admission

All students interested in teacher certification will enter into their desired major program (Biology, General Science, English or History/Political Science) until all requirements for admission into the education department have been met. The following requirements for academic preparation and performance must be successfully met prior to admission into a certification program.

Education Department Admission Requirements

Earn a minimum of forty-eight (48) credits and have sophomore standing.
Successful completion (a grade of “C” or better) in the following coursework:
– six (6) hours in communication/writing (ENGL 110 /ENGL 210 )
– six (6) hours in college level mathematics (according to the requirements of the content major)
– Mount Aloysius College Foundation Course (LIBA 150 )
– pass EDUC 225 Child and Adolescent Development for Educators with a C or better
Successfully pass the PRAXIS Core Battery tests in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics.
Complete other courses as specified in the College Core Curriculum and content major as directed by the student’s major.
In compliance with Pennsylvania Department of Education Guidelines meet a minimum overall GP A of 3.0.
Successful Interview (see Secondary Education Student Teaching Handbook).

Admission to Student Teaching

All students will be charged a Student Teaching Fee. (Please see Tuition and Fees section.)

Student Teaching Admisson Requirements

A GPA of 3.0 or better.
Successful completion of all PRAXIS exams as listed above.
A grade of “C” or better in all education courses.
A completed application to Student Teaching and Data Sheet.
An essay describing the student’s interest in and preparation for a career in teaching.
Successful completion of all required education courses.
Successful completion of all field experiences.
Current Act 34 and 151 Clearances (Request for Criminal Record and Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance) and FBI Federal Criminal History
Records for Prospective Employees (fingerprinting).
Completed Health Appraisal including TB test.

Degree Completion Requirements

Successful completion of Content Discipline PRAXIS Exams.
A successful exit interview with College faculty and local school district administrators.
A portfolio that demonstrates that the student has met each of the learning principles identified in Chapter 354.33, Professional Competencies of the Pennsylvania Department of Education General Standards.
A satisfactory evaluation from the College supervisor on the state-wide performance evaluation and inventory of student teachers (PDE 430).
Successful completion of all student teaching assignments.

Important Information Regarding the Praxis Exams

Praxis bulletins and test information can be obtained from any education faculty member. Please see your advisor or any education faculty member for guidance and assistance regarding any facet of the PRAXIS exam.
Students should carefully read the bulletin to avoid problems in registering for the test and to mark test dates so that tests can be completed as required for admission into the department.
– NOTE:.Testing Centers might not offer all the tests for each testing date. Regular testing is not available during the summer months. The PPST can be taken more frequently via the computerized format. Please read the Praxis Bulletin carefully and plan accordingly.

Below is the timeline for completion of PRAXIS tests and the required passing scores in Pennsylvania:

Sophomore, end of 1st Semester
– completed 45 credits by end of the semester
– completed six (6) hours in communication/writing (ENGL 110 /ENGL 210 )
– completed six (6) hours in college level mathematics (according to the requirements of the content major)
– passed EDUC 225 with a C or better
– passed EDUC 221 with a C or better
– passed the Mount Aloysius College Foundation Course (LIBA 150 )
– Recommended: complete a PRAXIS prep course or use PLATO or use practice tests
Sophomore, 2nd Semester - by end of the semester,
– successfully completed PRAXIS Series I exams including:
PPST Reading - passing score 172
PPST Writing - passing score 173
PPST Math - passing score 173
OR
A composite score of 521 with PA Minimum State Score Requirements (see ETS PA State Standards (www.ets.org)
PPST Reading - passing score 171
PPST Writing - passing score 170
PPST Math - passing score 171
– completed sixty (60) credits with a 3.0 GPA
Junior, 1st Semester - prior to the start of the semester,
– submit formal application to the coordinator of Secondary Education
– successfully complete interview with Secondary Education Admission Committee (see Secondary Education Handbook for admission requirements and interview information)
Junior, 2nd Semester
– complete and submit student teaching application
Senior, 1st Semester
– take Content area PRAXIS Exam
Biology 7-12 Test Code 20235 Passing Score 147
English 7-12 Test Code 10041 Passing Score 160
Social Studies 7-12 Test Code 10081 Passing Score 157
– apply for graduation
Senior, 2nd Semester
– submit certification form

Prior to admission to Secondary Education, all students declare a major in a content area: Biology, English, General Science, or History/Political Science. All candidates for Secondary Education will have two advisors, one for the content area and one for education to aid in the scheduling of the courses.

Clearances

The Education Department requires all students enrolled in a certification program to develop and maintain a sound professional record. Students applying to the Education Department must submit a Pennsylvania State Police Request for Criminal Record and the Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, and the FBI Federal Criminal History Record (fingerprinting) for review.

Copies of these reports will be kept on file in the department. If individuals have offenses on the report, they may not be allowed to participate in practicum experiences or student teaching depending upon the policy of the public school district with which the College has a working relationship and to which they are assigned. This will mean they may not be able to complete a certification program and be recommended by the department’s certification officer for certification. If offenses show on these reports, students should see their Education Department advisor to discuss their situation and possibly consider other career options.

Transfer Students Admission Requirements

All transfer students interested in Secondary Education certification are subject to all current requirements for entrance to, retention in, and completion of the Secondary Education certification program including the GPA requirements.

Because of the nature of our certification programs, many education credits completed elsewhere will not be transferable. The transfer of education credits will be evaluated individually to be sure they meet the standards as addressed in the education coursework at Mount Aloysius College. The transfer of field experiences will be evaluated individually.

Students Admission with Completed Bachelor Degrees

Students who desire Secondary Education certification and who already have a bachelor’s degree will be admitted into the program after having completed one semester of coursework, demonstrating through transfer or Mount Aloysius coursework successful completion of college level mathematics and communications courses. Applicant must pass the PRAXIS Core Battery tests in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. Transfer students with bachelor degrees must complete all coursework as specified in the program.