Social Studies Education Course

Social Studies Education Course, Primary and Secondary Education

Teachers with strong social studies knowledge who can adapt to the challenges of elementary and junior high school cooperative education

The Social Studies Education Course in Primary and Secondary Education Major strives to cultivate primary school teachers who have a broad perspective and strong liberal arts background, as well as knowledge and skills related to primary and junior high school social studies education, an excellent ability to provide instruction in their area of expertise, and the ability to teach in light of the cooperation necessary between primary and junior high school. Students will, after taking their liberal arts and fundamental classes, study subjects related to the teaching profession, will gain knowledge and skills related to school safety and crisis management, and will deepen their studies in their specialized fields in the Social Studies Education Course.

Prospective Students

• Individuals who have adequately acquired fundamental knowledge and skills in the social studies, geography and history, and civics classes they took through high school.
• Individuals who have a strong ambition to acquire the practical educational skills needed to become a primary school teacher or a junior high school teacher, focusing on social studies.
• Individuals who have a strong desire to work in the teaching profession, and who can maintain the interest in their field.
• Individuals who have a sense of mission and passion to be involved in the growth of children.
• Individuals interested in acquiring skills to communicate with people of diverse ages.
• Individuals familiar with or interested in schools and education based on their own school experience.

We offer a variety of classes that cover fields ranging from geography and history to civics and social studies education. By taking lecture-based classes in each field, students can acquire a broad perspective and liberal arts background related to social studies. By also taking seminar-based or practicum-based classes, students can obtain an even deeper understanding of these fields.

Particularly from their junior year onward, students are divided into various fields of specialization within social studies and are offered increased opportunities to conduct more in-depth study. By offering tailored instruction in small classes for each field, students can develop a broad perspective and deeper level of expertise across all areas of social studies.

In addition to a series of compulsory practicums necessary for the acquisition of practical teaching skills – which consists of an observation-based practicum (freshmen), care-experience training (sophomores), and a basic teaching practicum (juniors) – students accumulate practical skills over their entire four years of university life, through school internships (sophomore through senior years) and a supplementary teaching practicum (seniors). Furthermore, using an electronic portfolio, periodic supervisor interviews are held from the time students enroll in the university until their graduation, and provide support to ensure that they are having a rewarding student experience.

Areas of Study

History, Geography, Philosophy and Ethics, Sociology, Law, Political Science, Social Studies Education