Faculty advisors: Professor Diana Hess, 256D Teacher Education Building, 263-4571, dhess@education.wisc.edu; Professor Alan Lockwood, 256A Teacher Education, 263-6262, lockwood@education.wisc.edu. Students not yet admitted to this program should consult with advising staff at Education Academic Services (EAS), Rust-Schreiner Halls, 115 North Orchard Street, 262-1651.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Completion of this major leads to licensing in two areas: Broad Field and the minor subject area. Graduates will not be eligible to teach each of the six separate subject areas. The minor subject area (e.g. History, Political Science) will be listed separately on the teaching license and can be taught as a separate subject in the classroom. Individuals are also prepared to teach interdisciplinary or "fusion" courses in the secondary schools. Fusion courses integrate elements of several Social Studies disciplines and require preparation of a composite nature. American problems, area studies, civics and social problems are a few of the content areas that fall under the Broad Field license. The Broad Field license also provides a foundation for certification in additional Social Studies subject areas at a later date.
Due to licensing requirements in other states and the possible impact of federal legislation defining a “well qualified teacher,” students interested in the Broad Field Social Studies major are strongly encouraged to consider completing a major in another of the Social Studies areas. Completing a double major with Broad Field Social Studies allows students to master one content area while developing the breadth of understanding associated with the Broad Field major.
Students complete a minimum of 54 credits distributed over at least four of six licensing areas: Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology. The credits required for program admission are chosen from the departments listed above. Students enrolling in cross-listed courses to meet concentration or minor requirements should attempt to enroll in the department that represents the subject in which students are seeking certification or licensing.