History/ Social Studies Education

HIS 5450

Key Information

Course: Mondays, 2-4:50 pm · Anne Belk Hall 228 · Three (3) Credit Hours
Instructor: Dr. Rwany Sibaja · [office] ABH 249M · [email] sibajaro@appstate.edu · [web] rwanysibaja.com · [Zoom ID] https://appstate.zoom.us/j/4651190141

Drop-in hours: Mondays and Wednesdays 12pm-1:00pm; Mondays (only) 1-1:45pm and 4:50-5:20pm

About the Course

History/Social Studies Education (HIS 5450) is the graduate-level research and methodology course at Appalachian State University. At its heart, the course is designed to help participants develop their own identity as history educators, whether their professional journey takes them to a 9-12 school, community college, four-year college, museum, or another arena.

Listed as a capstone course for the Master of Arts degree in History (Teaching Concentration), HIS 5450 asks participants to work towards the completion of a Product of Learning portfolio. This product is informed by a participant’s research on best practices and current trends (or issues) in history/social studies education. The goal is to develop curriculum plans, materials, and assessments that can be implemented in a classroom setting, or in other educational settings.

Primary Objective of the Course

Participants should be able to … further develop their own identity as a history educator

Additional objectives for the course
  1. Participants should be able to … assess current trends in history/social studies education
  2. Participants should be able to … design a curricular approach focused on generating an active learning classroom environment in the history classroom
  3. Participants should be able to … analyze how assessments can inform instruction and course design in history
  4. Participants should be able to … develop a toolkit of digital tools, resources, and methodological approaches

Structure of the Course

The first aspect of this course you should be aware of is that it employs a hybrid instructional model. The role of the instructor is not only to lead seminar-type discussions but to also help students reach their goals as a coach and facilitator. It is imperative that the instructor and participants work together to meet the objectives of the class, foster a collaborative learning climate, and help guide each other when necessary. Presentations by the instructor will only take place when they are necessary in order to move group discussions forward.

For the fall semester, we should not have many weather issues. However, in case of emergencies, attendance expectations may be flexible (check emails for any change in schedule). For specific absence policies, see “Grades” below.

Course Materials

HIS 5450 requires four books to purchase and/or rent; these books are selected for usage post-fall 2025. All other readings will be accessible through the course website (Readings page) and our shared Zotero group folder (App State HIS 5450).

Always bring your preferred computing device (laptop, tablet, phone) and readings notes you’ve prepared for discussions. Most importantly, though, bring your imagination and work ethic to every meeting.

Textbooks

  • Johnson, Elisabeth, Evelyn Ramos, Larry Ferlazzo, and Katie Hull Sypnieski. The Social Studies Teacher’s Toolbox: Hundreds of Practical Ideas to Support Your Students. Jossey-Bass, 2020.
  • Wineburg, Sam. Why Learn History (When It’s Already on Your Phone). Celebra, 2013.
  • Wineburg, Sam, Daisy Martin, and Chauncey Monte-Sano. Reading Like a Historian: Teaching Literacy in Middle and High School History Classrooms―Aligned with Common Core State Standards. 2nd edition. Teachers College Press, 2012.
  • Vansledright, Bruce A. The Challenge of Rethinking History Education: On Practices, Theories, and Policy. Taylor & Francis, 2010.

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