Overview
Mission Statement - History
The Department of History and Political Science seeks to foster in their students an awareness of and appreciation for their cultural, historical, and political heritage as well as an understanding of important national and global issues. The department’s curriculum helps develop students’ critical thinking, research, writing, and communication skills in order to prepare them to be effective learners and leaders.
Educational Objectives - History
The History major develops in students an understanding of and critical outlook toward American and European history and international affairs. The History major prepares students for secondary school teaching, for historical research and for graduate school in history or public history, as well as for other professional fields requiring critical thinking and writing skills.
Mission Statement - Teacher Education
Our mission is to prepare teachers with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to provide optimum learning experiences for diverse students in today’s schools. The program balances the ideals of a liberal arts tradition and sound professional preparation within a Christian atmosphere of self-discipline, responsibility, and concern for the continuing growth of the individual.
Teacher Education Organizations
Candidates are encouraged to join Student North Dakota United (SNDU), a professional organization, to gain greater knowledge of their field and to meet other pre-service and in-service Educators. Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements are invited to join Pi Lambda Theta, the International Honor Society and Professional Association in Education.
Teacher Education Programs
Programs and requirements are subject to change to meet state approval. Approved areas for teacher licensure at University of Jamestown include:
- Elementary
- Biology
- English
- History
- Music
- Health and Physical Education
Individual Performance Progress Assessment
Music Education majors must exhibit musical performance competency on a musical instrument or voice, as demonstrated in a jury the fall semester of the sophomore year. They will also field questions in the jury that demonstrate a fundamental theoretical and historical knowledge that informs performance, as defined by the applied faculty of individual performance areas (keyboard, voice, and winds/brass/percussion). Weaknesses identified in the jury must be addressed to the satisfaction of the faculty by the spring jury or they will not be permitted to continue in those degree plans.
Admission to the Teacher Education Program
Candidates generally apply for admission to the program while enrolled in EDUC 201: Introduction to Teaching. Candidates who transfer this course from another institution should meet with the Teacher Education chair upon admission to UJ. Applications are due November 1st for spring admission and April 1st for fall admission. Applications are not accepted or reviewed during the summer months.
Admission Criteria
- Attainment of required credits for sophomore status
- Completion of EDUC 201: Introduction to Teaching with a minimum grade of C-
- Completion of EDUC 101: Exploring Education
- Minimum grade of C- in ENGL 101 and ENGL 102
- Minimum grade of C- in COMM 102 or COMM 201
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.70
- Satisfactory background check
- Passing scores on the Praxis I (Core Academic Skills) tests
- Approval of the Teacher Education Council
Additional Information for All Candidates Seeking Teaching Licensure
While completion of the Praxis II: Content and Praxis II: PLT exams is an exit requirement, passing scores on those exams is not. However, candidates must earn passing scores on both exams in order to attain North Dakota licensure. Candidates are required to complete the Praxis II: Content exam prior to student teaching. The Praxis II: PLT exam must be taken before the completion of student teaching. Candidates who plan to teach in states other than North Dakota should consult with that state’s education department since each state has its own licensure requirements and administers its own licensing process.
A grade of C- or above must be earned in all courses that are required in a major or a minor.
General Education Requirements for Education Majors
All Education majors must pursue the Bachelor of Arts General Education requirements. Additionally, certain General Education courses are mandated for Education majors. Education
candidates are required to take the following General Education courses and not select an alternative from other courses within that General Education category.
Specific general education courses required for Education majors are PSYC 203, MATH 102 or MATH 111 (or higher).