So You Want to Be A Teacher: Pacific Northwest History and Critical Pedagogy

So, you may want to teach, history? What does a K-12 educator need to know about developing a teaching philosophy that embraces a well-rounded humanizing pedagogy? Did you know that one semester of Washington state history is required for high school graduation? This 7-week intensive program, an introduction to Pacific Northwest History and Critical Pedagogy, will contain diverse perspectives of historical developments of the region (Washington, Oregon). Our historical exploration will go beyond simply asking, “What happened when and to whom?” to assessing why and how various events transpired and developments unfolded. Two primary objectives are for students to be able to 1) explore and gain an appreciation of the rich, diverse history of this region, and 2) develop historical knowledge with historical inquiry that builds deeper meaning and ways of knowing. In particular, this class fulfills one of the history prerequisites for MiT (elementary, history, social studies, middle level humanities). 

Together, we will create questions of inquiry that help us learn the value of historical thinking and writing as it applies to our state and region. According to the C3 Framework for Social Studies Learning Standards, “Historical inquiry involves acquiring knowledge about significant events, developments, individuals, groups, documents, places, and ideas to support investigations about the past. Acquiring relevant knowledge requires gathering information from a wide variety of sources in an integrative process (p. 45).” Students will study local Native American perspectives and the impact of occupation and colonization of their lands by European imperialists and immigrants; the origins and outcomes of competition among Europeans for the PNW; and challenges placed on non-European ethnic groups such as Chinese Americans, African Americans, Mexican Americans, Japanese Americans during the 19th and 20th centuries and into the 21st century. Additionally, attention to the impact of women in making this history will be threaded throughout. We will include in our exploration environmental, cultural, social, civic and economic phases of Pacific Northwest development using texts, journal articles, film and documentaries. We will expand upon our knowledge through potential field trips to the Squaxin Island Museum, Washington State History Museum, and the Olympia's Hidden Histories walking tour. Finally, you will have an opportunity to learn, plan, and implement short lessons built upon historical inquiry.

This program repeats in fall and winter quarters, and students should not register for both quarters.

Anticipated Credit Equivalencies:

4 - Pacific Northwest History 

4 - Teaching and Learning Development