SECTION 113.60. Social Studies Advanced Studies (One-Half Credit)

(a) General requirements. Students shall be awarded one-half unit of credit for successful completion of this course. Students may take this course with different course content for a maximum of two credits.

(b) Introduction. In Social Studies Advanced Studies, an elective course, students conduct in-depth research, prepare a product of professional quality, and present their findings to appropriate audiences. Students, working independently or in collaboration with a mentor, investigate a problem, issue, or concern; research the topic using a variety of technologies; and present a product of professional quality to an appropriate audience.

(c) Knowledge and skills.

(1) The student will investigate, independently or collaboratively, a problem, issue, or concern within a selected profession or discipline. The student is expected to:

(A) analyze the relationship between his or her interests and career/discipline;

(B) review literature from varied sources from the selected career or discipline;

(C) identify a problem, issue, or concern;

(D) survey and/or interview professionals to determine the appropriateness of a project; and

(E) develop a proposal that includes well-defined questions, goals and objectives, rationale, and procedures for the project.

(2) The student will demonstrate understanding of the research methods and/or technologies used in a selected profession or discipline. The student is expected to:

(A) develop an understanding of the requirements and practices of the profession in the selected career or discipline through observation;

(B) simulate the methods and/or technologies used in the research process particular to the selected field or discipline; and

(C) review and revise the original proposal to reflect changes needed based upon preliminary research and practices.

(3) The student will develop products that meet standards recognized by the selected profession or discipline. The student is expected to:

(A) collaborate with the appropriate professionals to define the product;

(B) develop a plan for product completion;

(C) develop assessment criteria for successful completion of the project;

(D) establish the appropriateness of the product for the intended audience;

(E) implement the plan for product completion; and

(F) maintain a journal to document all phases of the implementation of the plan and reflections on learning experiences and processes.

(4) The student will demonstrate an understanding of the selected problem, issue, or concern by explaining or justifying findings to an appropriate audience for public comment or professional response. The student is expected to:

(A) review and revise the plan to present the findings;

(B) make arrangements for the presentation of findings to an appropriate audience;

(C) present findings, simulating the skills used by professionals;

(D) consider feedback received from the audience;

(E) reflect on the study and its potential for impact on the field; and

(F) reflect on personal learning experiences of the study.

Source Note: The provisions of this §113.60 adopted to be effective August 1, 2020, 45 TexReg 4180