- Social studies teachers learn to apply social sciences such as history, geography, and economics to help young people become informed citizens. The Bachelor of Applied Arts (B.A.A.) in teaching social studies is an interdisciplinary major. Students take courses in eight areas: anthropology, economics, geography, history, political science, psychology, sociology, and women's studies. Later, Student'll select one of these areas as an emphasis for upper-division courses. Within the teacher education program, student'll get hands-on classroom experience through volunteer experiences, observation, and student teaching.