This minor is for students who want to explore Geography and History within an educational and international context. It focuses on how these subjects can be taught in meaningful and engaging ways, connecting classroom learning to global perspectives. The minor helps you strengthen your international profile and prepares you to work in international and interdisciplinary educational settings, including 10–14 education. It is also a valuable choice for anyone interested in teaching, global themes, and international learning. This minor stands out because ITE is the only programme in the world that specifically prepares teachers to teach in an international context, making it a distinctive and future-oriented learning experience.

This minor is offered by the Social Studies department of ITESS (International Teacher Education for Secondary Schools).
 

Minor content

In Period 3, students follow Concepts and Didactics of Social Studies, which explores integrated teaching of Geography and History. The course examines the differences between the subjects, as well as opportunities for collaboration and integration. In addition, students take Geographical Inquiry and Teaching the Big History Project, both self-study courses supported by three coaching sessions and weekly feedback via email. In Geographical Inquiry, students conduct a research project on a topic of their choice, while in the Big History Project course, they design a plan to implement a new integrated subject in a school setting.

Period 4 offers students a range of elective courses within Geography and History. Students can choose between Physical Geography or A Sustainable World for their first course. For the second option, students select either World History or Human Geography. Finally, all students participate in the newly developed course on Geography and History of Religions, which focuses on interdisciplinary approaches and integrates knowledge from both subject areas. This period allows students to specialise according to their interests while applying integrated teaching methods learned in previous periods.

• Concepts and Didactics of Social Studies
  • Geographical Inquiry (self-study with coaching & feedback)
  • Teaching Big History (self-study with coaching & feedback)
  • Physical Geography or A Sustainable World
  • World History or Human Geography

Geography and History of Religions (new integrated course -name might change)

Structure of the minor

In this minor, students learn to reflect on subject integration through two core modules focused on Geography and History. A newly developed module explores religions from both geographical and historical perspectives, helping students make interdisciplinary connections. Students also carry out their own geographical research, and where relevant, link findings to historical contexts. In addition to these core modules, students choose two electives, allowing them to specialise in Geography, History, or topics such as Sustainability. The Physical Geography module includes a geological field trip to Germany, providing hands-on experience in applying classroom knowledge in real-world settings.

There are no specific requirements for admission to this minor, although it is designed as an educational minor, so all content is taught within an educational context. There are no special access requirements or excluded prior courses. While there may be occasional excursion costs, participation in excursions is never mandatory, and costs are generally low. Students can therefore join this minor without restrictions and benefit from an educational programme that is accessible, engaging, and focused on practical teaching and learning experiences. The Physical Geography module includes a geological field trip to Germany, providing hands-on experience in applying classroom knowledge in real-world settings.

 

This minor offers a variety of assessments, including portfolios, professional products, written tests, and the use of ICT. Students may also design and organise workshops for school students as part of their assessment. This range of assessment methods allows students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in multiple ways, combining practical teaching experience with academic reflection and creative project work.