 The study of social studies encompasses a broad base of knowledge consisting of the different branches of social science such as anthropology, geography, history, civics, economics, political science, culture and sociology. Social studies is described as the study of a variety of fields that deal with human behavior and interactions of the past and the present. The aim of social studies is the promotion of civic competence—the knowledge, intellectual processes, and democratic dispositions required of students to be active and engaged participants in public life. Although civic competence is not the only responsibility of social studies nor is it exclusive to the field, it is more central to social studies than to any other subject area in schools. Civic competence rests on the commitment to democratic values, and requires the abilities to use knowledge about one’s community, nation, and world; apply inquiry processes; and employ skills of data collection and analysis, collaboration, decision-making, and problem-solving. Young people who are knowledgeable, skillful, and committed to democracy are necessary to sustaining and improving our democratic way of life, and participating as members of a global community. |
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