Course Description
Social studies curriculum and instruction for young children; content selection, lesson and unit planning, teaching methods, materials, and evaluation strategies.
Athena Title
Elementary Social Studies
Prerequisite
Permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
To provide students with knowledge of the social science and humanities learning goals of the Early Childhood Social Studies (ECSS) curriculum. To develop skill in the use of instructional methods and technologies that are especially well suited to ECSS. To assist students in planning outstanding ECSS lessons for implementation in the field experience. To help the student develop a personal set of beliefs regarding ECSS instruction. General Education Abilities: Communicate effectively through writing: Interpret content of written materials on related topics from various disciplines Compose effective written materials for various academic and professional contexts Produce writing that is stylistically appropriate and mature Computer Literacy: Use word processing software Use presentation software Use the web Use E-mail and use OASIS Critical Thinking: Consider, and accommodate, and engage opposing points of view Communicate for academic and professional contexts Assimilate, analyze, and present a body of information Analyze arguments Moral Reasoning (Ethics): Recognize the community and the greater common good over one’s self interest Contribute to the eradication of stereotypes and prejudices that exist in society, either in crude forms or in more sophisticated and sometimes pseudo-scientific ones Use ethical models to make decisions
Topical Outline
The Nature and Mission of Social Studies I. The Social Studies Curriculum: Past and Present A. A Brief History of Elementary Social Studies B. Alternative Structures for K-6 Social Studies C. Official Position Statements D. The Status of K-6 Social Studies Instruction in Public Schools E. Issues in Selecting and Implementing Content II. Content in the Social Studies Curriculum A. Types of Social Studies Content a. Facts: Their Nature and Importance b. Concepts: Thought and Communication Essentials c. Main Ideas and Generalizations d. Skills e. Attitudes and Values III. Planning for Social Studies A. Lesson Plans B. Unit Teaching C. Using the Textbook D. Evaluation IV. Fostering Learner Involvement 1. Introduction 102 2. Classroom Atmosphere for Social Studies 102 3. Fostering Involvement through Activities 104 4. Involving the Family and Community 106 5. Effective Questioning Procedures 107 6. Simulations and Instructional Games 111 7. Developing Presentation and Persuasion Skills 115 8. Promoting Small Group Instruction 116 9. Individualizing Instruction Through Learning Centers 121 10. Using Computer Technology 122 11. Selected Readings 126 The Content Disciplines of Elementary Social Studies V. History: The Roots of Knowledge 1. The Discipline's Perspective 2. What K-6 Students Should Know 3. Alternative History VI . Geography: Making Sense of the Environment A. The Discipline's Perspective B. What K-6 Students Should Know C. Map and Globe Skills VII. Economics: Explaining Money and More A. The Discipline's Perspective B. What K-6 Students Should Know C. Micro-Society and Mini-Society VIII. Political Science: Government, Law, and Politics A. The Discipline's Perspective B. What K-6 Students Should Know C. Law-Related Education 212 IX. Psychology and Social Psychology: Understanding Ourselves A. The Discipline's Perspective B. What K-6 Students Should Know C. Methods for Teaching Psychology and Social Psychology X. Sociology: Exploring Contemporary Society A. The Discipline's Perspective B. What K-6 Students Should Know XI. Anthropology: Exploring Our Physical and Cultural Roots A. The Discipline's Perspective B. What K-6 Students Should Know XII. The Humanities: Artistic Interpretations of Society A. Religion in the Social Studies B. Music, Art, and Drama C. Literature in the Social Studies Special Topics and Methods XIII. Inquiry Instruction A. The Nature of Inquiry Instruction B. The Benefits of Inquiry Instruction C. Guidelines for Conducting Inquiry Lessons D. Other Forms of Inquiry XIV. Multicultural Education A. Our Multicultural Heritage and Future B. The Goals and Methods of Multicultural Education C. Racism and Sexism D. Social Class Differences E. Issues in Multicultural Education and How to Handle Them F. The Importance of Common Ground G. Guidelines for Teaching About Native Americans XV. Global Education A. World Trends Tie Us Together B. Bringing Global Education Into Your Classroom C. Global Education Resources XVI. Promoting Positive Democratic Values A. Nature of Values B. Values Education in Social Studies C. Approaches to Values Education XVII. Current Events A. The What and Why of Current Events B. Current Events in the Primary and Upper Elementary Grades C. Ways to Implement Current Events Instruction D. Problem Areas in Current Events Instruction E. Television News and Special Programs F. Specialized News Publications G. Copyright Guidelines H. Using Holidays As Current Events XVIII.Integrating Other Content Areas A. Music Activities B. Creative Art Activities C. Dramatic Activities D. Using Writing Skills E. Using Reading Skills F. Using Math Skills XIX. Resolving Differences of Opinion in the Classroom A. What Is A Difference of Opinion? B. Examples of Opinion Differences C. Why Differences of Opinion Belong In Your Room D. Guidelines for Discussing and Resolving Differences of Opinion
Syllabus