This course engages practicing and preservice teachers in an exploration of the goals, content, and methodologies of elementary social studies.
Athena Title
Soc Studies for Young Child
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in ESOC 7420E
Semester Course Offered
Offered every year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
Students will understand the potential goals and content of the Early Childhood Social Studies (ECSS) curriculum.
Students will be able to critically examine and experience using instructional methods (such as role playing, inquiry, and values clarification) that have particular applicability to ECSS.
Students will be able to help the student develop a set of well-grounded, professional beliefs and preferences regarding ECSS instruction.
Students will be able to thoughtfully examine ECSS curriculum issues and research.
Topical Outline
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
A. Introduction
B. Classroom Atmosphere for Social Studies
C. Fostering Involvement through Activities
D. Involving the Family and Communities
E. Effective Questioning Procedures
F. Simulations and Instructional Games
G. Developing Presentation and Persuasion Skills
H. Promoting Small Group Instruction
I. Individualizing Instruction Through Learning Centers
J. Using Computer Technology
K. Selected Readings
L. The Content Disciplines of Elementary Social Studies
V. History: The Roots of Knowledge
A. The Discipline's Perspective
B. What K-6 Students Should Know
C. 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
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
D. 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
