What is Social Studies? Key Definitions

Social Studies…. is the integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence.

Civic Competence…. equips individuals to participate fully in civic life, based on knowledge of social and political concepts. It shows that the person is willing and able to contribute to and participate in a democratic society and the global community.

Social Justice…. Is based on the concept of human rights and equality and is seen as the way in which human rights are established in the everyday lives of people at every level of society.

Discipline…. is a branch of knowledge, typically one subject area.

Integrated Study…. Combining of two or more disciplines, allowing students to see how ideas are connected.

Multidisciplinary…. is the combining or involving several academic disciplines in an approach to a topic or a problem.

Interdisciplinary…. is relating to more than one branch of academic knowledge.

Curriculum… refers to the means and materials with which students will interact for the purpose of achieving identified educational outcomes.