WHAT IS SOCIAL SCIENCE?

• Archaeology
Social Science is a subject area that studies the Whilst many people think of archaeologists as being like
society and the relationships among individuals within a Indiana Jones, the truth is very different though no less
society. Social Science is categorized into many branches interesting. Similar to anthropology in that it is the study
such as Geography (study of the earth and its features, of humanity, it relies much more on the material evidence
inhabitants, and phenomena), Anthropology (study of left behind by cultures. There is excavation work,
humans), History (study of past), Economics (study of analysis and surveying to be done. Europe's rich history -
production, distribution and consumption of goods and with the Roman Empire, the Vikings, and much more -
services), political science (study of theory and practice means it is a perfect place to study this.
of politics and the description and analysis of political • Economics
systems and political behavior.) etc. Economics looks at the production, distribution and
consumption of goods and services. You can choose to
WHAT IS SOCIAL STUDIES? take a close view or a broad one, but in general, it comes
Social studies can be introduced as the study of down to looking at how the economic systems of the
both social sciences and humanities. According to US world work. This knowledge can be applied both
American National Council for the Social Studies, theoretically and practically, meaning the subject is well
"Social studies, is the integrated study of the social suited for anyone interested in the current economic
sciences and humanities to promote civic competence." world.
However, social studies is most often used as a name of • Geography
the course taught at schools. Though many of us may remember geography as the
subject at school that involved maps, it goes beyond that
1. Social science is more streams oriented. It's the science - analyzing population, the land itself, the relationship
of the society; the in depth knowledge and systematic between the two and often linking to the earth sciences
study of each branch of social transaction. It is empirical (such as geology). At postgraduate level, you'll be able to
and based on various scientific methods of deduction to specialize in a particular branch - such as oceanology,
arrive at a conclusion based on facts. environmental management or tourism geography.
2. Social studies is the integrated study of the social • Law
sciences and humanities to promote effective citizenry. Studying Law will give you the opportunity to look at a
3. Social studies are subjects most frequently taught to variety of legal systems, and to focus on a particular area
school students to help them understand how to be - contract law, international law or criminal law, to name
effective citizens of society. but a few. Doing further study in law is especially useful
4. Social Science, as the name implies, deals with the if intending to go into it as a career, although it is possible
science of society utilizing the gathering of data and to study it solely for academic reasons.
analysis of that data. Whereas Social Studies normally • Linguistics
deals with the observation of Society. Here students Linguistics is the study of language - looking at its form,
develop and apply skills as they investigate society, context, or meaning. Rather than learning to speak a
explore issues, make decisions, and work cooperatively particular language, it's more about how language itself
with others. works. Within linguistics, there is a broad range of study,
5. Social sciences are taught under higher studies from looking at grammar, to language acquisition or the
curriculum whereas, social studies are subjects most evolution of language. With the EU having 23 official
frequently taught to school-based students to help them languages, and Europe itself having more than 60
understand how to be effective citizens of society. indigenous regional and minority languages, what better
place to study linguistics?
SUBJECTS FOR SOCIAL SCIENCES • Psychology
• Anthropology Both theoretical and experimental, psychology makes use
Known as the 'science of humanity', anthropology covers of studying both social behavior and neurobiological
a broad range of topics - from human behavior, to cultural processes. With such a broad area of study - the human
relations, and how the evolution of humanity has mind you'll specialize in particular areas, perhaps child
influenced society's structure. It's often described as development, interpersonal relationships or social
being both scientific and humanistic, meaning it's well- psychology. Europe has a long history with psychology,
suited for anyone looking to indulge passions for both of thanks to Germany's involvement in its development, so
these kinds of subject - and, whilst focusing on history to in studying here you'll be joining a long line of innovative
an extent, there's plenty of chance to apply it in modern scholars.
contexts too!
 • Sociology science, culture, and all humanities to be able to
Sociology is the study of society, both on the individual understand why it is important to be a good citizen.
and structural level. Covering topics such as class,
religion and social mobility, there's a broad range to 3. Cultural Understanding
choose to specialize in. Some sociologists work solely for Students should be exposed to cultures far beyond what
theoretical purposes, whilst others intend to use their they experience personally every day. Not every student
findings in policies or welfare. In such a multicultural has the opportunity to interact with other cultures on a
continent as Europe, with its large variety of societies, daily basis. We need students to learn about, understand,
you'll find plenty to study, and with the amount of and appreciate cultural differences if we expect them to
changes that have taken place in the past century, there'll have meaningful interactions with people of all
definitely be an area to interest you. backgrounds in the future

THE 'NEW' SOCIAL STUDIES: ITS SALIENT 4. Economic Education

FEATURES Economics is a crucial part of social studies, whether
studied on its own, or as a part of history, anthropology,
Aim and Purpose of Social Studies or political science. By learning economics, young people
The main goal of teaching social studies is to teach understand how their financial decisions have an impact
students to become good citizens. We are living in a on their future, as well as the future of society.
diverse society-one that requires knowledge of social
studies to succeed. With a social studies background, 5. Critical Thinking
children become adults that can participate civilly in our Critical thinking is a part of social studies students are
democratic society. taught to evaluate others' decisions and make connections
between influences and circumstances. Young people get
Social Studies in the 21st Century the opportunity to learn from others' mistakes through
Social studies connect students with the real world. In social sciences.
today's interconnected world, students must be prepared
to interact with people of all cultures and communities, 6. Real-World Understanding
and social studies prepares them for this. Studying social sciences gives students an understanding
of the real world around them. Students learn about
THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL STUDIES IN THE places, cultures, and events around the world, what
SCHOOL CURRICULUM conspired to make them the way they are, and can make
All children who go through the school curriculum inferences about how the rest of the world works.
become something when they graduate. And no matter
what that something is, they will need to interact with 7. Political Skills
others from different cultural and socioeconomic From social studies classes, students learn about
backgrounds. Students must study how society works, government, political ideas, country economy and
and how people work in a society in order for it all to resources, and more. Students gain political skills by
work once they enter society after graduation. analyzing and evaluating existing systems and imaging
the future of the place in which they live.
1. Better Reading and Learning
Social studies is one area in education where content 8. Respect History
integration is key. Students are given reading material History is what made the world the way it is, and it is
that corresponds with the current learning topics. Giving essential that people study it in order to have an
reading materials in context helps students become better appreciation for and understanding of the way the world
readers. They also become better learners because they works. Learning about history is what makes it possible
are asked to use analysis, critical thinking, and writing to to learn from the past and plan for the future.
show understanding.

2. Citizen Responsibilities and Values

How can we expect young people to contribute positively
to society, engage in discourse, and thrive in a democratic
society if they are not exposed to the topics and aspects
of history and life that made society the way it is?
Students need an understanding of history, political