Social Studies Education Homepage

INTRODUCTION

Social studies draws its content from the following social science disciplines: anthropology, economics, geography, history, political science, psychology, and sociology. It utilizes content, concepts, skills, values, and methodologies from other discipline areas such as mathematics, philosophy, law, the arts, humanities, the natural sciences, and religion.

The study of social studies helps young people learn about their social, cultural, and physical world and their own place in that world. It provides a context where young people can understand the structure and processes of our society and apply their knowledge and skills to make informed personal and social policy decisions and to adapt to changing social, political, and economic conditions.

Social studies is both single discipline and multi-discipline oriented. Since social scientists do not have a single theory about society, specialists from each discipline observe society from different frames of reference. Often these perspectives are superimposed upon one another to help explain social phenomena.

Professional Development Calendar for Wisconsin Social Studies Teachers

Professional Organizations:

National Council for the Social Studies
Wisconsin Council for the Social Studies
Center for Civic Education
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Council for Economic Education
Economics Wisconsin
National Geographic
Wisconsin Geographic Alliance
National Council for History Education
American Psychological Association

Resources:

Wisconsin Observance Days
Engage! State – Tribal – Local Government
Democracy it is!
Financial Literacy: Teach it!
iCivics
State Bar of Wisconsin Law-Related Education
Wisconsin Historical Society Teacher and Student Portal
Gilder-Lehrman Institute of American History

For questions about this information, contact Kristen McDaniel (608)266-2207

Last updated on 12/20/2011 1:53:28 PM