FOUNDATION OF SOCIAL STUDIES

MODULE FIVE

PRELIMINARIES
Module Title: MODULE FIVE – OBJECTIVES OF LEARNING SOCIAL STUDIES

Course Title: Foundation of Social Studies

Course Number: SOCIAL STUDIES 101

Course Description:

This course guides the students to demonstrate knowledge on the nature, history,
philosophical and theoretical perspectives in Social Studies/Science as a body of knowledge.
It also deals with the comparative analyses and relationships of the various Social Science
disciplines.

Total Learning Time: 9 hours

Pre-requisites: N/A

OVERVIEW
"Foundations of Social Studies" is a comprehensive course designed to introduce students to
the fundamental concepts, theories, and methodologies that underpin the field of social
studies. This course typically serves as an entry point for students to develop a deep
understanding of various disciplines within the social sciences, including history, geography,
economics, political science, sociology, and anthropology. Social Studies 101 covers the
topics on; Introduction to Social Sciences where students are introduced to the core
disciplines of social studies and learn about their unique perspectives on society and human
behavior. Historical Thinking where students explore how historians study the past,
including the use of primary and secondary sources, historical interpretation, and the
importance of historical context. Geographic Inquiry is course typically covers basic
geographic concepts such as location, place, region, movement, and human-environment
interaction. Students learn how to analyze maps, interpret data, and understand the impact of
geography on societies. Economic Principles where students are introduced to fundamental
economic concepts such as scarcity, opportunity cost, supply and demand, and economic
systems. They explore how economic factors influence individual choices and societal
development. Political Systems is course covers different forms of government, political
institutions, and processes. Students learn about citizenship, rights and responsibilities, and
the role of government in society. Cultural Studies where Students investigate the cultural
diversity of societies, exploring topics such as language, religion, customs, traditions, and
beliefs. They learn how culture shape’s identity and influences behavior. Global
Interconnections is a course that may also address global issues, such as globalization,
intercultural communication, international relations, and global citizenship. Students examine
the interconnectedness of societies and explore the implications of global processes.

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LEARNING OUTCOMES
This course/module made a concerted effort to achieve the following learning outcomes. At
the end of the course the students should be able to: a. Identify the objectives of teaching
social studies at the elementary, secondary and tertiary levels; Discuss the multidisciplinary
and integrated approach of teaching the different fields of social studies in the elementary,
secondary and tertiary levels; Discuss, with fairness and maturity, the values and advantages
of social sciences teaching along social, cultural, moral, democratic, political and disciplinary
values; and d. draw and tell, with fairness and honesty, the values of learning social studies.

INDICATIVE CONTENT
MODULE FIVE – OBJECTIVES OF LEARNING SOCIAL STUDIES

Lesson 1. Objectives of Teaching Social Studies at the Elementary Level

Lesson 2. Objectives of Teaching Social Studies at the Secondary Level
Lesson 3. Objectives of Teaching Social Studies at the Tertiary Level

DISCUSSION
The objectives of social studies education are to equip students with a comprehensive
understanding of various aspects of society, culture, history, economics, politics, and
geography. These objectives are designed to foster informed and responsible citizenship,
critical thinking, and an appreciation for the interconnectedness of the world.

Some general objectives of social studies are as follows:

Civic and Citizenship Education: Social studies aims to develop active and informed
citizens who understand their rights, responsibilities, and roles in society. It promotes
civic participation, ethical decision-making, and a commitment to the common good.
Cultural Awareness and Appreciation: Social studies helps students appreciate the
diversity of cultures, traditions, and perspectives. It fosters respect for different
cultures and encourages an open-minded approach to understanding global
differences.
Historical Understanding: Social studies educate students about the past, enabling
them to understand historical events, their causes, and their impact on the present. It
encourages critical analysis of historical sources and narratives.
Geographical Knowledge: Social studies provide students with knowledge about the
world's physical and human geography. This includes understanding maps, regions,
landscapes, and the relationships between people and their environments.
Economic Literacy: Social studies help students comprehend economic principles,
systems, and issues. It promotes financial literacy, understanding of economic
inequalities, and the role of economies in shaping societies.
Political Awareness: Social studies educate students about political structures,
systems, and ideologies. It encourages them to understand the democratic process,
human rights, and the responsibilities of government.

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 Social Justice and Equity: Social studies aims to foster awareness of social issues,
inequality, and discrimination. It encourages students to critically examine societal
norms and advocate for justice and equity.
Media Literacy: In the digital age, social studies include teaching students to critically
analyze and evaluate media sources, helping them navigate a world filled with
information and misinformation.
Critical Thinking: Social studies encourage students to think critically, analyze
evidence, consider multiple perspectives, and make informed judgments about
complex issues.
Problem Solving: Through the study of social issues, history, and current events,
social studies equip students with problem-solving skills to address societal
challenges.
Effective Communication: Social studies help students develop strong communication
skills, including the ability to express ideas, debate issues, and collaborate with others.
Global Awareness: Social studies foster an understanding of global interdependence,
connecting local issues to global trends and promoting responsible global citizenship.

Lesson 1. Objectives of Teaching Social Studies at the Elementary Level

Teaching social studies at the elementary level involves a variety of objectives designed to
foster understanding of human behavior, cultures, and societal structures. Here are key
objectives for teaching social studies to young learners:

1. Understanding Community and Identity

Objective: Help students understand their own community, history, and identity while
recognizing the diversity of other communities.
Activities: Explore local history projects, community mapping, and discussing family
backgrounds.

2. Civic Awareness and Responsibility

Objective: Introduce concepts of citizenship, government, and civic responsibilities.
Activities: Engage students in discussions about rules, rights, and responsibilities; conduct
mock elections; and participate in community service projects.

3. Cultural Appreciation and Respect

Objective: Encourage respect and appreciation for diverse cultures and traditions around the
world.
Activities: Celebrate cultural holidays, conduct research on different cultures, and invite
guest speakers from various backgrounds.

4. Basic Concepts of Geography

Objective: Teach students foundational geographical concepts, including maps, locations, and
physical features of the earth.
Activities: Use globes and maps to locate countries, conduct mapping activities, and explore
local environments.

5. Historical Perspectives
Objective: Develop an understanding of basic historical concepts, including timelines, cause
and effect, and significant events.

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Activities: Create timelines of important events, discuss historical figures, and engage with
age-appropriate historical stories or legends.

6. Economic Principles
Objective: Introduce basic economic concepts such as needs vs. wants, goods and services,
and the role of money.
Activities: Role-play shopping experiences, conduct classroom “markets,” and discuss the
importance of saving and spending.

7. Critical Thinking and Inquiry Skills

Objective: Foster critical thinking and inquiry-based learning by encouraging questions and
investigations into social studies topics.
Activities: Develop projects that require research and problem-solving, such as creating
questions about a topic and seeking answers through various sources.

8. Integration of Different Disciplines

Objective: Encourage connections between social studies and other subjects (e.g., language
arts, math, science).
Activities: Incorporate storytelling into social studies lessons, use mathematical data in
discussions about economics, or conduct science projects related to environmental issues.

9. Communication Skills
Objective: Enhance students’ abilities to communicate ideas effectively, both verbally and in
writing.
Activities: Conduct group discussions, presentations, and writing assignments focused on
social studies topics.

10. Understanding Current Events

Objective: Promote awareness of local, national, and global current events in a
developmentally appropriate way.
Activities: Use age-appropriate news sources, discuss stories that relate to students' lives, and
engage in classroom debates on relevant issues.

These objectives aim to create a well-rounded curriculum that not only teaches social studies
content but also develops essential life skills and prepares students for responsible and
informed citizenship. By engaging elementary students with interesting and interactive
lessons, educators can instill a lifelong interest in the social sciences.
Lesson 2. Objectives of Teaching Social Studies at the Secondary Level

Teaching social studies at the secondary level involves fostering a more complex
understanding of society, history, politics, and economics among students. Here are key
objectives for teaching social studies in secondary education:

1. Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills

Objective: Develop students' abilities to think critically and analyze information from a
variety of sources.
Activities: Engage students in debates, discussions, and essay writing that require them to
evaluate evidence, assess biases, and formulate arguments.

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2. Comprehensive Historical Understanding
Objective: Provide students with a deep understanding of historical events, themes, and
perspectives, emphasizing cause and effect.
Activities: Explore various historical periods and movements through primary and secondary
sources, timelines, and thematic studies.

3. Civic Engagement and Political Literacy

Objective: Equip students with knowledge about government systems, civic rights,
responsibilities, and the political process.
Activities: Conduct mock elections, participate in community service, engage with local
government, and analyze contemporary political issues.

4. Global Awareness and Cultural Competence

Objective: Foster an understanding of global issues, cultural diversity, and international
relations.
Activities: Study world cultures, current global events, and international organizations;
participate in discussions about globalization, migration, and human rights.

5. Economic Understanding
Objective: Introduce fundamental economic concepts, including supply and demand, market
structures, and the role of government in the economy.
Activities: Analyze case studies, simulate economic scenarios, and discuss current economic
issues through news articles and data analysis.

6. Research and Inquiry Skills

Objective: Enhance students' ability to conduct independent research, formulating questions
and seeking answers across various disciplines.
Activities: Assign research projects that require students to use databases, libraries, and
credible online resources, culminating in presentations or papers.

7. Understanding Personal and Societal Issues

Objective: Encourage students to explore personal identity, social structures, and
contemporary social justice issues.
Activities: Facilitate discussions on race, gender, class, and other aspects of identity; analyze
case studies on social movements and reforms.

8. Interdisciplinary Connections
Objective: Highlight the interconnections between social studies and other subjects such as
science, math, and literature.
Activities: Integrate projects that involve math in economic analysis, literature in historical
context, or science in environmental studies.

9. Ethics and Moral Reasoning

Objective: Inspire students to engage with ethical considerations in social studies, considering
diverse viewpoints and moral dilemmas.
Activities: Use case studies to discuss ethical decisions in history, analyze different
philosophical perspectives, and encourage reflective writing.

10. Communication and Collaboration Skills

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Objective: Improve students' abilities to communicate ideas effectively and collaborate with
others in discussions, debates, and group projects.
Activities: Organize group projects, conduct presentations, and facilitate peer reviews of
written work to enhance constructive feedback skills.

These objectives for secondary social studies aim to prepare students not only with
knowledge of past and present societies but also with the skills necessary to actively
participate in their communities as informed and responsible citizens. By promoting critical
inquiry, fostering civic engagement, and encouraging cultural understanding, educators can
equip students for success in a complex and interconnected world.

Lesson 3. Objectives of Teaching Social Studies at the Tertiary Level

Teaching social studies at the tertiary level involves preparing students for advanced
understanding and critical analysis of complex social, political, economic, and historical
issues. Here are key objectives for teaching social studies at this level of education:

1. In-depth Analytical Skills

Objective: Develop students' abilities to critically analyze texts, policies, and social
phenomena using various theoretical frameworks.
Activities: Engage students in critical discussions, peer-reviewed papers, and case studies that
require nuanced analysis of contemporary social issues.

2. Research Proficiency
Objective: Equip students with advanced research skills, including methodology, data
analysis, and scholarly writing.
Activities: Assign research projects that involve qualitative and quantitative analysis,
literature reviews, and the application of social research methods.

3. Theoretical Understanding
Objective: Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of key social theories and
their application to real-world scenarios.
Activities: Explore major theoretical frameworks (e.g., Marxism, feminism, post-colonialism)
through readings, seminars, and collaborative projects.

4. Civic Engagement and Responsibility

Objective: Encourage active citizenship and engagement in societal issues through service
learning and involvement in community initiatives.
Activities: Facilitate opportunities for internships, community service, and participation in
civic-related projects or campaigns.

5. Global Perspective and Cultural Competence

Objective: Foster an understanding of global issues, cultural dynamics, and international
relations.
Activities: Analyze case studies from different countries, engage in discussions on global
interdependence, and explore the effects of globalization on local cultures.

6. Interdisciplinary Connections
Objective: Promote the integration of social studies with other disciplines, enhancing
students’ understanding of complex social phenomena.

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Activities: Encourage collaborative projects with departments like economics, environmental
science, or public health to analyze multifaceted issues.

7. Ethical Reasoning and Advocacy

Objective: Teach students to navigate ethical dilemmas in social sciences and to advocate for
social justice and equity.
Activities: Explore case studies involving ethical considerations in research and policy-
making, and engage in debates on contemporary ethical issues.

8. Communication and Presentation Skills

Objective: Enhance students' abilities to communicate complex ideas effectively, both
verbally and in writing.
Activities: Require presentations, participation in academic conferences, and the writing of
scholarly articles or essays that articulate their research and findings clearly.

9. Historical Contextualization
Objective: Develop a strong understanding of historical context and its impact on
contemporary social issues and policies.
Activities: Assign readings and projects that connect historical events to current social
phenomena, fostering a historical perspective in analyzing present issues.

10. Fostering a Lifelong Learning Mindset

Objective: Encourage students to become lifelong learners who critically engage with
continuing societal changes and developments.
Activities: Encourage self-directed learning through continuous professional development
opportunities, workshops, and engagement with emerging social issues post-graduation.

These objectives emphasize a comprehensive and critical approach to social studies at the
tertiary level, preparing students to engage thoughtfully and effectively with the complexities
of the social world. By focusing on analytical skills, research proficiency, ethical reasoning,
and civic engagement, educators can equip students to contribute meaningfully to society as
informed and active participants.

ACTIVITIES
Activity 1. Infographics

Tabulate the different objectives in teaching social studies in different level of education and
make a comparison. Justify your comparison with support pictures or articles.

Objectives in Teaching Objectives in Teaching Objectives in Teaching

Social Studies in Social Studies in Secondary Social Studies in Tertiary
Elementary Level Level Level

Comparison:

Support Documents:

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EVALUATION/ASSESSMENT
Answer Comprehensively. (5 points each)

1. What is the main purpose of setting objectives in teaching and learning social studies in
different education levels?

2. What competences or skills are developed in teaching and learning social studies in
different levels?

REFERENCES
Mangal, S. K. & Mangal, U. (2018). Pedagogy of social sciences. 2nd Edition. PHI Learning
Private Limited, Delhi Gordon, S. (1991). The history and philosophy of social science.
Routledge.
http://www.bdu.edu.et/fss/sites/bdu.edu.et.fss/files/The%20History%20and%20Philosophy%
20of%20Social%20Scienceee.pdf

Backhouse, R. & Fontaine, P. (2010). The history of the social sciences since 1945.
Cambridge University Press
http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/40587/8/10_chapter1.pdf

Bautista, M. B., (2001). Philippine review of economics.Vol.38, No. 1. The Social Sciences
in the Philippines: Reflections on Trends and Developments.
http://lynchlibrary.pssc.org.ph:8081/bitstream/handle/0/863/The_Social_Sciences_in_the_Phi
lippines_Reflections_on_Trends%20_and_Developments.pdf?sequence=1

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