Social Studies

In the general education of all students, the place and importance of history and social studies cannot be denied. The reasons are many, but none is more important to a democratic society than this: knowledge of history is the essential condition of political intelligence. Without history a society shares no common memory of where it has been, what its basic values are, or what decisions of the past account for present circumstances. Without history and knowledge in the social sciences, no sensible inquiry into the political, social, or moral issues in society can take place. Without this knowledge, the informed, discriminating citizenship essential to effective participation in the democratic process and the fulfillment of national ideals cannot be achieved.

A social studies education opens to students opportunities to develop a comprehensive understanding of the world and its many cultures and ways of life different from their own. With a sound background in the social sciences, students may gain an appreciation of the world's many peoples and of their shared humanity and common problems. Students may acquire the habit of seeing matters through the eyes of others and in doing so come to realize that they can better understand themselves. This will enable them to contribute to the fulfillment of the nation's democratic ideals. Rooted in history, civics, and geography, and integrating concepts from anthropology, economics, psychology, sociology, and the humanities, a social sciences education empowers students to become active and responsible participants in a diverse society in an increasingly interdependent world.