Social Science

VS Social Lesson 1
WEEK 1

Studies
Learning Objectives:

Differentiate social science and social studies; and

Enumerate the salient feature of the new social studies.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
SOCIAL SCIENCE AND
SOCIAL STUDIES
TOPIC 1
INTRODUCTION
• Social studies and social
science can be easy to
confuse. Though Social they
are sounds like two similar
concepts, and deal with
some of the same subject
matter. They are two
different fields of study.
• However, there are some
key differences that
distinguish the two terms
so that they cannot be used
interchangeably. In this
article, we are going to look
at the difference between
social science and social
studies.
 Social Science
• Social Science is a subject area that
studies society and the
relationships among individuals
within a society.
• Social Science is categorized into
many branches such as Geography
(study of the earth and its features,
inhabitants, and phenomena),
Anthropology (study of humans),
Histor y (study of past), Economics
(study of production, distribution and
consumption of goods and services),
Political Science(study of theor y
and practice of politics and the
description and analysis of political
systems and political behavior.) etc.
Social Studies
• Social studies can be introduced
as the study of both social
sciences and humanities.
• According to U.S American
National Council for the
Social Studies, “Social studies,
is the integrated study of the
social sciences and humanities to
promote civic competence.”
However, social studies is most
often used as the NAME of the
course taught at schools.
 1. INTENDED PURPOSES.
• The social sciences are branches of study
What are that analyze society and the social
interactions of people within a society.
the Subjects that fall under the umbrella of social
difference sciences are anthropology, history,
economics, geography, and many others
between that explore societal relations.
• Social studies is the systematic study of an
Social integrated body of content drawn from the
Science and social sciences and the humanities. It enables
students to develop their knowledge and
Social understandings of the diverse and
dynamic nature of society and of how
studies? interactions occur among cultures,
societies, and environments.
 2. STREAM ORIENTATION.
• Social science is more stream-oriented.
What are It's the science of society; the in-depth
knowledge and systematic study of each
the branch of social transaction. It is
difference empirical and based on various scientific
methods of deduction to arrive at a
between conclusion based on facts.
Social • Social studies is the integrated study
of the social sciences and humanities to
Science and promote effective citizenry. Social
studies are subjects most frequently taught
Social to school students to help them
studies? understand how to be effective citizens
of society.
 3. BRANCH OF SCIENCE
• Social Science, as the name implies, deals
What are with the science of society utilizing the
gathering of data and analysis of that
the data. Whereas Social Studies normally
deals with the observation of Society. Here
difference students develop and apply skills as they
between investigate society, explore issues, make
decisions, and work cooperatively with
Social others.
• Social sciences are taught under higher
Science and studies curriculum whereas, social studies
Social are subjects most frequently taught to
school-based students to help them
studies? understand how to be effective citizens of
society.
In summary…
The core difference between social science and social studies exists in their purpose; in social science, you
study the society and social life of human groups while in social studies, you study both social science and
humanities to promote effective citizenry.

Social Studies is the study of all phases of societies whereas Social Science is the inference of those studies
to solve problems within a society, which may lead to the ultimate development of the society as a whole.

Social science is the field of sciences concerned with the studies of the social life of human groups and
individuals. Social studies is a term used to describe the broad study of various fields that involve past and
current human behavior and interactions.

Another difference is that Social science is divided into many branches while social studies is divided into
two main categories humanities and social sciences.

Social science dates to back to the 18th century while social studies is a relatively new term.
 1. What is the main
purpose of social
science compared to
social studies?
2. How do social science
and social studies
QUICK differ in terms of their
study focus and
methodology?
CHECK! 3. Can you explain the
key distinction
between social science
and social studies in
terms of their
historical background
and academic levels?
IN CONCLUSION…
• We can conclude therefore that even though social
studies make use of social science disciplines, it has
a different orientation.
• The study of social studies should remain an integral
part of the educational system at all levels.
• WE CONCLUDE THAT IF SOCIAL STUDIES AND
SOCIAL SCIENCES DID NOT PERMEATE AND
COOPERATE IN THE LONG RUN, HUMAN
BEINGS AND SOCIETY WOULD FAIL TO
DEVELOP SMOOTHLY.
IN CONCLUSION…
• The social sciences are a vital part of today's culture and
touch on all areas of life, and Europe has a long history with
them.
• Today two out of the top five universities in the world for the
social sciences are European.
• Many European universities specialize in the social sciences –
as seen through places like the London School of Economics
and Political Science or the Sciences Po, Paris.
• Even those that don't specialize in social sciences, however, excel
at them, including places like the University of Amsterdam,
founded in the 1600s, or the University of Copenhagen, the
oldest university in Denmark.
IN
CONCLUSION…
• Europe has long led the progress of
these sciences, seen through Germany
bringing out the emergence of
experimental psychology, or the
Swiss' influence on structural
linguistics.
• This histor y of innovative thought
makes Europe the perfect place for
studying these subjects today .
SOCIAL
SCIENCE
MORE ABOUT…
Social Sciences: a
definition

• A good definition is given by the

European Science foundation –
the social sciences are those subjects
which examine and explain
human beings. This includes a
variety of ways – from
understanding how minds work,
to how societies as a whole
function.
 1. Anthropology
Specific Social • Known as the 'science of
humanity', anthropology covers
Sciences a broad range of topics – from
human behavior, to cultural
relations, and how the
evolution of humanity has
influenced society's structure.
• It's often described as being both
scientific and humanistic,
meaning it's well-suited for
anyone looking to indulge
passions for both of these kinds
of subject – and, whilst focusing
on history to an extent, there's
plenty of chance to apply it in
modern contexts too!
 2. Archaeology
Specific Social Whilst many people think of
archaeologists as being like
Indiana Jones, the truth is
Sciences very different – though no less
interesting. Similar to
anthropology in that it is the
study of humanity, it relies
much more on the material
evidence left behind by
cultures.
There is excavation work,
analysis, and surveying to be
done.
Europe's rich history – with
the Roman Empire, the
Vikings, and much more –
means it is a perfect place to
study this.
 3. Economics
• Economics looks at the
Specific Social production, distribution
and consumption of
Sciences goods and services.
• You can choose to take a
close view or a broad one,
but in general, it comes
down to looking at how the
economic systems of the
world work.
• This knowledge can be
applied both theoretically
and practically, meaning
the subject is well-suited
for anyone interested in the
current economic world.
 4. Geography
Specific Social • Though many of us may
remember geography as the
Sciences subject at school that
involved maps, it goes
beyond that – analyzing
population, the land
itself, the relationship
between the two and
often linking to the
earth sciences (such as
geology).
• At postgraduate level, you'll
be able to specialize in a
particular branch – such as
oceanology,
environmental
management or tourism
geography.
 5. History
Specific Social • History is a broad subject,
encompassing large areas
Sciences
and time periods of the
worlds.
• Whilst postgraduate level
study gives you a chance to
specialize, you'll still be
using similar skills –
interpreting sources,
looking at current
theories of the past, and
assessing ideas against
the available evidence.
• With Europe's long, well-
documented history,
there's the chance to get
to look at the places you're
studying firsthand.
 6. Law

Specific Social • Studying Law will give you

the opportunity to look at
a variety of legal
Sciences systems, and to focus on
a particular area –
contract law,
international law or
criminal law, to name but
a few.
• Doing further study in law
is especially useful if
intending to go into it as a
career, although it is
possible to study it solely
for academic reasons.
Specific Social Sciences
7. Linguistics
• Linguistics is the study of language – looking
at its form, context, or meaning. Rather than
learning to speak a particular language, it's
more about how language itself works.
• Within linguistics, there is a broad range of
study, from looking at grammar to language
acquisition or the evolution of language .
• With Europe having 23 official languages, and
Europe itself having more than 60 indigenous
regional and minority languages , what
better place to study linguistics?
 8. Political Science
Specific Social • Politics affect every part of
life, so it's no wonder it
makes such a fascinating
Sciences area of study. Often broken
up into Political
Philosophy, Comparative
Politics and International
Relations, this subject
allows for studying both
historical and current
events.
• Again, this is a degree
perfect for both those
aiming for a career in the
area, or looking at it
academically, and with the
EU containing so many
differing systems, it's a
fantastic place to study it.
 9. Psychology

Specific Social
• Both theoretical and
experimental, psychology
makes use of studying both
Sciences social behavior and
neurobiological processes.
• With such a broad area of
study – the human mind –
you'll specialize in particular
areas, perhaps child
development, interpersonal
relationships or social
psychology.
• Europe has a long history with
psychology, thanks to
Germany's involvement in its
development, so in studying
here you'll be joining a long
line of innovative scholars.
 10. Sociology

Specific Social
• Sociology is the study of
society, both on the individual
and structural level.
Sciences • Covering topics such as class,
religion and social mobility,
there's a broad range to
choose to specialize in.
• Some sociologists work solely
for theoretical purposes, whilst
others intend to use their
findings in policies or welfare.
In such a multicultural
continent as Europe, with its
large variety of societies, you'll
find plenty to study, and with
the number of changes that
have taken place in the past
century, there'll be an area to
interest you.
SOCIAL
STUDIES
MORE ABOUT…
 Social Studies is the interdisciplinary
study of citizenship and government,
Social economics, geography, history, and other
disciplines in the social sciences and

Studies – humanities.

a Social Studies empowers learners to

become inquisitive, informed, and
definition engaged members of society who use
critical thinking, inquiry, and literacy
to prepare for college, careers, and
civic life
 In the United States education system,
social studies is the integrated study of multiple
fields of social science and the humanities,
including history, geography, and political

Social science.

Studies The term was first coined by American

–a educators around the turn of the 20th

century as a catch-all for these subjects, as

History
well as others that did not fit into the
traditional models of lower education in the
United States, such as philosophy and
psychology.
 • In 1912, the Bureau of Education
was tasked by then Secretary of the
Interior Franklin Knight Lane with
completely restructuring the

Social
American Education System for
the 20 th century.
• In response, the Bureau of Education,
together with the National

Studies
Education Association, created the
Commission on the
Reorganization of Secondary
Education. The Commission was

–a
made up of 16 committees (a 17th
was established two years later, in
1916), each one tasked with the
reform of a specific aspect of the

History
American Education System.
• Notable among these was the
Committee on Social Studies,
which was created to consolidate and
standardize various subjects which did
not fit within normal school curricula
into a new subject, to be called "The
Social Studies."
WHY IS SOCIAL
STUDIES
IMPORTANT?
REFLECT!
“The primary purpose of social studies is to
help young people make informed and
reasoned decisions for the public good as
citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic
society in an interdependent world.”

– National Council for Social

Studies
THE ‘NEW’ SOCIAL
STUDIES: ITS SALIENT
FEATURES
TOPIC 2
Aim and Purpose of Social
Studies
• The main goal of teaching social studies is
to teach students to become good citizens.
• We are living in a diverse society — one
that requires knowledge of social studies to
succeed.
• With a social studies background, children
become adults who can participate
civilly in our democratic society
Social Studies in the 21st
Century
•Social studies connect students with
the real world.
•In today’s interconnected world,
students must be prepared to
interact with people of all cultures
and communities, and social studies
prepares them for this.
The Importance of Social Studies
in The School Curriculum
• All children who go through the school curriculum
become something when they graduate.
• And no matter what that something is, they will
need to interact with others from different
cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Students must study how society works, and
how people work in a society in order for it all
to work once they enter society after
graduation.
 1. Better Reading and

8 Reasons: Learning
• Social studies is one area in

Why Is Social education where content

integration is key.

Studies • Students are given reading

material that corresponds

Important for
with the current learning
topics.

Students?
• Giving reading materials
in context helps students
become better readers.
They also become better
learners because they are
asked to use analysis, critical
thinking, and writing to show
understanding.
 2. Citizen Responsibilities
8 Reasons: and Values
• How can we expect young
Why Is Social people to contribute
positively to society, engage in
Studies discourse, and thrive in a
democratic society if they are

Important for
not exposed to the topics and
aspects of history and life that
made society the way it is?
Students? • Students need an
understanding of history,
political science, culture,
and all humanities to be
able to understand why it
is important to be a good
citizen.
8 Reasons: Why Is Social Studies
Important for Students?
3. Cultural Understanding
• Students should be exposed to cultures far beyond
what they experience personally every day. Not every
student has the opportunity to interact with other cultures
on a daily basis.
• We need students to learn about, understand, and
appreciate cultural differences if we expect them to have
meaningful interactions with people of all backgrounds in the
future
 8 Reasons: Why Is Social
Studies Important for
Students?
4. Economic
• Education Economics is a crucial part of social
studies, whether studied on its own, or as a part of
history, anthropology, or political science.
• By learning economics, young people understand
how their financial decisions have an impact
on their future, as well as the future of
society
 5. Critical Thinking
8 Reasons: • Critical thinking is a part of
Why Is social studies — students are
taught to evaluate others’
Social decisions and make connections
Studies between influences and
Important circumstances.
• Young people get the opportunity
for to learn from others’
Students? mistakes through social sciences.
 6. Real-World
• Understanding Studying
8 Reasons: social sciences gives
Why Is Social students an
understanding of the
Studies real world around them.
• Students learn about
Important for places, cultures, and
Students? events around the world,
what conspired to make
them the way they are,
and can make inferences
about how the rest of
the world works.
 7. Political Skills
8 Reasons: • From social studies classes,
students learn about
Why Is government, political ideas,
Social country economy and
Studies resources, and more.
• Students gain political skills by
Important analyzing and evaluating
for existing systems and imaging
Students? the future of the place in
which they live.
8 Reasons: Why Is Social Studies
Important for Students?
8. Respect History
• History is what made the world the way it is,
and people must study it to have an appreciation
for and understanding of the way the world
works.
• Learning about history is what makes it possible
to learn from the past and plan for the
future.
 • One of the reasons for
teaching young people
social studies is for them
to be able to
Making participate civilly in a
Sense of the democratic society.
World: • Children start as early as
kindergarten to understand
Social the world around them,
Studies for and schools should follow
Young suit and start teaching
social studies concepts
Students such as communication,
critical thinking, and
culture as early as
possible.
 1. Meaningful
Qualities of • Social studies should be
meaningful to students.
Purposeful
Teachers should embrace
Social the natural interests
Studies of students and plan
topics around those
interests.
 2. Integrative
Qualities of • Integrating all aspects of life is
key to a successful social studies
Purposeful curriculum. Not only should
Social current events and other
classes be integrated, but
Studies also aspects of daily life as
well. Every moment is a
teachable moment.
 3. Value-Based
Qualities of • Key values of democracy
are opportunity, equality,
Purposeful
justice, and freedom of
Social speech. These values
Studies should be echoed
throughout all parts of
social studies.
 4. Challenging
• Teachers can challenge children in
Qualities of social studies classes in ways they
aren’t or can’t be challenged in other
Purposeful classes.
Social • In-depth critical analysis should be
implemented — getting students to
Studies think and reflect will help them
engage and challenge them to
care about what’s going on
around them.
Qualities of Purposeful Social
Studies
5. Active
•Get students active and engaged
with debates, discussions, role
playing, projects, and
simulations. This is one area of
school where kids should really get
into it!
Weekly Output 1:
• Individual activity # 1 - Essay
a. what is the scope of social studies all about?
b. What is the scope of social science all about?
• Individual activity # 2 – Graphic Organizer
What makes social studies different from social
science? Use the Venn Diagram to show its similarities
and differences. (Computerized. To be submitted in our
GC)