M653/J653: Nature of the Social Studies

Instructor: Dr. Lynne Boyle-Baise

Wednesday, 4:00-6:45 pm.

Course Description: The social studies of the American high school should have for their conscious and constant purpose the cultivation of good citizenship (1916, Report on Social Studies in Secondary Education).

What is the nature of the social studies? What counts as social studies knowledge, to whom, when, where, why, and with impact? In this seminar, we will study historic roots, definition debates, and curriculum ideas that shaped (and continue to shape) social studies. We will consider social studies teachers as curricular and instructional “gatekeepers,” and examine issues that influence contemporary curriculum. Our investigations should help you set your own course as a social studies advocate and gatekeeper. Four themes will mark our studies: 1) Historic Roots, 2) Definition Debates, 3) Curricular Trends, and 4) Making Social Studies Matter.  

The course is cross-listed as a Social Studies and Curriculum Studies course. You can use it as part of your major in Curriculum Studies, as part of your foundations courses for  master’s level programs, or as an elective.