Social studies are the integrated study of the social sciences and the humanities to promote civic competence. Within the school program, social studies provides coordinated, systematic study drawing upon such disciplines as anthropology, archaeology, economics, geography, law, philosophy, political science, psychology, religion and sociology, as well as appropriate content from the humanities, mathematics, and natural sciences. The primary purpose of social studies is to help young people develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world.
As we advance boldly into the 21st century, it is increasingly more important that students become aware of other cultures, economic and political systems and the historical developments that have molded these various cultures and systems. Through the study of social studies, students should come to a greater Catholic understanding of individual and group development, power and authority, rights and responsibilities, along with civic ideals and practices. They should also develop a keen awareness of both social justice and social responsibility as they consider the world in which they live, their needs, and the needs of others.
The standards for social studies have four main strands: Civics, Economics, Geography, and History. These four stands integrate all of the content strands from the social studies curriculum frame work from the Connecticut State Department of Education and the National Council for Social Studies.
An integral part in the study of social studies includes the integration of Catholic social teachings
People are more important than things, and the measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person.
How we organize our society, in economics, politics, law and policy, directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community.
Human dignity can be protected and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met.
In a society marred by deepening divisions between rich and poor, we are instructed to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first.
If the dignity of work is to be protected, then the rights of workers, to decent wages, to organize and join unions, and to private property, must be respected.
We are one human family, whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences.