Introduction
Social studies is the study of people in relation to
each other and to their world. It is an issuesfocused and inquiry-based interdisciplinary
subject that draws upon history, geography,
ecology, economics, law, philosophy, political
science and other social science disciplines.
Social studies fosters students’ understanding of
and involvement in practical and ethical issues
that face their communities and humankind.
Social studies is integral to the process of enabling
students to develop an understanding of who they
are, what they want to become and the society in
which they want to live.
Task
Social studies develops the key values and
attitudes, knowledge and understanding, and skills
and processes necessary for students to become
active and responsible citizens, engaged in the
democratic process and aware of their capacity to
effect change in their communities, society and world.
Process
Social studies provides learning opportunities for
students to:
• engage in active inquiry and critical and
creative thinking
• engage in problem solving and conflict
resolution with an awareness of the ethical
consequences of decision making
• apply historical and geographic skills to bring
meaning to issues and events
• use and manage information and
communication technologies critically
• conduct research ethically using varied
methods and sources; organize, interpret and
present their findings; and defend their
opinions
• apply skills of metacognition, reflecting upon
what they have learned and what they need to
learn
• recognize and responsibly address injustices
as they occur in their schools, communities,
Canada and the world
• communicate ideas and information in an
informed, organized and persuasive manner
Conclusion
Students bring their own perspectives, cultures
and experiences to the social studies classroom.
They construct meaning in the context of their
lived experience through active inquiry and
engagement with their school and community. In
this respect, the infusion of current events, issues
and concerns is an essential component of social
studies.
Social studies recognizes the interconnections and
interactions among school, community, provincial,
national and global institutions.
The Alberta program of studies for social studies
provides learning opportunities for students to
develop skills of active and responsible citizenship
and the capacity to inquire, make reasoned and
informed judgments, and arrive at decisions for
the public good.