Social studies is the integrated study of the social sciences to prepare students to become responsible citizens. Responsible citizens display social understanding and civic participation. Social understanding is the knowledge of social aspects of the human condition, how they have evolved over time, the variations that occur in differing physical environments and cultural settings and the emerging trends that appear likely to shape the future. Civic competence is the readiness and willingness to assume citizenship responsibilities and to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a democratic society and an interdependent world.

• Uses knowledge of the past to construct meaningful understanding of our diverse cultural heritage and inform her civic judgments (Historical Perspective)
• Uses knowledge of spatial patterns on earth to understand processes that shape human environment to make decisions about society. (Geographic Perspective)
• Uses knowledge of American government and politics to make decisions about governing his community. (Civic Perspective)
• Uses knowledge of the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services to make personal, career and societal decisions about the use of scarce resources. (Economic Perspective)
• Uses methods of social science investigation to answer questions about society. (Inquiry)
• Constructs and expresses thoughtful positions on public issues. (Public Discourse and Decision Making)
• Acts constructively to further the public good. (Citizen Involvement)

Taken from the Michigan Content Standards and Benchmarks

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