Sosyal Bilgiler (Social Studies Education)

ASOC. PROF. SELÇUK ILGAZ  (ilgaz@atauni.edu.tr)

1. Sosyal Bilgiler Eğitimi (Social Studies Education in Turkey)

  1.1. Social Sciences and Social Studies

The concepts of “social sciences” and “social studies” are two different concepts that are very close to each other and are often confused. In order to understand exactly what the concept of “Social Studies”, which is the basis of our subject, means, the concept of “Social Sciences” needs to be examined.

The concept of social science is generally defined as “social science” or the branch of science that studies society and human relations. (Edt. Turan & Ulusoy, 2011, p. 3) The most common view on the concept of social science in Turkey; sociology, history, geography, history, psychology, political science, economics, law, anthropology, education, folklore, communication, ethnology, art history and archeology are the disciplines that make up the social sciences.( Bilgili, 2010, s. 2, Köstüklü 1998, s. 9)

Social studies, on the other hand, is a kind of curriculum created by combining different disciplines in social sciences. Although many definitions have been made regarding social studies, in the most general terms, social studies is a curriculum created with the aim of raising good citizens based on the general objectives of Turkish National Education by making use of the data of social sciences. (Turan 2009, s. 3)

        1.2. A Brief History of Social Studies Education

               1.2.1. Social Studies in the World: The concept of social studies was first introduced in the United States in 1916 by the Education Office as “Social Studies in Secondary Education”. (Lybarger 1983, p. 455) However, scientific disciplines included in social studies have been tried to be taught since the very ancient times of history.

               1.2.2. Social Studies in the Turkey: As mentioned before, social studies is a curriculum created by social science disciplines. Therefore, when examining the history of social studies in Turkey, it is necessary to look briefly at these disciplines, especially history and geography.

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              1.3. Aims of the Social Studies Course

Following the Objectives of Turkish National Education, the general objectives of the Social Studies course program are detailed in the aforementioned in Journal of Announcements (Tebliğler Dergisi). These aims are expressed in four dimensions:

1. …

2. …

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A.In terms of citizenship duties and responsibilities;

• Understands that today’s civilization is the product of a long past;…..

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B. In terms of the relations of people with each other in society;

• They learn to organize all their work according to the rules of democratic life.

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C. In terms of their ability to know the environment, homeland and the world;

• They understand that a livable environment is a basic human right.

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D. In terms of developing the idea and abilities of economic life;

• They acquire the habit of being thrifty and planned work.

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Since curriculum development in education is a process, it is natural that the objectives of the Social Studies course should be reviewed in the light of the rules and principles of Educational Science and Curriculum Development within the scope of continuous improvement of primary education curriculum, and that every aspect of the curriculum should be dependent on some development studies in accordance with the characteristics of the course.