ED 441 Social Justice in Social Studies

Lecture Hours: 3
Credits: 3

Explores social studies as a vehicle for civic engagement, critical thinking, and social justice in the elementary classroom with inquiry-based, standards-aligned instruction.

Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Bachelor of Applied Science in Elementary Education Program, or instructor approval.
Maximum number of credits course can be taken for: 3

Student Learning Outcomes:

Explain goals of social studies and its role in civic awareness and social responsibility.
Design inquiry-based social studies units around real-world issues.
Apply restorative and SEL-informed approaches to facilitate dialogue.
Use assessment data to inform instruction and evaluate understanding.
Reflect on fostering inclusive, justice-oriented classrooms.

Content Outline

Foundations of Social Studies Education
- Goals and purposes of social studies in elementary education
- Building civic awareness and social responsibility
- Connecting social studies to students’ lives and communities
Designing Inquiry-Based Social Studies Units
- Developing compelling questions and real-world issues for exploration
- Integrating history, geography, civics, and economics through inquiry
- Aligning lessons with state and national standards
Facilitating Dialogue and Perspective-Taking
- Using restorative practices to support respectful discussion
- Embedding social-emotional learning (SEL) in classroom dialogue
- Encouraging empathy, active listening, and multiple viewpoints
Assessment and Instructional Decision-Making
- Using formative and summative assessments to gauge understanding
- Interpreting assessment data to guide instructional adjustments
- Assessing civic understanding and critical thinking
Teaching for Inclusion, Justice, and Equity
- Culturally responsive and anti-bias approaches in social studies
- Addressing controversial issues and promoting critical consciousness
- Reflecting on the teacher’s role in shaping a just and informed classroom community