Course-5 Understanding Disciplines and School Subjects pmd

Block - 2 : Classification and Teaching Across
Disciplines
Unit - 3 : Humanities and Social Science in the Curriculum
Unit Structure
2.3.1.
Learning Objectives
2.3.2.
Introduction
2.3. 3.
Learning Points and Learning Activities
2.3.3.1.
Meaning, Branches and Importance of Humanities
‘Check Your Progress’- 1
2.3.3.2.
Social Science in School Curriculum
2.3.4.
Let us Summarise
2.3.5.
Answers to ‘Check Your Progress’ - 1, 2 and 3
2.3.6.
Unit-end Exercises
2.3.7.
References
2.3.1. Learning Objectives
After learning through this Unit, the student teachers will be able to -
•
Explain the meaning of Humanities & Social Sciences
•
List out branches of Humanities
•
Justify the need and importance of Humanities and Social Sciences in the School
Curriculum
•
Explain the Approaches of organizing social science curriculum
2.3. 2. Introduction
We have already discussed about the meaning and processes of Social Science as a
branch of humanities. We also know that it is not enough for teachers to know the content
of the subject they teach, but they need to know the nature of the subjects so that they can
decide the pedagogical procedures appropriate to the content. Once they know the nature
of the subject, it is easy to organise the content in the curriculum of that specific subject.
Hence, let us understand the nature of Humanities and Social Sciences and also their
organisational implications in the present unit.
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2.3.3 Learning Points and Learning Activities
Humanities is a stream of study which primarily deals with aspects of human behaviour
and its effects on society. This covers the areas of human behaviour, psychology, philosophy,
criminology, sociology, anthropology and much more. It provides a well-developed
understanding of the social strata systems, sociological theory, and social policy. Both
humanities and social sciences are the study of human behaviour and interaction in social,
cultural, environmental, economic and political contexts. The humanities and social sciences
have a historical and contemporary focus, from personal to global contexts, and consider
challenges for the future.
In the Curriculum, the Humanities and Social Sciences learning area includes a study
of history, geography, civics, citizenship, economics, business and much more. Through
the study of Humanities and Social Sciences, students develop the ability to question, think
critically, solve problems, communicate effectively, make decisions and adapt to change.
The Humanities and Social Science subjects in the Curriculum provide a broad understanding
of the world in which we live, and how people can participate as active and informed
citizens with high-level skills needed for the 21st century.