Special Topics in Social Studies-Social studies skills

The student uses problem-solving and decision-making skills, working independently and with others, in a variety of settings. The student is expected to:

Apply social studies methodologies encompassing a variety of research and analytical tools to explore questions or issues thoroughly and fairly to include multiple perspectives.

Evaluate effects of major political, economic, and social conditions on a selected social studies topic.

Appraise a geographic perspective that considers physical and cultural processes as they affect the selected topic.

Examine the role of diverse communities in the context of the selected topic.

Analyze ethical issues raised by the selected topic in historic, cultural, and social contexts.

Depending on the topic, use a problem-solving process to identify a problem, gather information, list and consider options, consider advantages and disadvantages, choose and implement a solution, and evaluate the effectiveness of the solution.

Depending on the topic, use a decision-making process to identify a situation that requires a decision, gather information, identify options, predict consequences, and take action to implement a decision.

The student applies critical-thinking skills to organize and use information acquired from a variety of valid sources, including electronic technology. The student is expected to:

Locate, analyze, organize, synthesize, evaluate, and apply information about the selected topic, identifying, describing, and evaluating multiple points of view.

Differentiate between valid primary and secondary sources and use them appropriately to conduct research and construct arguments.

Read narrative texts critically and identify points of view from the historical context surrounding an event and the frame of reference that influenced the participants.

Analyze information by sequencing, categorizing, identifying cause-and-effect relationships, comparing, contrasting, finding the main idea, summarizing, making generalizations and predictions, and drawing inferences and conclusions.

Collect visual images (photographs, paintings, political cartoons, and other media) to enhance understanding and appreciation of multiple perspectives in a social studies topic.

Identify bias in written, oral, and visual material.

Evaluate the validity of a source based on language, corroboration with other sources, and information about the author.

Use appropriate mathematical skills to interpret social studies information such as maps and graphs.

The student creates written, oral, and visual presentations of social studies information. The student is expected to:

Apply the conventions of usage and mechanics of written English.

Use social studies terminology correctly.

Use appropriate oral communication techniques.

Construct a thesis that is supported by evidence.

Recognize and evaluate counter arguments.

Use visual images (photographs, paintings, and other media) to facilitate understanding and appreciation of multiple perspectives in a social studies topic.

Develop a bibliography with ideas and information attributed to source materials and authors using accepted social science formats such as Modern Language Association Style Manual (MLA) and Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) to document sources and format written materials.

Use computer software to create written, graphic, or visual products from collected data.