Social Studies

Contemporary

• belonging to/occurring in the present

• living/occuring at the same time

Contemporary History

time between 20th century and present

Issue

• subjects, themes, or problems that affect society bcs they’re talked abt, cause disagreements and debate, and widely affect people’s lives in society

• differ from news

Benefits of Contemporary Issues

• BE PART OF A GLOBAL VILLAGE

• BUILD INFORMED OPINIONS

• LEARN CULTURAL RELATIVISM

• ESTABLISH PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS

• STIMULATES DISCUSSION

BE PART OF A GLOBAL VILLAGE

Integrating with other countries avoids disputes by having negotiations, instead of armed conflict

BUILD INFORMED OPINIONS

Allows us to decide where to stand on matters concerning our country, our environment, and our selves

LEARN CULTURAL RELATIVISM

Allows us to change our views on cultural stereotypes and facilitate tolerance and co-existence

ESTABLISH PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Sharing insights and opinions on different matters gives people the opportunity to have a better view and understand us

STIMULATES DISCUSSION

Helps us develop our skills in speaking as people exchange ideas with one another

Contemporary Issues Summary

• Center on questions that’re of value to society

• Make us understand the differences among individuals and societies

• Are public, therefore ppl have a say in at direction they want to steer

SKILLS NEEDED

• Identify Primary and Secondary Sources

• Distinguish Fact and Opinion

• Identify Bias

Primary Source

Original account written/made by the person who experienced them

Primary Source Examples

Diaries, Documents, Photos, Witness Reports, Autobiographies, Quotes from Interviews, Gov Reports, Speeches, Political Cartoons

Secondary Source

Info/Interpretations based on primary origin or prepared or written by ppl not involved in the narrated events

Secondary Source Examples

Books, Biographies, Articles, Stories of Non-witnesses, Commentaries, Encyclopedias, News Reports, Survey Results, Hearsay

Opinion

• An idea, supposition, impression, or judgement of an object

• True to only some ppl

• Ex: Trump should get a haircut

Bias

In favor of or against something compared to another, considered unfair

Skills Summary

• Info can be found in various sources

• Bias can be harmful to individuals or to the wider society

• Statements can be fact or opinion, knowing which is crucial for public discourse