Foundation of Social Studies (SSE 1)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the lecture notes on the Foundation of Social Studies.

Social Science

Systematic study of human interaction across disciplines; investigates human society.

Society

Group of people sharing a territory, interacting, bound by shared institutions, norms, and values.

Culture

Set of shared beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, knowledge, and artifacts that define a group’s way of life.

Social Interaction

How individuals and groups act toward, influence, and respond to one another; how culture is learned.

Cooperation

Working together for a common goal.

Competition

Striving against others to achieve a goal.

Conflict

Disagreement or clash of interests.

Accommodation

Adjusting to maintain harmony.

Assimilation

Integrating into a new cultural group.

Associative (Cooperative) Social Processes

Processes that strengthen social bonds, e.g., Cooperation, Accommodation, Assimilation.

Dissociative (Conflict) Processes

Processes that generate tension, e.g., Competition, Conflict, Contravention.

Social Process

Pattern of interactions through which society operates, changes, and develops.

Social Structure

Organized pattern of social relationships, roles, and institutions; the blueprint of society.

Status

A person’s position in society (e.g., student, teacher).

Roles

Expected behaviors attached to a status.

Groups

Collections of people who interact and share a sense of identity.

Institutions

Organized systems that meet societal needs (e.g., education, religion, government).

Social Stratification

Ranking of individuals in a hierarchy based on wealth, power, or prestige.

History

Account of past events; study of what has been; relates to nations and societies.

Archaeology

Study of ancient times through material remains; artifacts, ruins; excavation.

Geography

Study of the earth’s landscapes, people, places, and environments; bridges social and natural sciences.

Economics

Science of how humans make choices about production, consumption, and wealth.

Sociology

Study of human behavior in a social context; study of social groups and structures.

Anthropology

Study of humankind; holistic, links biology, social sciences, and humanities; cross-cultural understanding.

Psychology

Study of mind, behavior, thoughts, and emotions; uses scientific methods.

Political Science

Science of politics; analysis of political systems, behavior, and public policy.

Humanities

Key pillar focusing on human experiences, values, and expressions.

Philosophy

Discipline exploring fundamental questions about existence, values, knowledge, and reason.

Art

Study and expression of human creativity and culture through visual, auditory, and performance forms.

Music

Study and creation of organized sound expressing emotions and cultural identity.

Dance

Artistic movement conveying emotions, stories, and traditions.

Sports

Organized physical activity reflecting values, skills, and teamwork.

Literature

Study and creation of written works expressing thoughts, emotions, and experiences.

Education

Systematic process of acquiring and sharing knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes.

Mathematics

Tool subject providing quantitative methods and logic for data analysis and decision-making.

Ecology

Study of relationships between living organisms and their environment.

Chemistry

Study of the composition, properties, and interactions of matter.

Physics

Principles of matter, energy, motion, and forces; explains natural phenomena.

Geology

Study of Earth's structure, materials, and processes, including resources and hazards.

Biology

Study of living organisms, their structures, functions, and interactions.

Earth Science

Study of Earth's systems (atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, biosphere) and climate.

Social Studies

Field dealing with man, his relations with others and environment; NCSS integrates humanities and social sciences to promote civic competence.

NCSS

National Council for the Social Studies; advocates integrated social studies and civic competence.

Themes of Social Studies

Key categories guiding social studies: Culture; Time, Continuity, Change; People, Places, Environments; Individual Development and Identity; Individuals, Groups, and Institutions; Power, Authority, and Governance; Production, Distribution, and Consumption; Science, Technology, and Society; Global Connections; Civic Ideals and Practices.

Culture (Theme)

Shared beliefs, values, customs that shape a group’s life.

Time, Continuity, and Change

How history shapes the present and future.

People, Places, and Environments

Relationships between humans and geography.

Individual Development and Identity

Personal growth influenced by culture, experiences, environment.

Individuals, Groups, and Institutions

Formation of groups and institutions to meet needs.

Power, Authority, and Governance

How power is acquired, used, and governments operate.

Production, Distribution, and Consumption

Study of goods/services and economies.

Science, Technology, and Society

Interaction between science/tech and society.

Global Connections

Interconnected nations through trade, culture, and challenges.

Civic Ideals and Practices

Democratic principles, citizenship, rights and responsibilities.