Participatory Citizenship

I know that this blog seems to have a different feel -- a forum for us to discuss our unit with our Professor.  However, I began writing this post before I knew the intent and though it would still be worth sharing...

While reading chapter 1 of our Maxim text, I was struck with how little I know about the Social Studies discipline.  I did not know its history, or even what educators view has its purpose.  I guess it makes sense,, but I would have never guessed it from my years in Social Studies classes.  Some of the classes I liked and others I did not.  I love history.  I could leave Civics at the door.  I enjoy Sociology, but Anthropology not so much.

ANYWAY, as I was reading the text, I couldn't help but chew on this quote:

"Every generation has experienced deep concern about how to place in its children's collective hands the trust and understanding required to protect peace and freedom and how to teach its youngsters tolerance, cooperation, and the skills of living together in a diverse, democratic society, as well as in an increasingly interdependent world." (p. 15)

Is this what I want Social Studies to be?  What do I believe the purpose of Social Studies?  Is it to maintain the ideals of the United States and democracy? Can you really do that through 6 disciplines of social sciences (history, economics, sociology, anthropology, civics, and geography)?

Yes, especially as you teach American History and United States government.  But is that the best think for society?  I guess I want to instill pride in our country.  It is a great nation with a powerful history.  However...

dare I say this and venture this far out?

I would rather use this discipline to teach my students to think critically.  After all, if our founding fathers didn't think for themselves and challenge the status quo, maybe we would still be a monarchy under England, or Spain, or some other country.

For me, personally, I view this as an opportunity to teach our students to be active citizens, and that means being proud of this country's heritage and using it to form their own ideas and beliefs.

As a disclaimer, I am giving you ONE quote in a 20+ page chapter.  So, I know Maxim may have said the very same thing as I am commenting on.  However, I still wanted to share all that I have been processing these last couple of days.

I am very excited to explore these thoughts and more with you all as we learn how to teach Social Studies in a dynamic way.

Resources:
Maxim, G. M. (2010). Dynamic social studies: The subject you will teach. Dynamic social studies for constructivist classrooms: Inspiring tomorrow's social scientists (pp. 1-43). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.