This course addresses several major aspects of teaching social studies. Initially, there is a focus on the broad aims of social studies (with an emphasis on curriculum and instruction). Secondly, the course focuses on developing social studies skills such as critical, creative and analytical thinking; problem-solving; valuing; and decision-making. Third, the course applies cooperative learning, vocabulary and concept formation, children’s literature and online resources to the study of social studies. Throughout the course, there is a focus on the organization of curriculum, instructional methods and student assessment processes about the topics of Massachusetts, United States, and world history; geography skills and global awareness; economic principles and concepts; and US political principles.