Social Studies Disciplines
Topics
Ideas for projects may be taken from the social studies textbook, a library book, the newspaper, a magazine, or any other source. The student should be interested in the topic selected. The project title is very important. The title should attract attention. If possible, the title should be expressed in the form of a questions or catchy phrase.
Categories
The following is a list of the various social studies related disciplines. The descriptions should assist both students and teachers in properly assigning projects to a correct area. Please note the importance of “people” in each area; it is critically important that all projects stress the role of “people” within each area.
Anthropology
This deals with the studies of man's physical and cultural characteristics, distribution, customs, and social relationships. Culture is developed by men living and thinking together. Examples: ancient civilizations, Native Americans, customs, festivals, types of shelter and food, religion.
Economics
This deals with the production, distribution, and consumption of wealth and with the various related problems of labor, finance, and taxation. Man labors to satisfy human wants. Examples: money, manufacturing, trade, transportation of goods and services, communication, inflation, stock exchange. Common Market, government budgets.
Geography
This deals with the surface of the earth, its divisions and the climate, plants, animals, natural resources, inhabitants, and industries of those division. Man and nature interact. Examples: ecology, foreign countries, lands and people, maps, flooding, rivers, lakes, cities, conservation.
History
This concerns what has happened in the life or development of a people, country, or individual. Man's story is a continuous narrative of man's progress. Examples: story of mankind, historical events, places, biographies, personalities, wars.
Louisiana History
This category includes any project that concerns Louisiana. Example: Louisiana politics, geography, history, culture, music, people, unique festivals.
Political Science
This concerns the determining of the form of government, choosing the officials, making the laws, and performing the function of one's government. Social control regulates group living. Examples: government agencies, FBI, crime, US Constitution, court system, international governments.
Sociology
This deals with the studies of the beliefs, values, and relationships of groups and the principles governing social acceptance. Man lives in groups. Examples: families, crime, mental health, propaganda, life styles, dreams, television, media.