Social Studies in Schools: A History of the Early Years (S U N Y Series, Theory, Research, and Practice in Social Education) - Softcover

Saxe, David Warren

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0791407764 ISBN 13: 9780791407769

Publisher: State University of New York Press, 1991

Synopsis

This supplemental text is an historical account of the beginning years of the social studies. Using the 1916 Social Studies report as a base, the book outlines the issues, contexts, and individuals that were influential in the genesis of the seminal social studies prototype program.

The author explains that many of our present interests such as critical thinking, decision making, inquiry, reflective thinking, foundational studies, and cultural literacy can be found within the texts of the 1916 social studies program. Saxe also shows that the roots of the social studies program are found in the social sciences and not the traditional history curriculum. Included are chronological time lines that serve to illustrate the growth of the social studies, as well as an extensive bibliography of the primary foundational works of the social studies, including the 1916 report. These materials greatly enhance the value of Saxe’s work for social studies educators and students.

About this title

About the Author:

David Warren Saxe is Professor-In-Charge of Social Studies Education at The Pennsylvania State University.

Review:

“This book fills a gap in the history of the field. In general there is a dearth of material on the subject and Saxe’s criticism ― that these works deal with individuals and not with movements ― is absolutely valid. Even though I have contributed to most of them, I am quite willing to admit that research in the field is skewed and needs another sort of analysis. Thus, Saxe’s book should be eagerly awaited and consumed.” ― S. Samuel Shermis, Purdue University

“The book makes appropriate and important distinctions between social studies and history as fields with distinct origins, traditions, and values. The author uses a great deal of primary source material that is often overlooked by other historians. The organization of the work is logical and straightforward; his analysis is solid. I think a book like this is long overdue.” ― George L. Mehaffy, San Diego State University

About this edition

• Publisher: State University of New York Press
• Publication date: 1991
• ISBN 10: 0791407764
• ISBN 13: 9780791407769
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 334