What is Social Studies?

1. What is Social Studies?

2. What are we supposed to learn about? Why?

3. What do you want to learn about? Why?

Questions that schools often DON'T Talk or Teach about

1. Where did we come from? (the universe, the Earth, people...)

2. What happens when we die? (lights go out, reincarnation, heaven/afterlife...)

3. What's my purpose in the world? (what if I don't know it yet? how do I live without purpose? How do I find it?...)

4. How do I live my life with purpose?

5. How can I make a difference in the world? Am I supposed to?

These are the bigger questions of "Social Studies"...so always think about these!

AI Overview

Ancient societies before 700 AD developed various forms of government, including monarchies, aristocracies, oligarchies, democracies, and tyrannies. These systems often coexisted or evolved within the same region over time, sometimes blending elements of different structures. Notably, the concept of democracy, though originating in ancient Greece, was not the sole form of governance, even in that region. 

Here's a more detailed look at some key forms:

Monarchy:

• Definition:
  Rule by a single person, often a king or queen, whose position is typically hereditary. 

• Examples:
  Early Egyptian dynasties, where rulers were considered divine, and various kingdoms across the ancient world. 

• Variations:
  Heroic kingships (where the king's authority was based on leadership and acceptance), barbarian monarchies (hereditary despotisms), and the dual kingship of Sparta. 

Aristocracy:

• Definition: Rule by a small, privileged class, often based on birth or wealth. 

• Examples: Ancient Greek city-states where powerful families often held sway. 

Democracy: 

• Definition: Rule by the people, with citizens participating in decision-making.

• Examples: Ancient Athens, where male citizens could participate in the assembly and vote on laws.

• Variations: Direct democracy (where citizens vote directly on issues) and representative democracy (where citizens elect representatives).

Oligarchy: 

• Definition: Rule by a small group of people, often the wealthy or powerful.

• Examples: Thebes, where a group of powerful families governed.

Tyranny:

• Definition:
  Rule by a single person who seizes power, often through force or manipulation. 

• Examples:
  Some ancient Greek city-states where individuals like Pittacus of Mytilene were given temporary dictatorial powers. 

Other Forms and Considerations:

• Mixed Government:
  Some theorists, like Polybius, proposed that a stable government could be formed by combining elements of monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy. 

• Prehistoric Governance:
  In smaller communities, primitive forms of democracy often emerged through face-to-face discussions. 

• Variations Across Regions:
  Different regions developed unique political structures based on their specific social, economic, and cultural contexts. 

The study of these ancient forms of government provides valuable insights into the evolution of political thought and practice, and how different societies grappled with the challenges of governance. 

1. What are all the things school teaches us that are not part of the curriculum?

2. Why do we need help with these?

3. How do you think school does with the following

a. Teaching about respect, understanding, tolerance?

b. Teaching about the world we live in today, and what we want for the future?

c. Teaching about how to be a "good citizen"? (how do we define this anyways?)

d. Teaching about what's your purpose?

e. Selfish vs Selfless