The Social Sciences in General Education

Authors

Bobby G. Bell, Wingate College

Abstract

Proponents of general education maintain that every person is worthy of an education that is most general. Translated into a formal curriculum general education refers to that part of a student's education lying outside his area of specialization. Cultural and social literacy remain the dominant goals. Even though controversy surrounds the definition of general education and the philosophical approaches to its realization, the objective seems to be clear, that education "for an informed responsible life in our society" and "that part of a student's education which looks first of all to his life as a responsible human being and citizen."¹

To achieve general education objectives in the social sciences courses have generally included the problems approach, the systematic approach, and the historical approach in some interdisciplinary relationship. Philip Phenix expects the social sciences to assume a more dynamic role in general education.

Recommended Citation

Bell, Bobby G. (1976) "The Social Sciences in General Education," Perspectives (1969-1979): Vol. 8: No. 1, Article 3.
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/perspectives/vol8/iss1/3