social studies

American  

noun

1. a course of instruction in an elementary or secondary school comprising such subjects as history, geography, civics, etc.

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social studies British  

noun

1. (functioning as singular) the study of how people live and organize themselves in society, embracing geography, history, economics, and other subjects

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Etymology

Origin of social studies

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

G used to teach Social Studies at my school.

From Literature

She used to teach middle school social studies way back when, and she said going through the paper each day with her students was always part of her class.

From Literature

He actually had my grandma for social studies back when he was a student, and he’s told me he liked her a lot.

From Literature

Adopted this year, the state’s new social studies standards provide even more specifics about what should be taught.

From Salon

He said he hadn’t even read the new social studies standards.

From Salon