Rationale
Social Science is a compulsory subject up to secondary stage of school education. It is
an integral component of general education because it helps the learners to understand
the environment in its totality and developing a broader perspective and an empirical,
reasonable and humane outlook. This is of crucial importance because it helps them grow
into well-informed and responsible citizens with necessary attributes and skills for being
able to participate and contribute effectively in the process of development and nationbuilding.
The Social Science curriculum draws its content mainly from History, Geography, Political
Science and Economics. Together they provide a comprehensive view of society over
space and time, and in relation to each other. Each subject’s distinct methods of enquiry
help the learners to understand society from different angles and form a holistic view.
Objectives
The main objectives of this syllabus are to:
develop an understanding of the processes of change and development-both in
terms of time and space, through which human societies have evolved
make learners realize that the process of change is continuous and any event or
phenomenon or issue cannot be viewed in isolation but in a wider context of time
and space
develop an understanding of contemporary India with its historical perspective, of
the basic framework of the goals and policies of national development in
independent India, and of the process of change with appropriate connections to
world development
deepen knowledge about and understanding of India’s freedom struggle and of the
values and ideals that it represented, and to develop an appreciation of the
contributions made by people of all sections and regions of the country
help learners understand and cherish the values enshrined in the Indian
Constitution and to prepare them for their roles and responsibilities as effective
citizens of a democratic society
deepen the knowledge and understanding of India’s environment in its totality, their
interactive processes and effects on the future quality of people’s lives
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facilitate the learners to understand and appreciate the diversity in the land and
people of the country with its underlying unity
develop an appreciation of the richness and variety of India’s heritage-both natural
and cultural and the need for its preservation
promote an understanding of the issues and challenges of contemporary Indiaenvironmental, economic and social, as part of the development process
help pupils acquire knowledge, skills and understanding to face the challenges of
contemporary society as individuals and groups and learn the art of living a
confident and stress-free life as well as participating effectively in the community
develop scientific temperament by promoting the spirit of enquiry and following a
rational and objective approach in analysing and evaluating data and information
as well as views and interpretations
develop academic and social skills such as critical thinking, communicating
effectively both in visual and verbal forms - cooperating with others, taking
initiatives and providing leadership in solving others’ problems
develop qualities clustered around the personal, social, moral, national and
spiritual values that make a person humane and socially effective.
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