The author offers a model for classifying curriculum materials in the social studies. The model is based on the idea that social studies offered as part of the socialization process are either directed to the passive citizen who votes, serves on juries, etc., or to the participant citizen who actively gives some direction to the growth of our society. Both types of citizens are seen to be then confronted with: 1) comprehending: knowing the heritage of our culture; 2) coping: working with the demands of our political, social, and economic institutions; and, 3) connecting: seeing the emotionally satisfying roles that can be assumed in our increasingly pluralistic society. The author then gives examples of how the various new social studies project materials can be submitted to his model criteria in order to clarify the uses of the curriculum adopted. A bibliography is included. (CWB)