The author discusses essential elements of a preservice social studies methods course for elementary teachers. The knowledge and skill objectives to be achieved by students in methods courses and used as a guide by the instructor are outlined. A discussion follows. A social studies methods course should help students develop a personal working definition of social studies and the goals and objectives that should be accomplished in the elementary school. Since elementary social studies curriculum includes concepts from all of the social science disciplines, a methods course should help preservice teachers develop a knowledge and understanding of the major concepts of each discipline and how they are sequenced in the curriculum. One learning experience that proves effective in this process is to investigate an elementary social studies series and trace the scope and development of a concept through the grade levels. An absolutely essential element of a methods course is how it is presented. Students must be taught by the methods they are expected to use. Students should learn a category system for questioning and acquire knowledge and skill in the valuing process. An opportunity to actively participate with materials other than textbooks is an important aspect of the course. And, last there is evaluation. The methods of evaluation suggested for use in the classroom by the preservice teacher should also be demonstrated in their evaluation for the course. (Author/RM)