Examines social studies in the twenty-first century from a critical theory perspective. Traces critical reflection's origins from Marxist educational theories to Jurgen Habermas's critical theory. Highlights Fred Newmann's curricular model, "Education for Citizen Action," for developing competent action in public affairs. Advocates…

Explores the nature of historical thinking, asserting that no intrinsic differences characterize how people understand ideas. Suggests history's role in the social studies is to inspire creative inquiry into past cultures and into oneself. Examines mythology's power to teach what is timeless and quintessentially human. Highlights Joseph Campbell's…

Interviews 81 sixth grade students in 27 Calgary, Alberta (Canada) schools to gain student knowledge about social studies curriculum and to contribute this knowledge to the collaborative curriculum development process. Finds that student interviews revealed how students learn and how they construct knowledge. Maintains that student views are often…