Argentina Educación Secundaria Ciclo Básico (1er año) - Ciencias Sociales

I. Introduction to Social Sciences

Social Sciences encompass a range of disciplines that explore various aspects of human behavior and activities within society. The curriculum for the first year of the Basic Cycle (Ciclo Básico) in Argentina focuses on developing a comprehensive understanding of social phenomena, both past and present, at local, national, regional, and global levels.

II. Key Learning Areas (Núcleos de Aprendizajes Prioritarios - NAP)

The NAP for Social Sciences in the first year are organized around several key themes:

• Societies and Geographic Spaces: This area emphasizes understanding the political map of the Americas, diverse political organizations, areas of conflict, and the role of international cooperation organizations. Students also explore different environments in the Americas, natural resources, environmental problems, population characteristics, cultural diversity, and production processes in urban and rural areas. The impact of technology and globalization on territorial organization is also examined.
• Societies Through Time: This area focuses on the organization of indigenous societies, the causes of European expansion, conquest and colonization processes, and the changes in the Spanish colonial system. Students also learn about the French Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, and the independence movements in the Americas, with a focus on the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata.
• Human Activities and Social Organization: This area explores social relations and practices, including social differentiation, stratification, and inequality. Students examine different forms of labor division and property, production, distribution, and consumption patterns. The curriculum also covers kinship, gender, age, family structures, socialization, the formation and function of states and democracies, the relationship between social order and legal frameworks, citizen rights and responsibilities, human rights protection, and different systems of knowledge and beliefs. The analysis of prejudice and discrimination in diverse societies is also included.

III. Curriculum Goals

The Social Sciences curriculum aims to foster the following in students:

• Construction of a plural national identity that respects cultural diversity, democratic values, and human rights.
• Development of ethical and democratic values for peaceful coexistence and social integration.
• Promotion of critical, participatory, responsible, and committed citizenship.
• Understanding the provisional, evolving, and complex nature of social knowledge.
• Development of dialogue and negotiation skills for conflict resolution.
• Interest in understanding past and present social realities.
• Identification of various actors and their interests in societies.
• Understanding the historical and social construction of territorial organization.
• Development of a responsible attitude towards natural and cultural heritage.
• Commitment to personal and collective well-being.
• Understanding socio-historical problems from multiple perspectives.
• Utilizing different geographic scales of analysis.
• Developing a nuanced understanding of time and historical processes.
• Participating in and understanding the significance of commemorations and celebrations.
• Interpreting diverse sources of information.
• Critical analysis of information from various media.
• Developing research skills, including formulating questions, gathering and analyzing information, and drawing conclusions.
• Communicating knowledge through oral and written expression.
• Participating in collective projects that promote democratic coexistence and solidarity.
• Developing sensitivity to social needs and problems.
• Contributing to improving living conditions in society.