Sierra Leone Senior Secondary School Curriculum - Social & Cultural Studies Stream (SSS3): Social Studies and Civics

Course Description:

Social Studies and Civics is an interdisciplinary subject that builds upon the knowledge acquired in basic education. It aims to cultivate responsible and informed citizens equipped to contribute meaningfully to society. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, civic responsibility, and an understanding of diversity, human rights, and democratic principles.

Rationale:

The inclusion of Social Studies and Civics in the SSS3 curriculum is justified by its ability to:

• Equip students with lifelong knowledge and skills.
• Encourage global awareness and appreciation for diverse perspectives.
• Foster critical thinking and informed decision-making.
• Promote positive social attitudes and values, such as democracy, equality, and social justice.
• Establish career pathways in various disciplines through a strong foundation for tertiary education.

General Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand and appreciate diversity as essential for peaceful coexistence.
• Analyze the roots and impact of prejudice and discrimination.
• Propose strategies for creating inclusive societies.
• Explain the historical growth and influence of nationalism.
• Evaluate the unifying and divisive potential of national symbols.
• Characterize a patriotic citizen and analyze the challenges in fostering patriotism.
• Differentiate between rules and laws, understanding their purpose in society.
• Analyze theories of justice and approaches to punishment.
• Evaluate the Social Contract's role in governance.
• Explain the significance of public goods and services.
• Discuss the universality of human rights.
• Describe forms of socialization and the role of social institutions.
• Define social change and its causes.
• Analyze the impact of social systems and patriarchy on gender relations.
• Discuss the challenges faced by women in patriarchal societies.
• Analyze the causes of armed conflicts.
• Explain the link between peace, justice, and accountability in post-conflict situations.
• Describe human adaptation to and modification of the environment, including the impact on the planet.
• Evaluate local, national, and international responses to environmental challenges.

SSS3 Course Content by Term:

Term 1:

• National Integration: Meaning and importance of national integration; British rule and its impact on national integration in Sierra Leone; The Sierra Leone Constitution and its role in promoting national integration; Challenges to national integration.
• Culture Preservation: Belief systems in Sierra Leone; Cultural festivals; Cultural impact of British colonial rule; The role of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.
• Interaction of Racial Groups: Pluralism (colour blindness); Assimilation; Segregation; Genocide; Individuals and racially inclusive societies.
• Patriotism and the Citizen: Citizenship and patriotism; Patriotism and national unity; Patriotism and nationalism; Challenges to patriotism in Sierra Leone; Promoting patriotic culture.

Term 2:

• Forms of Punishment: Crime and punishment; Different approaches to punishment; Retributive justice; Welfare maximization (Rehabilitation); Deterrence; Restorative justice.
• Fundamental Rights and Freedoms: Evolution of human rights; Are human rights a Western concept?; Fundamental rights and freedoms in the Sierra Leone Constitution; Obligations of citizens; Human rights in emergency situations.
• Social Change and Development: Meaning of social change; Causes of social change; Social movements and their types; Social change and human development.

Term 3:

• Women in Patriarchal Societies: Gender inequality in societies; Gender-based violence; Feminism (challenging patriarchy); Sierra Leone gender laws.
• Post-Conflict Reconstruction: Rebuilding post-conflict societies: challenges and opportunities; Security sector reforms; Political and legal reforms; Reforming and revitalizing economic and social structures; Promoting reconciliation.
• Saving Our Planet: Why we must protect our planet; Individual and community actions; Role of national governments; Role of the international community.

This detailed course information provides a comprehensive overview of the Social Studies and Civics curriculum for SSS3 in Sierra Leone's Social & Cultural Studies stream. The syllabus document provides further details on specific learning outcomes, recommended teaching methods, suggested resources, and assessment strategies for each topic.