Sweden Compulsory School Year 9 Syllabus - Social Studies

The subject of social studies is interdisciplinary, drawing from political science, sociology, economics, and other social sciences and humanities. It uses concepts, theories, models, and methods from these disciplines to understand and explain complex social issues, often incorporating a historical perspective.

Aim of the Subject

Social studies teaching aims to broaden, deepen, and develop students' knowledge of diverse social issues affecting people's living conditions. Recognizing the interconnectedness of societies globally, teaching explores issues of power, democracy, gender equality, and human rights, including children's and young people's rights as outlined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child. It also covers working life, resource management, and sustainable development. Students develop a scientific approach to social issues, critical thinking skills for navigating information flow, and the ability to search, organize, and evaluate information from various sources. Teaching encourages active participation in society and facilitates the expression of knowledge and ideas through oral, written, and digital means.

Knowledge Requirements at the End of Year 9

Grade E: Students can fundamentally describe and analyze the organization and social conditions of different societies, including their underlying ideas, and provide a basic account of human rights. They can explain simple relationships, draw basic conclusions about similarities and differences between societies, and explain how contemporary social conditions influence individuals, groups, and social structures. They can analyze social issues, identify some causes and consequences, discuss solutions, and provide basic arguments for their viewpoints while evaluating others' perspectives. Students can also describe consumer rights and obligations, household finances, and the relationship between personal finances and the economy. They can search for, examine, and interpret information from different sources, reflect on source relevance and credibility, and present their social studies knowledge in a structured manner.

Grade D: Meets the requirements for Grade E and most of Grade C.

Grade C: Students can thoroughly describe and analyze the organization and social conditions of different societies, including their underlying ideas, and provide a detailed account of human rights. They can explain relationships, draw well-grounded conclusions about similarities and differences between societies, and explain how contemporary social conditions influence individuals, groups, and social structures. They can analyze social issues, identify causes and consequences, discuss solutions, and provide well-grounded arguments for their viewpoints while evaluating others' perspectives. Students can also thoroughly describe consumer rights and obligations, household finances, and the relationship between personal finances and the economy. They can search for, examine, and interpret information from different sources, reflect on source relevance and credibility based on purpose, and present their social studies knowledge in a structured and independent manner.

Grade B: Meets the requirements for Grade C and most of Grade A.

Grade A: Students can comprehensively and objectively describe and analyze the organization and social conditions of different societies, including their underlying ideas, and provide a detailed and balanced account of human rights. They can explain complex relationships, draw well-grounded and balanced conclusions about similarities and differences between societies, and explain how contemporary social conditions influence individuals, groups, and social structures. They can analyze social issues, identify multiple causes and consequences, discuss solutions in a balanced way, and provide well-grounded and balanced arguments for their viewpoints while evaluating others' perspectives. Students can also comprehensively and objectively describe consumer rights and obligations, household finances, and the relationship between personal finances and the economy. They can confidently search for, examine, and interpret information from different sources, reflect on source relevance and credibility based on purpose, and present their social studies knowledge in a structured, independent, and balanced manner.