Social studies is the elementary study of geography, civics, sociology, history, economics, and other subjects related to human society in many primary and secondary schools in the United States and Canada.

Social studies can also refer to the study of particular aspects of society at certain secondary, post-secondary, and tertiary schools worldwide. Such institutions provide courses, program(me)s of study, or possibly certificates, diplomas, or degrees in 'social studies'. The subject matter varies from school to school but tends to include that of both pure and applied social sciences. Examples of the former include sociology, psychology, and linguistics. Examples of later include the study of business, economy, crime, or mass media. It tends to exclude certain humanities and such as history and natural sciences such as earth sciences and climatology, fields nevertheless covered in many social studies classes in North American grade schools.

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