* History: The study of past events, people, societies, and their impact on the present. This includes chronology, cause and effect, and interpretation of historical sources.
* Geography: The study of Earth's physical features, human populations, and the interaction between them. This covers physical geography (landforms, climate), human geography (population distribution, culture), and spatial reasoning.
* Civics/Government: The study of citizenship, government structure and function, rights and responsibilities, and political processes. This includes different forms of government, lawmaking, and citizen participation.
* Economics: The study of how societies produce, distribute, and consume goods and services. This covers scarcity, supply and demand, different economic systems, and the role of money and markets.
* Sociology: The study of human social behavior, relationships, and institutions. While often a separate academic discipline, elements of sociology like social structures, culture, and social change are incorporated into social studies.
* Anthropology: The study of human societies and cultures and their development. Similar to sociology, aspects like cultural diversity, social organization, and cultural change are often included.
* Psychology (sometimes): While less central than other elements, understanding human behavior and motivation can be relevant to understanding historical events, social structures, and political processes.
It's important to note that these elements often overlap and are interconnected. For example, understanding the geography of a region is crucial to understanding its history and economic development. The specific emphasis on each element can vary depending on the age group and educational level.