This course is the first of a two-course series designed to provide early childhood candidates the content knowledge necessary to be effective in planning and implementing a social studies curriculum. This course focuses on content specific to civics and government and economics. Candidates examine the integrated nature of social studies and explain the value of civics education in the elementary classroom; such as encouraging students to think critically, explaining the roles and responsibilities of government, and describing the purpose of government. This class also examines the basic economics principles. While this is a content-specific course, candidates are expected to apply their content knowledge to an applied lesson plan(s) to demonstrate their ability to create meaningful and active learning experiences in the elementary classroom.