
Social Studies/Cultural Studies:
There are no national social
studies standards in the U.S. and social studies, as an academic discipline is
falling far behind math and science, which are increasingly focused on in the
competitive race for economic power both nationally and globally. The United
World Citizens philosophy is that in today's world of global economics and
global communications, a moderate understanding of history, geography, world
cultures and current events are necessary to compete. The fact that social
studies education in most other first world countries far surpasses ours is a
significant reality. How can we know what challenges we need to overcome in
order to survive economically and politically if we do not have some historical
and cultural understanding of our competitors and adversaries? If, on the other
hand, our intention is to make a positive contribution to our world, it is
equally important to educate ourselves about that world. And so, for both self
serving and humanitarian reasons, social/cultural studies are essential. This
branch of the United World Citizens will deal with promotion of both formal and
informal education in the areas of world cultures, history, geography, current
events, anthropology, and sociology. The United World Citizens will include all aspects of environmental
issues under in the category of Social Studies/Cultural Studies. There will be a particular focus on
improving the 'enjoyment factor' in learning about past and present peoples and
places of the world. Networking with and raising awareness of like minded
concepts and organizations will be an important component of all branches of the
United World Citizens.