Main subject areas
The subject has been structured into main subject areas for which competence aims have been formulated. These main subject areas supplement each other and must be considered together.
This subject is a common core subject for all the upper secondary education programmes. Learning in the subject shall therefore be made relevant for pupils by adapting the subject to the different education programmes.
The social studies subject is present on all levels in primary and secondary education and training. In primary/lower secondary school this comprises the main subject areas of sociology, geography and history. Geography and history are continued as common core subjects in the programmes for general studies.
The social studies subject at upper secondary level comprises the following main subject areas: the individual and society, working and business life, politics and democracy, culture and international relations. Sociology and economics are integrated in each main subject area.
The social studies subject has competence aims after the fourth, seventh and tenth years in primary and lower secondary school.
In upper secondary education the social studies subject has competence aims after Vg1 in programme areas for science and languages, social sciences and economics studies in programmes for specialisation in general studies.
In the programme area for arts, crafts and design, the social studies subject has competence aims after VG2.
In vocational education programmes and in education programmes for sports and music, dance and drama, the social studies subject has competence aims after VG2.
Overview of main subject areas:
Year | Main subject areas | ||||
1 –10 | History | Geography | Sociology | ||
Vg1/Vg2 | The individual and society | Working and business life | Politics and democracy | Culture | International affairs |
History
This main subject area focuses on examining and discussing how man and society have changed over the centuries. History also includes how humans create pictures and shape their own understanding of the past. Developing historical overviews and insight, and training skills in everyday life and participation in society are key elements of this main subject area.
Geography
This main subject area focuses on the place and spatial dimension of society. This main subject area provides an overview of the location and extent of natural and man-made conditions on earth. Surveying and discussing change processes are key elements of this subject. Geography also focuses on explaining similarities and differences between town and country, between nations and between regions.
Sociology
This main subject area focuses on socialisation, politics, economics and culture and deals with people's sense of community and differences and contrasts in a contemporary perspective. The interaction between cultural norms and societal control on the one hand and individual actions and choices on the other are key elements of this main subject area. The value of co-citizenship and developing democratic skills are important dimensions in sociology.
The individual and society
This main subject area covers socialisation, personal finances, forms of cohabitation and criminality. It also focuses on who and what influences young people today.
Working and business life
This main subject area covers business and industry, companies, found an enterprise, career choices and unemployment. It focuses on the organisations in working life and how wages are set. This main subject area also examines contemporary working life and the principles and values it is based on.
Politics and democracy
This main subject area covers the political system on all levels and the welfare state. It examines the political parties and what can threaten a democracy. In this main subject area, emphasis is also placed on the connections between the system of government, the state governed by law and human rights.
Culture
This main subject area covers the multicultural society and the role of religion in culture. It focuses on indigenous peoples, ethnic and national minorities and how xenophobia and racism can be countered.
International affairs
This main area covers international cooperation, terrorism, conflicts, conflict solving and peace work. It also focuses on globalisation, distribution of resources and sustainable development. This main subject area also deals with Norway's role on the international stage.
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