Social Studies (SAF01‑04)
Interdisciplinary topics

In the social studies subject the interdisciplinary topic of health and life skills refers to the pupils learning to be aware of their own identity and the development of their identity, as well as understanding the role of the individual in different settings. One part of the competence in this subject is to gain insight into how relationships and belonging play a part in interactions with others, including digitally. The subject shall help the pupils to make smart life choices and deal with challenges relating to sexuality, personal finances, drug and alcohol abuse, exclusion and digital interaction. The subject shall also enhance the pupils’ understanding, respect and tolerance for diversity and other peoples’ values and life choices, and provide perspectives on what may constitute a good life. Through this subject, the pupils shall learn to identify areas in which human rights are violated, for example human trafficking and modern-day slavery, and to identify measures that can be taken to protect our basic human rights.

In the social studies subject the interdisciplinary topic of democracy and citizenship refers to the pupils’ development of knowledge and skills for creating and participating in democratic processes. The subject shall help pupils to develop their knowledge of and gain insight into democratic values and principles. Working in social studies, the pupils shall learn to think critically, consider different perspectives, deal with disagreements of opinion and demonstrate their active citizenship. Social studies shall help the pupils to participate in and develop democracy and prevent extremist attitudes, extremist acts and terrorism. Learning about the terrorist attack in Norway on 22nd July 2011 shall be a part of this instruction.

In the social studies subject the interdisciplinary topic of sustainability refers to the pupils learning to understand what the interaction between social, economic and environmental conditions means for sustainability. Knowledge of the connections between nature and society, how people affect the climate and environment, and how living conditions, lifestyles and demographics are interconnected, shall all contribute to this understanding. In the social studies subject the pupils shall reflect on and discuss the dilemmas and tensions relating to the different dimensions of sustainable development and shall see how actions on both the individual and societal levels have significance.