Social Science: History

• Social science encompasses various disciplines that study human society and social relationships.
• History, geography, political science, and economics are the core components.

History

• History focuses on past events, people, societies, and civilizations.
• Causes, consequences of past events, and their present impact are examined.
• History helps in understanding societal evolution and contemporary issues' origins.
• Primary (documents, artifacts) and secondary sources (interpretations) included.
• Key periods: ancient civilizations, medieval times, Renaissance, Age of Exploration, and modern history.
• Nationalism arose in the 19th century, emphasizing national identity and self-determination.
• Key events in modern history involve the World Wars, the Cold War, and globalization.
• The French Revolution (1789-1799) led to democracy and nationalism.
• Colonization = establishment of control over foreign territories for economic and political gains.
• The Indian national movement included Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose, advocating for independence.

Geography

• Geography studies Earth's surface, including physical features, climate, population, and human activities.
• Physical geography examines landforms, climate, and vegetation.
• Human geography studies populations, cultures, economies, and interactions with the environment.
• Resources are materials/substances used for economic gain.
• Sustainable development meets current needs without compromising future generations.
• Climate change = long-term temperature and weather pattern shifts, largely from human activities.
• India's physical features influencing climate and vegetation: mountains, plateaus, plains, and coastal regions.
• Population distribution and density vary due to climate, soil, and economic opportunities.
• Agriculture includes farming practices, crop types, and irrigation.
• Minerals and energy resources (coal, petroleum, renewable) are essential for industrial development.

Political Science

• Political science studies the theory/practice of politics, including government, political systems, and political behavior.
• Democracy = citizens exercise power directly or through elected representatives.
• Constitutional design creates a framework of laws/principles defining government structure/functions.
• Electoral politics involves processes by which citizens choose representatives/leaders.
• Political institutions (legislatures, executives, judiciaries) have specific roles/responsibilities.
• Federalism divides power between central authority and constituent political units.
• The Indian Constitution is the supreme law, providing governance and protecting citizens' rights.
• Fundamental rights in the Indian Constitution guarantee basic freedoms.
• The Indian Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) makes laws.
• The executive branch (President and Prime Minister) implements/enforces laws.
• The judiciary (led by Supreme Court) interprets laws and ensures justice.
• Local government (Panchayati Raj and municipalities) handles local administration.

Economics

• Economics studies how societies allocate scarce resources to satisfy unlimited wants/needs.
• Economic development includes improvements in living standards, education, health, and overall well-being.
• Sectors of the Indian economy: primary (agriculture), secondary (manufacturing), and tertiary (services).
• Agriculture involves the production of crops and livestock.
• Industrialization involves the development of manufacturing industries.
• The service sector includes banking, transportation, and information technology.
• Globalization = increasing interconnectedness via trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
• Sustainable economic development promotes growth while preserving the environment.
• Poverty involves deprivation and lack of access to basic necessities.
• Employment and unemployment rates show the labor market's health.
• Money and credit = financial systems facilitating transactions and investments.
• Financial institutions (banks and credit unions) provide services to individuals and businesses.
• Consumer awareness involves understanding consumer rights/responsibilities, protecting against unfair practices.

History studies the past, events, people and civilizations and examines their impact on the present. Primary and secondary sources will be used to understand key events in history such as ancient civilizations, medieval times, and the Renaissance. Nationalism arose, and key events involve the World Wars, the Cold War, and globalization.