Teaching Social Studies in an Era of Divisiveness: The Challenges of Discussing Social Issues in a Non-Partisan Way [Paperback]

Teaching controversial social issues can be a daunting, and oftentimes terrifying, prospect for social studies teachers. In many ways, this fear is warranted given the politically polarized nature of American society in the 21st century. However, effective social studies instruction requires that students begin to grapple with difficult issues in tolerant ways. The chapters in this book, many of which are written by leading scholars within the field of social studies education, cover a range of 21st century social issues, including politically volatile issues such as gun control, marriage equality, the Black Lives Matter movement, and immigration. This book offers both a theoretical justification for engaging students with controversial social issues and practical suggestions for how to successfully implement discussions of these types of issues in K-12 classroom settings.Wayne Journell is an associate professor of secondary social studies education and secondary teacher education program coordinator at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. His research interests include the teaching of politics and political processes in secondary education.

Teaching Social Studies in an Era of Divisiveness offers readers insightful and compelling perspectives of why social issues are essential knowledge for engaging in democratic discourse and developing justice-oriented citizens. This book will inspire and empower educators to tackle critical and contemporary issues that form the foundations of citizenship based on equality and shared sense of belonging. Drawing on a wealth of academic debate and well-crafted, issue-based cases, 21st Century Social Issues grapples with conflicting views of unresolved social issues and diverse experiences moderated by identity, politics, nationality and equity. It will transform social studies teaching and learning. Tina Heafner, professor, University of North Carolina at Charlotte; chair, College and University Faculty Assembly ofls%