A Study On The Curriculum And Textbook Of Social Studies In Korean And Chinese Elementary School

The purpose of this study is to compare the elementary school Social Studies subjects of China and Korea to analyze similarities, differences, and characteristics and provide fundamental information for future studies. For this purpose, curricular standards, textbooks, and teachers' guides of Korea and China were used to compare and analyze the character, description, topics, and evaluation of elementary school Social Studies subjects of the two countries.This study on the elementary school Social Studies subjects of China and Korea consists of the following five chapters:Chapter 1 clarified the characters of the elementary school Social Studies subjects of China and Korea. This chapter defined Social Studies, distinguished it from other fields of study, and discussed its essence to examine which type of man Korea and China intend to foster by teaching Social Studies. In result of analysis, it was found that China focuses on fostering socialist citizens that have virtues for a socialist society, whereas Korea fosters democratic citizens with rational decision-making skills.Chapter 2 discussed development of Social Studies in Korea and China. This chapter discussed the characteristics of development of Social Studies in Korea and China to clarify similarities and differences. The biggest similarity was that both countries pursue generalization of curriculums. In the 21^st Century, China has integrated Ethics with Social Studies and emphasized generalization more than Korea has.Chapter 3 compared and analyzed standard Social Studies curriculums of Korea and China. In result of comparison and analysis, it was found that Social Studies of Korea and China stresses comprehensive experiences and knowledge and tends to use environmental expansion in composition. The biggest difference was that Korea offers curriculums that fit development level of students, whereas China stresses ethical codes.Chapter 4 compared and analyzed lectures and evaluations of the Social Studies subject in Korea and China. Lectures were not very different. For evaluation, both Korea and China emphasized understanding academic performance of students and reviewing what is learned in lectures.Chapter 5 compared and analyzed teaching materials of Korea and China. The subjects of evaluation were China's 'Morality and Society' of People Education Press and Korea's national textbook 'Social Studies'. Textbooks for students and teaching guides for teachers were compared to discuss similarities and differences. In result of comparing appearances, composition, and contents, it was found that China was using various textbooks that fit the needs of each region and Korea was mostly using a common national textbook. However, Korea's 3^rd grade was using regional textbooks that were independently developed.Based on the above comparison and analysis, it was found that the elementary school Social Studies subjects of China and Korea share more similarities than differences. As China and Korea have two different goals, their contents and views of ideal man were different. However, the ultimate objective to foster men that are fitted for the society is common. This proves that the elementary school Social Studies subjects of China and Korea are not mere educational subjects, but are highly politically related to national policies. In this respect, the elementary school Social Studies subjects of China and Korea can be defined as civil education subjects.