Both Social Studies [SS] and US History [US] are subject areas that can go either way -- textbooks are abundant, but self-designs seem to flow easily, too. Some students prefer the structure of a textbook, and for structure-oriented students these course descriptions may contain too much flexibility. But for others, the self-designed courses could offer more “engagement” of the student’s interests and enhance his or her willingness to participate.

This section offers self-designed Social Studies courses [SS] and US History courses [US]. (NOTE: not all Social Studies courses qualify as US History; but all US History courses DO qualify as Social Studies.)


Below are examples for your consideration. We hope they stimulate ideas and become starting points for you.

This section contains 25 examples of self-designed courses: