Due to increasing socio-civic deterioration and collapse, the author identifies the fundamental areas of emphasis for a social studies program that deal with the prime elements in the maintenance of society. (Author/ND)

Presents a strategy for a study of social problems that involves selecting brief excerpts from various literary genres that focus on a key social issue or problem. Explains that middle-level students are presented with a problem to identify, explore, and attempt to solve. Presents an appendix using this excerpt format. (CMK)