The nature of the social studies and their international dimensions are examined. Discussion focuses on the definition of the social studies and the role of knowledge and ways of knowing in the social studies. In contrast to the social sciences, the social studies are designed primarily for instructional purposes. They include the substantive portions of human behavior and procedural modes that have been selected and adapted for use in schools and other instructional situations. Also, the process by which a social studies class deals with subject matter is part of the social studies. The internationalization of social studies is due to a common knowledge base accepted globally by all social scientists. Because the social studies are in the center of a constant quest for verifiable knowledge as their content, it is noted that verification requires meeting certain condition of evidence and truth. This process of verification has been brought into the classroom through the use of an inductive method of inquiry. These epistemological considerations are relevant beyond the classroom, though, because they illustrate the development of a common cultural element in the emerging global society. The paper concludes that students should become aware of the common intellectual and affective bonds that unite them to their academic and social brothers throughout the world. (Author/ND)