This guide is intended to assist in developing and teaching a social studies course for adult basic education students. The first part identifies a rationale for the development of adult social studies programs, general goals for such programs, and specific competencies designed to help students achieve program goals. The section on course design covers the methodology, scope, and organization of the social studies curriculum and suggests alternative approaches to teaching social studies. The second part outlines some general principles underlying adult learning and instruction, identifies some relevant teaching strategies, provides case studies of adult social studies situations, and suggests some criteria and strategies for student evaluation. Part 3, the main portion of the guide, suggests six major theme units for a social studies course (Canadian government, law, and citizenship; people and their environment, multiculturalism; the information society; economics and people; and global citizenship) that emphasize the history, geography, government, and economy of Canada and encourage students to develop problem-solving and analytical skills. Also included in this section are case studies connected with each of the theme units and suggestions for using the themes (with emphasis on the individualized instruction approach). The fourth part identifies relevant instructor references and student materials. (MN)