Using a thematic approach to history, this course investigates the changing machinery of government, the population composition of the United States, and the nature and challenges of U.S. foreign policy. The course is centered around four themes: (1) how do we govern ourselves? (2) who are we? (the pluralistic society); (3) how do we live together? (social and cultural development of our nation); and (4) how should the nation act as a world power? Art, literature, and music are used to broaden the students' sensitivities and insights. An interdisciplinary approach incorporates the tools and understandings of the disciplines of sociology, anthropology, psychology, geography, history, economics, and political science. In section 1, each theme is divided into broad problems, and within each problem specific questions are raised. Subject matter content is indicated for each specific question. The learning activities in section 2 are developed around the significant problems of each theme. A variety of teaching methods are used in the activities, such as questions for inquiry, discovery, debates, simulations, case studies, examination of original documents, and individual research. Samples of instructional materials, specific lesson suggestions, suggested readings, and evaluative suggestions are provided. The guide concludes with the K-12 social studies philosophy and the K-12 social studies program scope and sequences. (SM)