Although drama as a method appears to have not played a pivotal role in elementary and secondary social studies instruction, there is a history of its inclusion as indicated by several articles and chapters insocial studies literature. This essay provides a review of social studies literature and other related literature of the use of drama as a form of social studies instruction. A pattern emerges throughout this history that suggests there are two dominant themes of drama use: drama as a reproduction of social studies academics and drama as a forum for the study of historical and contemporary social issues. The essay concludes with various principles based on the literature review of using drama in the social studies.
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