Bridging Historical Memory and Civic Identity: The Role of Social Studies and History in Education

This article presents a comparative analysis of history curricula, focusing on their contribution to developing civic consciousness and national identity in university students. The analysis examines the functional roles of History and Social Studies in terms of their impact on forming civic awareness and national identity. The study culminated in a conceptual model for a Social Studies course that integrates cognitive, axiological, and activity-based components. A comprehensive literature review enabled the evaluation of international best practices and theoretical approaches to civic education, revealing the potentials and limitations of Social Studies and History in shaping students’ value orientations, critical thinking, and legal literacy. To avoid ideological indoctrination, a balanced approach to teaching these disciplines is required. Currently, Social Studies plays a key role in developing active, competent, and moral individuals capable of conscious participation in public life. However, higher education requires a new discipline that integrates knowledge from various fields while focusing on soft skills.