The first part of this document presents an overview of a ninth grade social studies course. Included is a brief description of the five-unit course, a note to teachers about course content, a suggested time schedule, a comment on teaching controversial issues, a rationale and major goals of the course. The second part contains a unit on citizenship, the first of five units in the course described above. Objectives are to help students: (1) become more aware of the rights provided for them both as citizens of the school and the United States; (2) realize that although they have certain rights, these rights are limited in varying degrees and each carries a responsibility; and (3) understand that Constitutional rights also apply to them as students. The unit is divided into five areas: the school and student rights; the county and student rights; the Constitution and its application to students; the Supreme Court and its effect on students; and specific court decisions that have changed the concept of student rights. Each lesson has a stated purpose, a classroom procedure, suggested materials, and teaching variations for high, average, and low ability students. The lessons are inquiry-oriented and are based on student activities; resource pages for these activities are included. (Author/JK)