Understanding the School Curriculum

<p>At a time of rapid social change and numerous policy initiatives there is a need to question the nature and function of school curricula and the purposes of formal public education. Comparing curriculum developments around the globe <em>Understanding the School Curriculum</em> draws on a range of educational philosophical and sociological theories to examine the question ‘What is a curriculum for?’ In considering different answers to this fundamental question it explores a range of topical issues and debates including:</p><ul> <li>tensions and dynamics within curriculum policy</li> </ul><ul> <li>The implications of uncertainty and rapid social change for curriculum development</li> </ul><ul> <li>the positive and negative influence of free market ideologies on public education</li> </ul><ul> <li>the impact of globalization and digital technologies</li> </ul><ul> <li>arguments for and against common core curricula and state control</li> </ul><p>It examines the possibility of a school curriculum that is not shaped and monitored by dominant interests but that has as its founding principles the promotion of responsibility responsiveness a love of learning and a sense of wonder and respect for the natural and social world.</p><p><em>Understanding the School Curriculum</em> is for all students following undergraduate and Masters courses in curriculum public policy and education-related subjects. It is also for all training and practising teachers who wish to combine a deeper understanding of major curriculum issues with a critical understanding of the ways in which ideologies impact on formal state education and to consider ways of producing school curricula that are appropriate to the times we live in.</p>