Cultures of Curriculum

by Pamela Bolotin Joseph

Cultures of Curriculum is meant to foster awareness, examination, and deliberation about the curricula planned for and carried out in classrooms and schools; to inspire conversations about theory and practice, as well as political, social, and moral issues; and to expand critical consciousness about individuals' approaches to curriculum and practice. Using "cultures of curriculum" as a lens, the authors reveal and critically examine the belief systems and classroom practices of six curricular orientations in contemporary American society. Readers are encouraged to give serious attention to the issues this book raises for them, and to join with their colleagues, students, and communities in considering how to create curricula with purpose and congruent practices. A framework of inquiry is presented to facilitate such reflection and to accomplish these specific

* to elucidate the concept of curriculum as culture--a revealing system of implicit and explicit beliefs, values, behaviors, and customs in classrooms and schools which are deliberated within communities and other public spheres,
* to acquaint readers with patterns of curriculum thinking that have influenced the development of the concept of cultures of curriculum,
* to offer historical insight about shifting educational and social priorities that have influenced the course of curriculum in American schooling,
* to integrate moral and political discourse into recognition and discussion of curriculum,
* to encourage metaphoric thinking that enables new ways to perceive commonplace assumptions and embedded belief systems,
* to deepen awareness of dilemmas of practice inherent in curriculum work, and
* to hold up each culture of curriculum to critical inquiry of its assumptions, purposes, and claims.

This text is a vital resource for students in curriculum theory, curriculum studies, and history and philosophy of education courses, and should also enter the public discourse as readers bring its ideas and issues into their schools and communities.

Genres: Teaching, Education

208 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1999

Reviews

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was required reading for an early course during my Master of Education program. It was fantastic! If you've ever wondered about why academics and tradespeople butt heads, educationally, or if you've been curious about the differences between a Montessori, Summerhill, and the many other versions of private schools, this is the book for you. After reading through Bolotin Joseph's book, I feel I have a much better understanding about systems, perspectives, or cultures of curriculum, what education means to different groups, and why the opinions are so varied. I kept going back to this text throughout my two-year program, and will use this as a useful reference tool in years to come.

[Colette · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this author's writing style particularly unenjoyable to read.

[Alicia Weaver · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this book for school. The various types of curriculum sections were very helpful especially how the chapter were organized making the information easy to understand and apply.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really eye opening approach to how curriculum should be designed to flow through all classes. Curriculum is more than the material you teach and it should inform every decision made within a school. Setting up a culture is bigger than choosing new textbooks.

The book is a collection of essays by Joseph and others who outline why curriculum cultures are so important and how they can transform schools starting in the classroom.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for my Master's degree. Interesting ideas. Hard to get through at times.