Explores the historiography of the social studies curriculum in the United States since the depression as presented by three educators who were most responsible for establishing a widely accepted social studies framework--Henry Johnson, Rolla Tryon, and Edgar Wesley. Topics discussed include characteristics of their view of the development of the…

Discusses John Dewey's concept of curriculum, as applied in his Laboratory School. Describes the planning of the school and how its curriculum evolved over time. Identifies both Dewey's belief in educational specialization and his understanding of its limits. Notes the implications of Dewey's work for today's educators. (SG)

This paper offers a history of curriculum research. It discusses how, by 1969, the conventional curriculum field in America had become irrelevant. This situation would change in the 1970s as curriculum research began its climb back toward legitimacy. During the decade, a new trend in synoptic curriculum efforts appeared--a more considered approach…

This comprehensive document includes 47 papers on historical aspects of curriculum practice, theory, research, and leaders presented at meetings of the Society for the Study of Curriculum History (SSCH) between 1978 and 1991. Following a compiler's introduction, the document is organized into six parts: part 1 provides copies of the official…

A history and analysis of science curriculum development is presented. Factors which influence the selection and organization of content in a science curriculum are discussed, including Macdonald's curriculum development models, propositions for curriculum development, and changes made in science curricula during the last century. (CJ)

Traces public and political interest in curriculum change in U.S. public schools from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s. Findings indicate that, in general, increased levels of expectation regarding the power of schools continued unabated during this period. Suggestions are presented regarding topics for additional educational research. (DB)

Describes curricular and pedagogical experimentation in humanities and social studies instruction conducted in New Zealand immediately after World War II. Compares such developments with the Freyberg Integrated Studies Project, a later three-year curriculum development and research program. Concludes that the Freyberg model provides support for…

Examines educational history to discover the process by which curriculum became a universal idea and how the concept of the classroom was invented. Argues that universal ideas and inventions such as the classroom result in the creation of dominant institutional categories that exert a powerful influence over what can or cannot be done by…

The American Educational Research Association's (AERA) Special Interest Group (SIG) on "Creation and Utilization of Curriculum Knowledge" was formed in 1971 by researchers whose work focused upon the advancement of knowledge in curriculum. The interest area for this SIG centered on generic knowledge about: (1) curriculum definitions; (2)…

Argues that traditional English methods of deciding what to teach have been more pragmatic than either U.S. "Curriculum Theory" or German "Didaktik," both emphasizing principled arguments about educational goals. Observes that English schooling continues to be shaped by discussion of subject-based methods rather than…

States that World War I served as a catalyst for rapid change in the teaching of history, geography, and current events. Indicators of change were found in professional journals such as THE HISTORY TEACHER'S MAGAZINE. Concludes that post-World War I social studies was more like our current curriculum than that which existed prior to the War.…

Beginning with the decade of the 50's, continuing through the 60's and midway into the 70's, the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Office of Education, and, most recently, the National Institute of Education have become involved in curriculum development on a national basis. The climate of the 1950's and early 60's witnessed the upgrading and…

This study is sixth in a series of surveys of courses of study reported at intervals during the past 15 years by the Office of Education. In the main, the earlier publications consisted of lists of courses filed in the library for the use of curriculum makers and research workers in education. The present study is concerned with an analysis of the…

This investigation of the teaching of science in secondary schools is based upon the analysis of 58 courses in general science, 45 courses in biology, 27 courses in physics, and 30 courses in chemistry. The courses were obtained from schools in response to a request from the Office of Education for courses which had been revised since 1925. Some…

Of the problems attracting attention in the education of teachers, more are connected with curricula than with any other phase. Curricula for the preparation of teachers are diverse, and their revision should be made in the light of all available information. This survey gave special emphasis to an analysis of existing curricula for educating…