This essay offers an account of the beginnings of modern schooling. The Latin word "schola" began to mean "school" in the ninth century. But early practices associated with this newly distinct social phenomenon took several centuries to become codified, institutionalized and recognized. Until that happened, school was a label…

There exists a longstanding split in European educational thought. Schooling and higher education in the English-speaking world are dominated by the idea of curriculum; whereas in Germany, Scandinavia, and Eastern Europe the intellectual work of students is shaped by the concept of Bildung (students are expected to be self-directed in their choice…

Taking the premise that curriculum design embraces the historical introduction of "order" into schooling, this paper considers theories of curriculum order since the 16th century. Calvinist social discipline brought a curriculum of schooling to be followed and to be completed as well. Peter Ramus, a 16th century professor, reshaped…