Curriculum in International Contexts

This book is an exposition of how political, cultural, historical, and economic structures and processes shape the nature and character of curriculum landscapes globally. By developing theoretical connections and providing contextual background, Kumar explores how colonialism and imperialism, state-led ideological control, and the wave of neoliberalism and capitalism insidiously impact the process of curriculum development in different parts of the world. Kumar also underscores how intellectual movements such as Marxism and postmodernism have shaped curriculum theory in varied political and economic settings. By emphasizing the connections between and among diverse cultural and political conceptualizations of curriculum, this volume contributes to the internationalization of curriculum studies discourses.

Discusses the complexity of curriculum in diverse international contexts including South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, and throughout Asia Underscores, in specific terms, how colonization, politicization of education, and neoliberal global economic policies have shaped the nature and character of curriculum in diverse international settings Provides an understanding of how intellectual movements such as Marxism and postmodernism influence the development of curriculum theory and practice

Autorentext

Ashwani Kumar is Associate Professor of Education at Mount Saint Vincent University, Canada. He is the author of Curriculum As Meditative Inquiry (2013).

Inhalt

Chapter 1. Introduction.- Chapter 2. Curriculum Studies in South Africa: Colonialism, Constructivism, and Outcomes-Based Education.- Chapter 3. Curriculum Studies in Brazil: Marxism, Postmodernism, and Multiculturalism.- Chapter 4. Curriculum Studies in Mexico: Technical Rationality, Curriculum Communities, and Neoliberal Globalization.- Chapter 5. Curriculum As a Process of Conditioning in Asia: Ideology, Politics, and Religion.- Chapter 6. Indian Social Studies Curriculum in Transition: Effects of a Paradigm Shift in Curriculum Discourse.- Chapter 7. Postmodern Turn in North American Social Studies Education: Considering Identities, Contexts, and Discourses.- Chapter 8. The Menace of Neoliberal Education Reforms: Where Capitalism, Behaviorism, and Positivism Meet.