Forging the American Curriculum

Herbert M. Kliebard is considered one of the foremost historians in the field of education. His new book, "Forging the American Curriculum", is a collection of 12 seminal essays - all of them previously published - that represents the best of his writing and reflection on the history and theory of curriculum studies. Asserting that the 20th century in particular has been a critical period in the development of the American curriculum, Kliebard delves into the historical events and theoretical principles that have made the curriculum what it is today. Turning first to the subject of curriculum history, Kliebard focuses his attention on a range of subjects that showcase the depth and range of his historical understanding. Countering the notion that the decline of the humanities curriculum is a contemporary problem, for instance, Kliebard argues that its fall actually dates from the advent of Darwinism in the latter part of the 19th century. Kliebard also carefully examines important education reformers such as John Dewey, and unearths the influences on his liberal doctrines. Finally, he reveals the "enemies" of the liberal arts curriculum in Victorian England.