This analysis identifies six problems with the the popular terms "rigorous academic curriculum" and "academic rigor": they bear multiple meanings, they contain negative connotations, they are survivals from the discredited learning theory called mental discipline, they have more to do with status than substance, they refer to an over-narrow…

Originally delivered as a speech to the American Educational Research Association, this article continues the debate over whether the field of curriculum is first, dead, and second, actually a field. (MLF)

This paper discusses the ideas of Conrad Fiedler, a 19th century German philosopher of art, concerning art criticism, or the judging of works of visual art. In addition to a brief biography of Conrad Fiedler, the paper's main subject is Fiedler's ideas on art criticism as expressed in his book "On Judging Works of Visual Art" (1876,…

This paper presents the views of three critics of higher education in America, chosen to represent the conservative, centrist, and liberal points of view. The critics are Russell Kirk (conservative), Robert Maynard Hutchins (middle ground), and Harold Taylor (liberal); and their views are presented within the framework of six concepts: (1) outlook…

Uses feminist post-structuralist interpretations of a story about an Australian early childhood teacher to explore why "seeing gender" has proved to be so difficult in early childhood education and why feminist reconstructions of the pedagogic gaze are central to addressing the marginalization of gender issues in the early childhood…

Presents 36 reasons why middle level educators should be cautious of an integrated curriculum approach. Fifteen reasons relate to unsubstantiated claims about the superiority of integrated curriculum, while 21 reasons relate to negative outcomes that might accompany excessive attention to an integrated curriculum. Urges caution and further…