A Commentary on the Debate between Modern and Postmodern Views of Curriculum Theory

Author: Wen-jing Shan(Department of Education, National Taiwan Normal University)

Vol.&No.：Vol. 47, No. 2
Date：October 2002
Pages：123-142
DOI：10.3966/2073753X2002104702001

Abstract：

"Modern" and "postmodern" are relative notions based on the concept of "modernity". Scholars seem to disagree on the difference between "modern" and "postmodern" views of education or curriculum. The paper will try to take an objective look at the debate between modern and postmodern views of curriculum theory. It will do so by pinpointing several key questions that need to be addressed by curriculum practitioners. The paper is divided into six sections. First, its general background is introduced. The second and third sections explicate the modern view of curriculum, the fourth and fifth sections the postmodern view. In the final section, the core concepts of the modern vs. postmodern debate are clarified. The author argues that these two views can in fact be integrated to the benefit of curriculum practitioners.

Keywords：modern postmodern,curriculum theory,curriculum inquiry

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