As long as there has been formal curriculum, there has been disappointing curriculum. In an increasingly authoritarian world, problematic curricula are on the march, leaving teachers in a bind. Faced with these problematic curricula, some teachers will submit and do as they are told. Other teachers will oppose the problematic curricula, and, in some cases, face the consequences. Instead, the author argues for reworking problematic curricula. Turning to the nearest bookshelf, the author engages with his own troubling inheritance, a problematic curriculum. As a gift from a beloved family member, that text proved too dear to discard and too problematic to accept unchanged. Drawing on examples of assemblage art, the author reworks the problematic curriculum through cutting, juxtaposing with other materials, and re-contextualizing in a different setting. Navigating in the wake of reactionary movements, the author concludes by encouraging the teacher to find forms of subsistence while continuing to work toward a larger vision of social justice.

About the Author

Seth A. McCall is a postdoctoral research associate at the Center for Technology and School Change, and teaches social studies education courses at Wayne State University.

Reviews

"Dehistoricization is a tool used by those who would undermine, exploit, or attack the field of education. A Troubling Inheritance: Reworking Problematic Curricula by Dr. Seth A. McCall is an important book because it situates our current moment by placing it in relationship with what McCall describes as a troubling inheritance. This book matters because it historicizes the current work of teaching and learning which helps educators resist neoliberal trends that undermine democracy in schools and society."

-- Samuel Jaye Tanner, The University of Iowa

"In this beautifully written, brilliantly argued book, Seth McCall challenges us to find more playful ways to deal with our (curricular) troublesome inheritance. Framed by a sophisticated and nuanced use of Affect Theory, McCall wonders what curricula can do, and then experiments with the many ways in which problematic pedagogical objects can move us to imagine education otherwise."

-- Dani Friedrich, Columbia University



Book Information
ISBN 9781666912586
Author Seth A. McCall
Format Hardback
Page Count 136
Imprint Lexington Books/Fortress Academic
Publisher Lexington Books
Weight(grams) 390g
Dimensions(mm) 239mm * 157mm * 15mm