Race, Racism and the Geography Curriculum

Description

Changes in the nature of knowledge production, plus rapid social and cultural change, have meant that the 'curriculum question' - what is to be taught, and by extension, 'whose knowledge' - has been hotly contested. The question of what to teach has become more and more controversial. This book asks: what is an appropriate curriculum response to the acute, renewed interest in issues of race and racism? How does a school subject like geography respond? The struggle over the school curriculum has frequently been portrayed as being between educational 'traditionalists' and 'progressives'. This book suggests a way out of this impasse. Drawing upon and extending insights from 'social realism', it explores what a Future 3 geography curriculum might look like - one that recognizes the importance of the academic discipline as a source of curriculum-making but at the same time avoids geographical knowledge becoming set in stone. The book focuses very sharply on issues of race and racism, enabling teachers to engage in curriculum making in geography that is racially literate.

John W. Morgan is Head of the School of Critical Studies of Education at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. Previously he was Professor of Geography and Environmental Education at IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society, University College London, UK. David Lambert is Emeritus Professor of Geography Education at IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society, University College London, UK. Julian Agyeman is Professor of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning at Tufts University, USA.

Morgan and Lambert unflinchingly trace the uneven contours of race and racism in the geography curriculum. They challenge us to re-consider what counts for knowledge in a more inclusive, multiracial and democratic society. Their trenchant analysis and timely discussions will inspire new racial literacies in the UK and far beyond. * Todd W. Kenreich, Professor of Secondary and Middle School Education, Towson University, USA * This is an important and timely book. Rich in both historical context and practical insight, the book challenges educators to think of race and racism not as a peripheral concern but as something central to the geography curriculum in post-imperial Britain. * Leon Tikly, Professor, School of Education, University of Bristol, UK * This book offers remarkable new openings towards a racially literate geography curriculum. Morgan & Lambert pay extensive attention to relevant developments in society and science. And from their critically reflective consideration, they show us valuable ways to tackle race and racism in a school subject through F3 curriculum making. * Tine Beneker, Professor of Geography and Education, Utrecht University, the Netherlands *