Race, Racism and the Geography Curriculum

The "curriculum question" has become increasingly controversial due to changes in knowledge production and rapid social and cultural change. This book 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. It focuses on issues of race and racism, enabling teachers to engage in curriculum making that is racially literate.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 20 April 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The nature of knowledge production and rapid social and cultural changes have sparked intense debates over the curriculum. The question of what to teach has become increasingly contentious, leading to a renewed interest in issues of race and racism. This book aims to address this pressing concern by exploring the appropriate curriculum response to the growing interest in these topics.

The book proposes a Future 3 geography curriculum that recognizes the importance of the academic discipline as a source of curriculum-making while avoiding geographical knowledge becoming stagnant. It focuses specifically on issues of race and racism, empowering teachers to engage in curriculum-making that is racially literate.

The Foreword to the book is written by Julian Agyeman, a former geography teacher in the UK and currently a Professor of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning at Tufts University, USA. In his Foreword, Agyeman highlights the significance of geography in understanding and addressing issues of race and racism. He emphasizes the need for a curriculum that promotes critical thinking, empathy, and social justice while also providing students with the geographical knowledge and skills necessary to engage with these complex issues.

The book is organized into four chapters, each exploring different aspects of the Future 3 geography curriculum. Chapter 1 provides an overview of the changing nature of knowledge production and the challenges it presents for the curriculum. Chapter 2 explores the role of social realism in curriculum-making and its relevance to issues of race and racism. Chapter 3 presents a vision for a Future 3 geography curriculum that recognizes the importance of the academic discipline while avoiding geographical knowledge becoming set in stone. Chapter 4 provides practical examples and strategies for implementing a Future 3 geography curriculum that is racially literate.

Throughout the book, the authors draw upon insights from a range of disciplines, including geography, education, sociology, and political science, to develop a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to curriculum-making. They argue that a Future 3 geography curriculum should be flexible, adaptable, and responsive to the changing needs of students and society.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate over the curriculum. It provides a thoughtful and comprehensive exploration of the appropriate curriculum response to the renewed interest in issues of race and racism. By recognizing the importance of the academic discipline as a source of curriculum-making while avoiding geographical knowledge becoming stagnant, the book offers a way forward for educators seeking to create inclusive and equitable learning environments.

Weight: 388g
Dimension: 244 x 169 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350336643