First published in 1992, this book presents unique quantitative data on the content coverage of primary education in a large number of countries since 1920.

John Meyer, David Kamens, Aaron Benavot

List of Tables; Author's Preface; 1. Introduction; Part I: The Worldwide Institutionalization of Primary School Curricula; 2. Background: A Perspective on the Curriculum and Curricular Research John W. Meyer 3. Description of the Curriculum Database and the Methodologies Employed Aaron Benavot 4. Knowledge for the Masses: World Models and National Curricula, 1920-1986 Aaron Benavot, Yun-Kyung Cha, David H. Kamens, John W. Meyer and Suk-Ying Wong 5. The Origins and Expansion of Primary School Curricula: 1800-1920 Yun-Kyung Cha 6. Variant Forms: Cases of Countries with Distinct Curricula David H. Kamens; Part II: Studies of Specific Subject Areas; 7. Language Instruction in National Curricula, 1850-1986: The Effect of the Global System Yun-Kyung Cha 8. A Comparative and Historical Analysis of Mathematics and Science Curricula, 1800-1986 David H. Kamens and Aaron Benavot 9. The Evolution and Organisation of the Social Science Curriculum Suk-Ying Wong 10. Values Education in the Curriculum: Some Comparative Empirical Data Yun-Kyung Cha, Suk-Ying Wong and John W. Meyer 11. The Formation of New Subjects in Mass Schooling: Nineteenth Century Origins and Twentieth Century Diffusion of Art and Physical Education David H. Kamens and Yun-Kyung Cha 12. Conclusion: Accounting for a World Curriculum John W. Meyer and David H. Kamens; Bibliography; Index