Curriculum for Justice and Harmony

Barton and Ho present a global vision of social and civic education, one that reorients the field toward justice and harmony. Drawing from diverse philosophical and cultural traditions, as well as empirical research, they introduce curriculum principles designed to motivate and inform students’ thoughtful and compassionate deliberation of public issues.

This book argues that the curriculum must prepare young people to take action on issues of justice and harmony―societal ideals that are central to all communities. Effective action depends on deliberation characterized by emotional commitment, collaborative problem-solving, and engagement with diverse perspectives and forms of expression.

Deliberation for public action also requires knowledge―of people’s lives and experiences, their insights into social issues, and strategies for advancing justice and harmony. These curriculum principles are illustrated through case studies of public housing, food insecurity, climate change, gender bias, public health, exploitation of domestic workers, incarceration of racialized minorities, the impact of development and environmental change on Indigenous communities, and other pressing global concerns.

For additional resources and related information, please visit the authors’ website, www.justiceandharmony.com.

Keith C. Barton is Professor of Curriculum and Instruction at Indiana University. His research and teaching focus on engaging children and adolescents in explorations of history, human rights, and other social and civic issues. He is co-author, with Linda S. Levstik, of Teaching History for the Common Good.

Li-Ching Ho is Professor of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Faculty Director of Global Engagement in the School of Education. Her research focuses on global, environmental, and multicultural civic education.