Affect in the Curriculum : Toward Democracy, Dignity and Diversity

Presents an in-depth look at affect in the curriculum, a broad area involving personal-social development and efficacy. The author traces the history of theories and proposals regarding self-esteem, values education, multi-cultural education and other "affective" topics, and critically analyzes their present forms. To resolve the confusion and contradictions surrounding these topics in schools, a proposal is made to reconsider using and integrating the themes of democracy, human dignity and cultural diversity. In making the case, examples of how to bring the themes to life in curricular and institutional practices are described, as well as arrangements for a practical discourse in schools.