Contributions of the ‘Theory of the Imaginary’ to contemporary curriculum development

Abstract

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14244/19827199935

The Imaginary is being consolidated as a theoretical trend in the development of the humanities owing to the repositioning of the view of the contemporary man. Education and curriculum theories have been following the changes of scientific scope and possibilities of expanding its operations across post-modernity. In this context, this study aims to understand the contributions of the Theory of the Imaginary in education and the contemporary curriculum thinking. To this end, an overview of curriculum development studies in Western countries is initially carried out, demonstrating the influence of different scientific paradigms in this development. The Theory of the Imaginary is then discussed, based on Gilbert Durand, as a new trend for studies in education and curriculum, seeking its epistemological and methodological contribution in this context.

Keywords: Imaginary, Curriculum, Education.