The Educated Subject and the German Concept of Bildung : A Comparative Cultural History

German education plays a huge role in the development of education sciences and modern universities internationally. It is influenced by the educational concept of Bildung, which defines Germany ‘s theoretical and curricular ventures. This concept is famously untranslatable into other languages and is often misinterpreted as education, instruction, training, upbringing and other terms which don’t encompass its cultural ambitions. Despite this hurdle, Bildung is now being recognized in current discussions of education issues such as standardization, teaching to the test, evidence-based policy and high stakes testing. This volume clears up the confusion and misunderstandings surrounding Bildung by examining the origins of the concept and how it has been applied throughout history. It paves the way for educators to fully understand and benefit from this model and all it has to offer.

German education played a huge role in the development of education sciences and modern universities internationally. This impact was influenced by the educational concept of Bildung, which defined and still defines Germany''s theoretical and curricular ventures. This concept is famously untranslatable into other languages and this fact is part of its self-understanding: education, instruction, training, upbringing and other terms which don’t encompass its thorough cultural ambitions. Despite this hurdle, Bildung is now being recognized internationally in current discussions of education issues such as opposing standardization, teaching to the test, evidence-based policy and high stakes testing. This volume clears up the confusion and misunderstandings surrounding Bildung by examining the origins of the concept and how it has been traveled throughout history and across different cultures.