Harold Rugg’s Curriculum and the Debate Over Social Studies Instruction

Abstract

The current debate over national history standards reflects a central question: What is the purpose of K-12 social studies instruction? This paper revisits one of the earliest cases of this recurrent issue: the 1930s controversy over the curriculum of Harold Rugg. Rugg was charged with bias, subversion, and unAmericanism. The rationale, design, and organization of Rugg’s curriculum are examined. Text content is analyzedfor bias and other problems in selectionandpresentalion of material and for consistency with the goals ofthe rationale and design. The study concludes that substantial bias presented a legitimate causefor community concern. Further, because Rugg’s intentions violated consent procedures, his educational goals were fundamentally undemocratic. Rather than associating their cause with his, current reformers should be careful to avoid repeating his errors.