Macdonald, James

James Macdonald (19251983) was one of the most important U.S. curriculum theorists of the 20th century. He taught initially at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, and subsequently at the University of North CarolinaGreensboro, until his death. Macdonald never published a book, but his work can be found in disparate places, including numerous monographs, booklets, and out-of-the-way journals (such as the Journal of Vocational Education). After his death, Macdonald's son Bradley J. Macdonald published Theory as a Prayerful Act: The Collected Essays of James B. Macdonald, a gathering of some of Macdonald's most seminal works. His work may also be found in William Pinar's Curriculum Theorizing: The Reconceptualists and Contemporary Curriculum Discourses.

Most notable among the many features of Macdonald's work was his willingness to bring in ...