This graduate course is designed to develop an understanding of the philosophies upon which curriculum design is built and the societal and political influences that affect curriculum design. Candidates will be guided to understand the curriculum design model as a decision-making process- deciding what to do, the conditions under which it is to be done, and how it is to be evaluated. The knowledge, dispositions, and activities in this course provide a framework for understanding curriculum design as both process and content. Current theories as well as historical trends will be included. This course will extend the participant's understanding of the process of curriculum design, its implementation, and assessment. Current issues as well as historical trends about standards, neuroscience research, conceptual design, and urban education are some of the topics that are analyzed, synthesized, and evaluated through case studies, field experiences, and seminar discussion.