Rebekka Horlacher Books

The concept of Bildung is central to understanding the evolution of German education and its global influence on educational sciences and universities. This untranslatable term encompasses a broad spectrum of cultural ambitions, including education and upbringing, while challenging modern trends like standardization and high-stakes testing. The volume explores the historical origins of Bildung and its journey through various cultures, aiming to clarify misconceptions and highlight its relevance in contemporary educational discussions.

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.