What philosophy stresses a curriculum heavily based on foundational subjects like literature, history, and mathematics?

Essentialism emphasizes a curriculum that focuses on the essential knowledge and skills that students must acquire, particularly in foundational subjects such as literature, history, and mathematics. This philosophy advocates for a back-to-basics approach, asserting that a strong grounding in these core disciplines is crucial for students' intellectual development and success.

Proponents of essentialism believe that education should prioritize teaching traditional academic subjects that provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the world. By concentrating on these fundamental areas, essentialism aims to cultivate well-rounded individuals who possess critical thinking skills, effective communication abilities, and a solid grasp of cultural and historical contexts.

In contrast, other educational philosophies like progressivism and constructivism focus on more experiential and student-centered approaches to learning, valuing personalized experiences, exploration, and the student's role in constructing knowledge. While perennialism also emphasizes timeless and universal truths present in classic works and moral philosophies, its focus is less on foundational subjects specifically and more on enduring ideas. This distinction reinforces why essentialism is the philosophy most associated with a curriculum that prioritizes foundational subjects.