ABSTRACT
Chapter 1 begins by framing the question ‘How do certain things become possible?’ It offers Statement Archaeology as a method that engages with such questions, summarizing the approach, and providing some initial theoretical underpinnings. It shows how the method is derived from approaches used by Michel Foucault in his exploration of the history of ideas, and sets out in detail the practical steps that are involved in the use of Statement Archaeology, with a particular focus on an explanation of the processes by which key statements for exploration—or ‘starting points’—are identified. The chapter then sets out some necessary contextualization regarding English Religious Education (RE), describing its unique position in the curriculum of English state-funded schools and its cultural and social importance. In discussion with recent national reports, this discussion includes an exploration of why the history of the subject is so important in terms of understanding and contributing to current debates about the nature and purpose of RE. The scope and structure of the book is described, and clear signposting together with a brief summary of the content of each chapter is offered.
