The fact that South Korean curriculum scholars formed many of their perspectives on curricular phenomena through the United States curriculum studies and literature cannot be repudiated. In order to analyze the influences of the United States curriculum studies in South Korea requires one who is able to combine the United States curriculum studies and South Korean curriculum studies with an extensive knowledge both of the literature and of history of each as well as the larger history of influences between these countries. No one is fully able to accomplish this task, and the extent of reading or knowledge it requires about both countries. However, this study is beginning of such a project that will hopefully grow through efforts of many scholars. As a prerequisite to doing this, at least in the process of doing so, this paper is an attempt to interpret a history of curriculum studies in the United States, to figure out the nature of curriculum studies in the United States, and eventually to provide insight to guide the curricular present and future. In short, this study is a preliminary study for pursuing further study of analyzing the influences of American curriculum studies into South Korea. Keywords : curriculum studies, knowledge, society, learner