The development of the new French universities is traced from 1968 to 1978. Chapter One examines the state of French higher education prior to 1968, including such aspects as access to education and student life. Chapter Two focuses on the student revolt at the Sorbonne on May 3, 1968. In the next four chapters, the emergence of the Faure law with consideration of its intellectual origins; the political conflicts over its passage; and its main provisions with regard to university governance, curriculum, and finance are discussed. The development in each field from the passage of the law in 1968 until 1978 is examined. The concluding chapter presents an overview of the developments in the French university and attempts to draw a balance sheet of the reform effort a decade later. Extensive notes; a brief glossary; tables on student enrollment, faculty, expenditures for higher education and other related facts; a copy of The Orientation of Higher Education Act (November 12, 1968); and an approximately 425-item bibliography are appended. (Author/PHR)