Throughout the twentieth century and the first decades of the twenty-first century, the UK higher education went through significant changes. We identify three epochs, through which the institutional logic and purpose of university were redefined: an elite reconfiguration before the 1950s; a democratic reconfiguration from the 1960s on; and an…

This paper retraces the evolution of the relationships between higher education institutions, the state and the academic profession in France since the French Revolution on the one hand and the parallel evolution of the societal expectations for their roles and missions, on the other. It in particular highlights the divide between the universities…

The special consideration given to academics in American higher education creates a relatively closed political environment that increases higher education's resistance to change and diversification. However, since in this system the consumer has recognized rights, more study should be made of the interplay of consumers, academics, and political…

Evaluated is a decade of campus experiments that began in the 1960's, as volatile a period of college reform as the coutry has ever witnessed. An overview is provided of the diversity of undergraduate education in the United States, and two general types of changes are identified: telic reforms, which redefine the goals of higher education, and…

The former president of Bennington College suggests that instead of coming to terms with any of the real issues confronting higher education, professors (and others) spend most of their time waging symbolic power struggles which prevent anyone from making decisions. A re-examination of basic commitments is advocated. (LBH)

Analysis of the historical origins and development of Israel's universities helps understand the phenomenon of transfer and adaptation of Western concepts of higher education in developing countries. Despite major historical changes and the establishment of the Israeli state, the prestate ethos still dominates. (Author/MSE)

A series of humorous aphorisms reflect on why American higher education does not improve despite quantities of research and pervasive change in recent years. Topics covered include research, excellence, the liberal arts, administration, faculty, and students. (MSE)

Citing a severe decline in academic standards due to political and social influences, a group of conservative scholars criticizes the "radicalization" of the college curriculum and danger to academic freedom. (MSE)

The state of future studies and the significance of futures thinking for higher education are considered. It is suggested that the future studies arena is not very large or well-organized and that it has not been growing, in part because it does not fit well into academe. Basic themes of future studies are described as an axis of contention…

The role of Fudan University as a key institution in China's overall plan for educational, economic, and technological development is outlined. (MSE)

In Rumania, currently, change is rapid at the level of social doctrine because the people never really accepted Communism. However, at the level of cultural and academic life, fundamental changes will be slower. Content, methods, goals, and teachers of the universities will have to be renewed and reoriented. (MSE)

Substantial and rapid changes in administrative structure and governance have been effected in Portuguese universities in recent years, characterized by democratization and increased institutional autonomy. (MSE)

Recurrent themes in selected literature on American higher education written during 1962-1972 are analyzed and related to themes on the same subject addressed by selected Victorian essayists in 19th century England. Parallels in educational thought are used to illuminate some aspects of the nature of the debate over the role of higher education in…

The intent and results of the establishment of universities in the northern regions of Sweden and Ontario are examined, along with academic, financial, and geographic problems faced by each. (MSE)

Existing theories and research evidence on organizational change within colleges and universities are reviewed to provide some general guidelines for institutions seeking to refine their purposes, develop programs, and improve effectiveness and efficiency. Several propositions concerning the nature of higher education institutions, the politics of…