The Modern University and its Discontents: The Fate of Newman's Legacies in Britain and America

by Sheldon Rothblatt

Overview

This is a study of how the internal culture of British and American universities has been shaped over the course of two centuries in relation to external factors such as government, the economy, society and culture. John Henry Newman's classic work, The Idea of a University provides entry and exit points for this study of the modern university. This series of explorations highlights on-going paradoxes and dilemmas in the history of universities as they moved from the edge of society to the center of modern democratic states and market economies.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521453318
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	01/09/1997
Pages:	476
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 9.33(h) x 1.30(d)

Table of Contents

1. The idea of the idea of a university and its antithesis; 2. 'Consult the Genius of the Place'; 3. 'The first undergraduates, recognizable as such'; 4. Failure; 5. Historical and comparative remarks on the 'federal principle' in higher education; Interlude: General introduction to chapters six and seven; 6. Supply and demand in the writing of university history since about 1790: 1. 'The awkward interval'; 7. Supply and demand in the writing of university history since about 1790: 2. The market and the University of London; 8. Alternatives: 1. The importance of being unattached; 9. Alternatives: 2. Born to have no rest; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"Rothblatt's historical meditations are stimulating reading about professional institutions and higher education in the era of their modern formulations." Michael J. Moore, The North Carolian Historical Review

"In this philosophically sophisticated, historically enlightening analysis, Rothblatt provides new insight into the perennial debate about the basic function of the university." E.G. Rozycki, Choice

"Readers will find these essays...rewarding. He makes wonderful use of individual examples, drawing out the larger meaning of the small details. He connects the history of universities with intellectual and social history in challenging and fruitful ways....readers will find excellent historical accounts of particular subjects..." Julie Reuben, Journal of Social History

"...Sheldon Rothblatt...offers a profound reconsideration of some main themes in the development of British and, to a lesser extent, American universities. The result is an informative and provocative rethinking of what might be called the deep structures of British and American universities." Thomas William Heyck, Victorian Studies

"Rothblatt's sensitively written work provids a glimpse into academia. For this, it is relevant to anyone associated with higher education." Jennifer Ford, Libraries & Culture

From the Publisher