American Higher Education in a Global Context: Historical Perspectives

American Higher Education in a Global Context: Historical Perspectives provides a comprehensive analysis of the factors that have affected higher education systems around the world, from antiquity to the present, and emphasizes the importance of academic freedom for true academic excellence.

Format: Hardback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

American Higher Education in a Global Context: Historical Perspectives delves into the current status of universities across continents, offering a comprehensive examination of the diverse factors that have shaped global higher education systems. Spanning from antiquity to the establishment of the American research university model and its widespread adoption worldwide, this book explores higher education's evolution, including its response to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and its associated economic and political challenges.

The author emphasizes the shortcomings of the neoliberal trend that has prevailed over the past four decades, contributing to increased social stratification within higher education institutions. Recognizing the need for expanded access to tertiary education, particularly research universities, this book critically examines the rivalry between China and the United States in the field of higher education. It underscores the paramount importance of academic freedom, recognizing that without it, true academic excellence cannot be achieved.

In the first chapter, the book provides a historical overview of higher education, tracing its origins from ancient civilizations to the emergence of the modern university. It explores the various models of higher education that have developed across different regions and examines the factors that have influenced their evolution. The chapter also highlights the role of universities in shaping society, culture, and the economy, emphasizing their significance as centers of knowledge production and dissemination.

The second chapter delves into the current state of higher education in different continents. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing universities in Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. The chapter explores the impact of globalization, technological advancements, and political developments on higher education systems and examines how these factors have shaped the educational landscape. It also highlights the diverse approaches taken by different countries to address the challenges they face, such as government funding, private sector involvement, and international collaboration.

In the third chapter, the book examines the historical development of the American research university model and its global adoption. It explores the factors that contributed to the model's success, such as the emphasis on academic freedom, research excellence, and the provision of a comprehensive education. The chapter also discusses the challenges faced by American universities in maintaining their position as global leaders, such as the increasing competition from other countries and the need to adapt to changing student demographics and expectations.

The fourth chapter focuses on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on higher education. It explores the challenges and opportunities that have arisen as a result of the shift to online learning, the closure of institutions, and the economic and social disruptions caused by the pandemic. The chapter examines how universities have responded to these challenges, such as by implementing new technologies, adjusting their teaching methods, and providing support to students and faculty. It also highlights the potential long-term effects of the pandemic on higher education, such as the increased importance of digital literacy, the need for more flexible and adaptable educational systems, and the potential for greater social inequality.

The fifth chapter examines the competition between China and the United States in the field of higher education. It explores the historical, cultural, and economic factors that have shaped this rivalry and examines how it has impacted global higher education systems. The chapter highlights the differences between the two countries' higher education systems, such as their funding models, teaching methods, and academic standards. It also discusses the challenges faced by Chinese universities in gaining international recognition and the potential for collaboration between China and the United States in the field of higher education.

In the concluding chapter, the book summarizes the key findings and arguments presented throughout the book. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical and global context of higher education in order to develop effective policies and strategies for promoting access, quality, and equity in education. The chapter also calls for a renewed commitment to academic freedom, recognizing that it is essential for the development of knowledge and the advancement of society.

Overall, American Higher Education in a Global Context: Historical Perspectives provides a comprehensive and insightful examination of the current state and historical development of higher education in the United States and around the world. It offers valuable insights into the factors that have shaped global higher education systems, the challenges and opportunities facing universities, and the importance of academic freedom in promoting academic excellence. This book will be of interest to scholars, policymakers, and educators alike, as it contributes to our understanding of the complex and rapidly evolving field of higher education.
In the sixth chapter, the book explores the role
In the sixth chapter, the book explores the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on higher education. It examines the challenges and opportunities that have arisen
arose as a result of the shift to online learning, the closure of institutions, and the economic and social disruptions caused by the pandemic. The chapter examines how universities have responded to these challenges, such as by implementing new technologies, adjusting their teaching methods, and providing support to students and faculty. It also highlights the potential long-term effects of the pandemic on higher education, such as the increased importance of digital literacy, the need for more flexible and adaptable educational systems, and the potential for greater social inequality.

The seventh chapter examines the competition between China and the United States in the field of higher education. It explores the historical, cultural, and economic factors that have shaped this rivalry and examines how it has impacted global higher education systems. The chapter highlights the differences between the two countries' higher education systems, such as their funding models, teaching methods, and academic standards. It also discusses the challenges faced by Chinese universities in gaining international recognition and the potential for collaboration between China and the United States in the field of higher education.

In the concluding chapter, the book summarizes the key findings and arguments presented throughout the book. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical and global context of higher education in order to develop effective policies and strategies for promoting access, quality, and equity in education. The chapter also calls for a renewed commitment to academic freedom, recognizing that it is essential for the development of knowledge and the advancement of society.

Overall, American Higher Education in a Global Context: Historical Perspectives provides a comprehensive and insightful examination of the current state and historical development of higher education in the United States and around the world. It offers valuable insights into the factors that have shaped global higher education systems, the challenges and opportunities facing universities, and the importance of academic freedom in promoting academic excellence. This book will be of interest to scholars, policymakers, and educators alike, as it contributes to our understanding of the complex and rapidly evolving field of higher education.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666900071