Experiments in Decolonizing the University: Towards an Ecology of Study

The book reconsiders the relationship between university and society, drawing on the work of John Dewey, Donna Haraway, William James, Bruno Latour, Martin Savransky, Isabelle Stengers, and Alfred North Whitehead. It develops the concept of an ecology of study to approach this relationship from a new angle, emphasizing the importance of study practices as a site of resistance against neoliberal and capitalist reforms.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 20 May 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The book delves into the critical examination of the relationship between universities and society, a debate that has spanned centuries, from the Middle Ages to Kant, Humboldt, Newman, and beyond. Hans Schildermans, a renowned philosopher and scholar, draws upon the rich tapestry of philosophy and theory in higher education, incorporating the insights of John Dewey, Donna Haraway, William James, Bruno Latour, Martin Savransky, Isabelle Stengers, and Alfred North Whitehead. In his exploration of the study practices at the Palestinian experimental university 'Campus in Camps,' Schildermans develops the concept of an ecology of study, offering a fresh perspective on the interplay between academia and society. By avoiding the traditional dichotomies of autonomous and capitalized universities, he emphasizes the importance of study practices as a site of resistance against the neoliberal and capitalist reforms currently underway in higher education. Through his visionary approach, Schildermans encourages readers to envision a different future for universities, one that aligns with the values of social justice, sustainability, and intellectual rigor. This thought-provoking book appeals to activists, critical academics, and anyone concerned with the current state and future trajectory of higher education. The eBook editions of this book are freely accessible online, with a CC-BY-NC-ND 3.0 license, allowing readers to engage with its content and contribute to the ongoing dialogue on the future of academia.

Weight: 464g
Dimension: 241 x 163 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350149823