Post-critical Perspectives on Higher Education: Reclaiming the Educational in the University

This book explores the often overlooked educational dimensions of the university, offering a 'post-critical view' that emphasizes the affirmative and offers new conceptual and methodological tools to understand current conditions. It focuses on lectures, academic freedom, and the student experience, providing perspectives that shed new light on educational practices and their inherent value.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 171 pages
Publication date: 24 July 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book delves into crucial educational aspects of the university that are frequently disregarded, not only by prevailing discourses and practices but also by conventional critical approaches to higher education. Each chapter adopts a distinct approach to articulating a 'post-critical view of the university, focusing on specific dimensions such as lectures, academic freedom, and the student experience. The 'post-critical attitude presents an affirmative perspective on the constitutive educational practices of the university. It is 'post- because it emerges as a movement of thought that follows the critical, which, in its modern and postmodern manifestations, is perceived, in Latour's terms, to have 'run out of steam.' It endeavors to develop new conceptual and methodological tools that aid in understanding our current circumstances. Rather than aiming to debunk existing practices, this affirmative approach offers perspectives that shed light on our roles as educators, the essence of our educational practices, and their inherent value. The emphasis on education extends not only to practices that occur within the university's educational space but also to those practices whose significance we can comprehend within educational frameworks.

The book explores various dimensions of the university, including lectures, academic freedom, and the student experience. It challenges the notion that the university is solely a place of knowledge transmission and argues for a more holistic approach that recognizes the educational value of diverse practices. The authors argue that the 'post-critical view of the university' offers a way to reimagine education and promote a more democratic and inclusive learning environment.

One of the key themes of the book is the importance of dialogue and critical thinking in education. The authors argue that lectures, while valuable, can be one-sided and limit student engagement. Instead, they advocate for more interactive and collaborative learning experiences that encourage students to participate actively in their education. Academic freedom is also explored as a critical component of the university. The authors argue that academic freedom should be protected and promoted to enable scholars to pursue research and express their ideas without fear of censorship or repression.

The student experience is another important dimension of the book. The authors argue that the student experience should be prioritized and designed to promote learning and personal growth. This includes providing access to resources, support services, and opportunities for student involvement and engagement. The book also highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in education. The authors argue that the university should be a place where students from diverse backgrounds and perspectives can come together to learn and grow.

Overall, this book provides a valuable contribution to the debate about higher education and offers a fresh perspective on the educational dimensions of the university. It challenges traditional approaches to education and promotes a more democratic and inclusive learning environment. The 'post-critical view of the university' offers a way to reimagine education and promote a more equitable and sustainable future.

Weight: 291g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030450212
Edition number: 1st ed. 2020