Myths and Traditions of Central European University Culture

Product Description


By examining the myriad myths surrounding Central European universities, Czech historians Lukáš Fasora and Jiří Hanuš take a diachronic approach to investigating the issues facing higher learning in the region. Using careful historical research, the authors point out vast discontinuities, comparing how the philosophy of education from the Middle Ages to the nineteenth century has changed and how this evolution relates to the current administrative goals of higher education. As they confront the history and myths of university education, the authors do not shy away from exploring difficult questions, such as whether political and economic influences have completely transformed the goals and structure of today’s universities in Central Europe. Though focused on university systems in a specific geographic region, the findings have wide-ranging implications for higher education the world over.


Review



“This is a highly topical and rewarding book, as it provides a fresh rejoinder to many foreign and domestic discussions about the past, present, and future mission of universities.”
-- Jirí Štaif, head of the Department of Social History at Charles University, Prague


About the Author



Lukáš Fasora is professor of history at Masaryk University in Brno, where he also serves as vice dean of research and development for the Faculty of Arts.




Jirí Hanuš is professor of history at Masaryk University.




Graeme Dibble is a translator originally from Scotland and has lived in the Czech Republic for seventeen years.