Myths and Traditions of Central European University Culture
Myths and Traditions of Central European University Culture

Author(s): Jiří Hanuš, Lukáš Fasora
Contributor(s): Jana Horáková (Editor), Katarina Petrovićová (Editor), Vendula Hromádková (Editor), Graeme Dibble (Translator), Miroslav Huptych (Illustrator)
Subject(s): History, Social Sciences, Education, Modern Age, Recent History (1900 till today), Higher Education , 19th Century, Sociology of Education
Published by: Masarykova univerzita nakladatelství
Keywords: myths; traditions; university; university environment; Humboldtian ideal; academic capitalism; university governance; society contribution;
Summary/Abstract: This publication aims to provide a cultural analysis of the university environment, where the main analytical tool is the concept of the “myth,” both as a cultural phenomenon linking academia’s present with its past, and as a Jungian archetype. The authors conceive of myths as firmly tied to symbols which abound in education, rituals, hierarchical symbols and various traditions. This book presents to English readers the university culture of the so-called Humboldtian academic tradition, while focusing on the Czech higher education system in comparison to those of˛Germany, Poland, Austria and other countries. Of significant importance are the characteristics of˛Central European universities whose development in the 20th century was marked by discontinuity. This book mainly looks at academic culture from the position of the nonmetropolitan universities that emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries. Although the authors have conceived of this book historically, they are also interested in current issues, particularly the dispute between the Humboldtian ideal and “academic capitalism,” the search for university unity within the framework of pressures to diversify, trends which weaken university freedoms, and the various forms of university administration. The authors have tried to inspire debate not only within historical circles, but also amongst those interested across the university community.

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