Description
Book Synopsis Humboldt Revisited offers a fresh perspective on the contemporary discourse surrounding reform of European universities. Arguing that contemporary reform derives its basis from pre-constructed truths about the so-called ‘Humboldt-university,’ this monograph traces the historical descent of these truths to the American reception of Humboldt's ideas from the mid-19th century up until the 1960s. Drawing from a rich selection of historical sources, this volume offers an alternative to conventional explanations of the forces behind the ongoing reform of European universities. It also challenges the conventional historical narrative on the Humboldt University, providing new insight into the American reception of the German ideas.
Table of Contents List of Tables
Introduction
Chapter 1. Mythos Humboldt
Chapter 2. The American Reception of Humboldt
Chapter 3. Liberal Education beyond Bildung
Chapter 4. The University in the Knowledge Society
Chapter 5. A Genealogy of ‘The Service University’
Chapter 6. The Gothic Tales of Hannah Arendt
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index
