Description
Book SynopsisWhat is the role of a university in society? In this innovative book, Chris Brink offers the timely reminder that it should have social purpose, as well as achieve academic excellence. He book shows how universities can – and should - respond to societal challenges and promote positive social change.
Trade Review"This is a profoundly original and inspirational book, written with erudition, wit and uncompromising integrity. It is a joy to read." Nicola Dandridge Chief Executive, Office for Students
"A mathematician explains what is wrong with ranking universities. One day the leagues tables will be no more. Chris Brink takes us much nearer to that promised day." Danny Dorling, Halford Mackinder Professor of Geography, School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford
"With deft clarity and deep humanity Professor Brink casts a logician's baleful eye over the current state of higher education. He demonstrates how misguided attempts to improve accountability have led to the unmeasurable being measured and the valuable being devalued. This is a modern morality tale which deserves the widest readership." Professor Sir Howard Newby, former Vice-Chancellor of Liverpool and former Chief Executive of HEFCE
"Good books about universities are, alas, rare. This helps to fill something of a void. It is full of practical good sense and wisdom, all done with clarity and intellectual rigour." Lord Patten of Barnes (Chris Patten), Chancellor of the University of Oxford, and the last Governor of Hong Kong
"Chris Brink has a very special record of service to higher education and its social relevance. His scholarship and vision speak for themselves. His devastating demolition of the current preoccupation with league tables is brave and timely." Frank Judd, former Labour Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
"This wide-ranging and erudite book manages to combine the ingredients of stories and insights, philosophy and practice, into a rich literary and intellectual dish. Chris Brink has brought his experience and his intellect to bear on a vital question of what universities are for in the modern world." Matt Ridley, author of The Evolution of Everything and The Rational Optimist
"A brutal and honest analysis of the crisis facing universities and the reputation of British and global academia and a stark warning that universities must address their purpose as well as their aspiration" Dianne Nelmes, Newcastle University, Fellow of the Royal Television Society & Broadcast Consultant
Table of ContentsPrologue; 1.The Standard Model University; 2. Rankings and League Tables; 3. Quality in Higher Education; 4. Tales of Quality, Equality and Diversity; 5. Rank Order of Worth; 6. Linear Thinking; 7. Another Dimension; 8. Ideas of a World-class Civic University.
