The Idea of a University: Possibilities and Contestations

Description

This volume engages with the idea of a university, the importance of intellectual inquiry and research, and the articulation of diverse political views and dissent. It discusses the prominent ideas and debates around universities and their nature and contributions, within the historical and social context of India. The chapters reflect on the importance of critical thinking and the rigorous research process, the engagement of students with socio-political discourse, and academic freedom. They also examine issues around the instrumentalisation of knowledge production, commodification of education, the clash between political forces and universities, intellectual freedom in research and teaching, inclusivity and accessibility of higher education, as well as the autonomy and identity of universities. With insightful contributions from prominent scholars and thinkers in India, this volume will be of interest to academics and students of sociology, political science, education, public policy and governance, philosophy of education and South Asian studies. It will also be useful for readers interested in the debates on universities and their relationship with politics and society. Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents List of contributors Preface Dedication Introduction A glance at the chapters in the volume References Chapter 1: Some thoughts on university education References Chapter 2: On the political economy of educational “reforms” I Education under the dirigiste regime II The neoliberal state and education III The commoditization of education Notes References Chapter 3: Beyond instrumentality: Restoring the spirit of higher education I Trajectory of a vision II Fragments, hierarchies and beyond III Teaching and research: towards a symmetry IV Praxis of learning V The crisis and myth of marketization VI Modes of creative intervention Restructuring the curriculum Choosing motivated students In search of creative teachers VII Merit as a quality of being Notes References Chapter 4: The idea of a university and its leader: A Gadamerian perspective Notes Chapter 5: The challenges that a university confronts in India Three challenges Note References Chapter 6: UGC and JNU: A tale of exceptions told in two acts “Inspired by love and guided by knowledge”: parliament imagines a new kind of university The UGC Act debates and what they taught parliamentarians UGC in action Not JNU exceptionalism but an exception Notes References Chapter 7: Higher education and the social sciences in a “smart India” The global, the cultural national and the neoliberal vision The global marketplace, communication, and the managerial discourse The social sciences, public good and democracy Indian social science, sociology and the spirit of critique Notes References Chapter 8: The idea of university in a princely state: Reflections on the century-old Osmania University, Hyderabad 1 Osmania University – the idea Expansion of the university Post-Independence phase Regional populism Challenge of privatization Post-Telangana state formation Notes References Chapter 9: Spaces of contested nationalism Nation and its principles Universities as a concept Implant of the Western university system Epilogue Notes Chapter 10: Universities as gendered institutions Gender constructs in Gauhati University Gender in Manipur University Gender and class discriminations in Manipur University Bibliography Chapter 11: The social contract of a public university: Equality, social justice and democracy Curator of social justice Education as a public good Democratization of public universities and knowledge Public university and critical pedagogy Demeaning of the social contract The pervasive state intervention Destruction of critical thinking Converting to a banking model of education Depriving institutional excellence and wellbeing Neoliberal rationality on public university Reversing the public good Marketization and economizing disciplines Conclusion References Index