ABSTRACT
Due to the strong sense among the student community of belonging to a specific social group, student revolts have been an integral part of the university throughout its history. Ironically, since the Middle Ages, the advantageous position of students in society as part of the social elite undoubtedly enforced their critical approach. This edited collection studies the role of students as a critical mass within their urban context and society through examples of student revolts from the foundation period of universities in the Middle Ages until today, covering the whole European continent. A dominant theme is the large degree of continuity visible in student revolts across space and time, especially concerning the (rebellious) attitudes of and criticisms directed towards students. Too often, each generation thinks they are the first. Moreover, student revolts are definitely not always of a progressive kind, but instead they are often characterized by a tension between conservative ambitions (e.g. the protection of their own privileges or nostalgia for the good old days) and progressive ideas. Particular attention is paid to the use of symbols (like flags, caps, etc.), rituals and special traditions within these revolts in order to bring the students’ voice back to the fore.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part I|104 pages
Forms of Action
chapter 3|13 pages
Protesting in Paris, Toulouse, and Caen at the End of the Middle Ages
chapter 4|12 pages
In Defence of Their Privileges
chapter 6|13 pages
Supporting Professors and the Professions?
chapter 9|17 pages
No More Professors
part II|104 pages
Student Identity and Radicalism
chapter 11|16 pages
Moving Out!
chapter 12|16 pages
From the French Revolution to Tractarianism
chapter 13|18 pages
University Students After Italian Unification
chapter 14|14 pages
Re-generation
chapter 16|14 pages
Christmas Carolling in Bucharest and Campfire Singing in Iaşi
part III|100 pages
Political Agenda and Mobilising Forces
chapter 19|16 pages
“Citizens of the Netherlands, Arm Yourselves”
chapter 22|18 pages
The 1922–1923 Student Revolts at the University of Cluj, Romania
chapter 23|13 pages
Escaping Violence in 1935
part IV|106 pages
Students and Urbanity