ABSTRACT

Increasing numbers of young adults go to university. This book explores contemporary understandings of what universities are for, what impact they might be having on their students, and what visions of life and society are driving them. It criticises a narrow view of higher education which focuses on serving the economy. It argues that, for the sake of the common and individual good, universities need to be about forming citizens and societies as well as being an economic resource. It does so in the light of theological perspectives mainly from the Christian but also from the Muslim faith, and has a global as well as a British perspective. It brings together key thinkers in theology and higher education policy - including Rowan Williams, David Ford, Mike Higton, and Peter Scott - to present a unique perspective on institutions which help shape the lives of millions.

chapter |9 pages

Introduction

BySTEPHEN HEAP

chapter 1|20 pages

The needs of the world

BySUSAN DURBER

chapter 2|21 pages

The higher education policy framework

ByPETER SCOTT

chapter 3|11 pages

Education and citizenship

ByROWAN WILLIAMS

chapter 4|15 pages

Education and the common good

BySUZY HARRIS

chapter 5|14 pages

Education and the virtues

ByMIKE HIGTON

chapter 6|14 pages

The university as a place of public theology

ByDAVID FORD

chapter 7|19 pages

Insights from Church foundation universities

ByELIZABETH STUART, MICHAEL HOLMAN

chapter 8|19 pages

An Islamic perspective: What does Islam offer to the contemporary debate?

ByALISON SCOTT-BAUMANN AND SARIYA

chapter 9|24 pages

The global melting pot of universities

ByJOHN WOOD

chapter 10|25 pages

The universities we need

BySTEPHEN HEAP