A history of American higher education

Thelin, John R. 1947- (Author).

Summary: Colleges and universities are among the most cherished--and controversial--institutions in the United States. In this updated edition of A History of American Higher Education, John R. Thelin offers welcome perspective on the triumphs and crises of this highly influential sector in American life. Thelin's work has distinguished itself as the most wide-ranging and engaging account of the origins and evolution of America's institutions of higher learning. This edition brings the discussion of perennial hot-button issues such as big-time sports programs up to date and addresses such current areas of contention as the changing role of governing boards and the financial challenges posed by the economic downturn. -- Provided by publisher.

Record details

ISBN: 9781421402666
ISBN: 1421402661
ISBN: 9781421402673
ISBN: 142140267X
Physical Description: print
xxx, 466 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm
Edition: 2nd ed.
Publisher: Baltimore : Johns Hopkins University Press, 2011.

Content descriptions

Bibliography, etc. Note:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 433-451) and index.

Formatted Contents Note:

Colleges in the colonial era -- Creating the "American way" in higher education: college building, 1785 to 1860 -- Diversity and adversity: resilience in American higher education, 1860 to 1890 -- Captains of industry and erudition: university-builders, 1890 to 1910 -- Alma mater: America goes to college, 1890 to 1920 -- Success and excess: expansions and reforms in higher education, 1920 to 1945 -- Gilt by association: higher education's "golden age," 1945 to 1970 -- Coming of age in America: higher education as a troubled giant, 1970 to 2000 -- A new life begins?: reconfiguring American higher education in the 21st century.