A History of American Higher Education - 9781421402673

Thelin (policy studies, U. of Kentucky) draws on secondary sources and scholarly research in addition to a wealth of primary materials such as institutional records, biography, fiction, memoirs, photos, journalism, and Hollywood movies to reconstruct the issues and debates surrounding American higher education from colonial times to the present. Emphasis is on the social, political, and economic factors that have shaped the structure and life of higher education's institutions. The author's approach is based on the notion of the organizational saga, or the proposition that institutions are heirs to various historical strands, which include the 'official' chronology as presented in board meetings and formal documents, as well as the history associated with legends, lore, and the memories of students. This second edition is updated to reflect the current debate on controversial topics such as sports programs, the role of governing boards, and financial challenges. B&w photos are included. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)