American Higher Education in the Twenty-First Century: Social, Political, and Economic Challenges

by Michael N. Bastedo (Editor), Philip G. Altbach (Editor), Patricia J Gumport (Editor)

First published in 1999, American Higher Education in the Twenty-First Century offered a comprehensive introduction to the central issues facing American colleges and universities. This thoroughly revised edition brings the classic volume up to date. The contributors have rewritten every chapter to address major changes in higher education, including the rise of organized social movements, the problem of income inequality and stratification, and the growth of for-profit and distance education. Three new chapters cover information technology, community colleges, and teaching and learning.

This edition seeks to capture several crucial dynamics in the nexus of higher education and society. Placing higher education within its social and political contexts, the contributors discuss finance, federal and state governance, faculty, students, curriculum, and academic leadership. They also grapple with growing concerns about the future of the academy and reflect more deeply on the racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity within higher education.

No other book covers such wide-ranging issues under the broader theme of higher education's relationship to society. Highly acclaimed and incorporating cutting-edge research, American Higher Education in the Twenty-First Century is now more useful and engaging than ever.

Contributors: Michael N. Bastedo, Philip G. Altbach, Patricia J. Gumport, Benjamin Baez, Peter Riley Bahr, Joy Blanchard, Corbin M. Campbell, Melanie E. Corrigan, Peter D. Eckel, Roger L. Geiger, Lawrence E. Gladieux, Sara Goldrick-Rab, Jillian Leigh Gross, D. Bruce Johnstone, Adrianna Kezar, Jacqueline E. King, Aims C. McGuinness, Jr., Michael Mumper, Anna Neumann, Robert M. O'Neil, Laura W. Perna, Gary Rhoades, Roman Ruiz, Lauren Schudde, Sheila Slaughter, Daryl G. Smith

Genres: Education, Nonfiction

576 pages, Paperback

Published March 30, 2016

Reviews

[Bryan Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid textbook for anyone seriously studying American academia, this collection covers an ambitious range of topics. History of the sector, changing student needs, educational technology, individual sectors (community colleges, research universities): readers will find much to learn here.

[Stephanie Toigo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of my Master's program has focused on college student development and developing my own skills to help that process as well as planning programs and environments to help this happen. This book filled in wholes that my education was missing. From understanding the stakeholders that higher education is accountable to, how higher education is funded, access and the ins and outs of financial aid. I don't know if this book would have meant so much to me if I wasn't in a class, but it is an incredibly helpful resource. I am thankful for the holistic view that it provided me. A great resource to have a perspective of the current state of higher education.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read all but three or four chapters, giving myself credit for finishing since I read 500+ pages. Overall I enjoyed this for a higher ed book, provided a good overview of the current state of higher ed and how it functions. The 5th edition was updated to include modern day challenges and trends.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for HEA 501 Foundations of Higher Education with Dr. Robert Mangione.

[Delaney]

For school

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exploring the complex issues in higher ed. We have a lot of work to do.