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The search for "higher education" as an academic field of study
Abstract
The research centered on an examination of whether or not the topic of "higher education" has become an academic field of study. First, an historical analysis of the evolution of the academic study of higher education uncovered two threads that have continued up to the present. One thread consisted of those throughout academia who have studied the topic of "higher education" but were uninterested in forming it into an academic field of study. The other thread consisted of those within or affiliated with schools of education, who have attempted to form the study of "higher education" into an academic field. The latter have variously conceived of "higher education" as either an academic discipline, professional field, or some amalgam. They have not achieved a consensus among themselves as to how to proceed, nor have they gained significant recognition from the rest of academia. Secondly, a comprehensive review of two literatures was undertaken. The first dealt with conscious attempts to form higher education into an academic field and the second included most of what has been written about the topic of higher education from 1960 to 1990. Based on these two literature reviews, it was determined that a cohesive body of knowledge and distinct theory base have not been formed. Thirdly, a series of in-depth, unstructured interviews were conducted with seven faculty from three different higher education programs. It was found that these faculty were interested in developing their own academic programs, but had no larger interest in forming an academic field of study. Hence, those who would make "higher education" into an academic field had not greatly influenced those interviewed. It was determined that an academic field had not been formed. There are no distinct theories of higher education--all academic analyses of the topic are conducted through the lens of a wide range of disciplines and professions. This is good, since all of academia should be able to be involved in the academic study of higher education. New ways for encouraging that involvement are put forth in the conclusion.
Subject Area
Higher education|Education history
Recommended Citation
Vigil, Terry Anne, "The search for "higher education" as an academic field of study" (1991). Doctoral Dissertations Available from Proquest. AAI9132927.
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations/AAI9132927