Myths and Traditions of Central European University Culture

FASORA, Lukáš and Jiří HANUŠ. Myths and Traditions of Central European University Culture. 1st ed. Brno, Praha: Masaryk University Press & Karolinum. 248 pp. Spisy Filozofické fakulty Masarykovy univerzity ; 494. ISBN 978-80-210-9412-3. 2019.

Basic information

• Original name: Myths and Traditions of Central European University Culture
• Name in Czech: Mýty a tradice středoevropské univerzitní kultury
• Name (in English): Myths and Traditions of Central European University Culture
• Authors: FASORA, Lukáš and Jiří HANUŠ.
• Edition: 1. vyd. Brno, Praha, 248 pp. Spisy Filozofické fakulty Masarykovy univerzity ; 494, 2019.
• Publisher: Masaryk University Press & Karolinum

Other information

• Original language: Czech
• Type of outcome: Book on a specialized topic
• Field of Study: 60101 History
• Country of publisher: Czech Republic
• Confidentiality degree: is not subject to a state or trade secret
• Publication form: printed version "print"
• ISBN: 978-80-210-9412-3
• Tags: Munipress
• Tags: Reviewed

Abstract

This publication aims to provide a cultural analysis of the university environment, where the main analytical tool is the concept of the “myth”, both as a cultural phenomenon linking academia’s present with its past, and as a Jungian archetype. The authors conceive of myths as firmly tied to symbols which abound in education, rituals, hierarchical symbols and various traditions. This book presents to American and West European readers the university culture of the so-called Humboldtian academic tradition, while focusing on the Czech higher education system that is compared to those of Germany, Poland, Austria and other countries. One significant aspect, therefore, is the characteristic of the Central European universities whose development in the 20th century was marked by discontinuity. This book mainly looks at academic culture from the position of the non-metropolitan universities which emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries. Although the authors have conceived of this book historically, they are also interested in the current issues, particularly in the dispute between the Humboldtian ideal and “academic capitalism”, the search for university unity within the framework of pressures to diversify, trends which weaken university freedoms, and the various forms of university administration. The authors have tried to inspire debate not only within historical circles, but also amongst those interested across the university community.

Abstract (in English)

This publication aims to provide a cultural analysis of the university environment, where the main analytical tool is the concept of the “myth”, both as a cultural phenomenon linking academia’s present with its past, and as a Jungian archetype. The authors conceive of myths as firmly tied to symbols which abound in education, rituals, hierarchical symbols and various traditions. This book presents to American and West European readers the university culture of the so-called Humboldtian academic tradition, while focusing on the Czech higher education system that is compared to those of Germany, Poland, Austria and other countries. One significant aspect, therefore, is the characteristic of the Central European universities whose development in the 20th century was marked by discontinuity. This book mainly looks at academic culture from the position of the non-metropolitan universities which emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries. Although the authors have conceived of this book historically, they are also interested in the current issues, particularly in the dispute between the Humboldtian ideal and “academic capitalism”, the search for university unity within the framework of pressures to diversify, trends which weaken university freedoms, and the various forms of university administration. The authors have tried to inspire debate not only within historical circles, but also amongst those interested across the university community.