What Are Universities For?
Summary
This panel will invite students to navigate and discuss the role of universities in contemporary society. The session will be run in the following format:
- First hour: generating questions and ideas
- Then panel and Q&A for 90 minutes
- Followed by informal discussion
Preparation
[2025 no preparation required]
Please engage with the reading before class.
What will students learn
This will be an exploration of the idea of a university.
Completion
Consider the pre-panel activity (what did you think Universities are for?), the reading, and the panel discussion. Reflect (150-200 words) on a question that you asked, or would have asked if you had time.
Material
- Boulton and Lucas, 2008, "What are Universities For?" https://www.researchgate.net/publication/225511003_What_Are_Universities_For
- A Big Ideas podcast moderated by Prof Des Manderson: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/bigideas/the-purpose-and-the-future-of-the-university/12095864
- Universities Accord: https://www.education.gov.au/australian-universities-accord/resources/final-report
- KNOT Creator: Chris.Browne@anu.edu.au