Universities? Purpose and Catholic Identity by Pujol, Jordi; La Porte, José María;

Short description:

This book addresses the contemporary challenges and aspirations of Catholic universities through a rich historical, philosophical, and practical lens. It begins with an exploration of the history of secular and Catholic universities, laying a foundation for understanding their evolving roles and identities.

Long description:

This book addresses the contemporary challenges and aspirations of Catholic universities?inspired by the original idea of a university ? through a rich historical, philosophical, and practical lens. It begins with an exploration of the history of secular and Catholic universities, laying a foundation for understanding their evolving roles and identities.

At its core, the book explores the purpose of a university as an active guiding principle of governance, organizational culture, and community. It examines how identity and purpose must permeate all the spheres and goals: research, teaching, governance, communications, and the 'Third Mission'?the university's societal role. A substantial focus is placed on the concept of a 'community of knowledge.' This encompasses the implementation of a core curriculum, fostering student character and virtue, the role of theology in education, and the infusion of Christian inspiration across all courses. The book also confronts the challenges of communication and impact within a secular context. It discusses strategies for communicating purpose, managing controversy, and highlights the significance of relevance, networking, and dialogue in education and society.

Concluding with a reflection on the vocation to service, the book underscores the unique role of universities in shaping future generations. It was originally published as a special issue of Church, Communication and Culture.

Table of Contents:

Introduction: Why universities? Key socio-cultural players in the twenty-first century 1. The origins of the university: Questions of identity and historical continuity 2. Catholic universities: Political power, cultural paradigms, and identity from early modernity to the ?long 1960s?: A historical overview 3. The Catholic university?s integral purpose: A multi-dimensional perspective 4. Research and the Christian identity of universities 5. Teaching and catholic identity: Wisdom and sound critical thinking 6. Third Mission and identity in a Catholic university: The Universidad de La Sabana case 7. Governance, identity and freedom in Christian-inspired universities 8. Enacting Christian identities in Catholic colleges and universities: An organizational studies perspective on core practices, challenges, and discernments 9. The business of Catholic universities: The renewal strategy 10. Normative framework of Catholic institutions of higher education 11. Character education in universities 12. Intellectual and ethical education of university students through core texts seminars: The case of the Great Books Program at the University of Navarra 13. The role of theology in a university curriculum 14. An Expanded Reason university course for professors: A case study for interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary dialogue between reason and faith 15. Discovering communicational DNA for expressing the identity of a university 16. Scientists lost in declaration: Unacceptable remarks and the pursuit of sustainable positioning 17. Relevance of universities in a complex context: Purpose and identity as strategic and inspirational elements of institutional communication 18. Strathmore?s Macheo programme: A cause for social good 19. Interview: A conversation on academic freedom and freedom of expression at the university