The Impossible University - Jacques Marcovitch

The Impossible University - Jacques Marcovitch

The Impossible University: A Radical Vision for Higher Education

In his groundbreaking book, The Impossible University, Jacques Marcovitch argues that the traditional university model is no longer fit for purpose. He contends that the current system is too rigid, too focused on research, and too disconnected from the real world. As a result, it is failing to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century.

Marcovitch proposes a radical new vision for higher education, one that is based on the principles of flexibility, interdisciplinarity, and social engagement. He argues that universities should be more responsive to the needs of students and employers, and that they should offer a wider range of courses and programs. He also believes that universities should play a more active role in addressing the social and environmental challenges of our time.

The Impossible University is a provocative and inspiring book that challenges us to rethink the way we think about higher education. It is a must-read for anyone who cares about the future of education.

A New Vision for Higher Education

Marcovitch's vision for higher education is based on three key principles:

  • Flexibility: Universities should be more flexible in their curriculum and structure, so that students can tailor their education to their individual needs and interests.
  • Interdisciplinarity: Universities should encourage interdisciplinary learning, so that students can develop a broad understanding of the world and how it works.
  • Social engagement: Universities should be more engaged with the social and environmental challenges of our time, and they should prepare students to be active citizens.

Marcovitch argues that these principles are essential for creating a university that is fit for the 21st century. He believes that the traditional university model is too rigid and too focused on research, and that it is failing to prepare students for the challenges of the real world.

The Challenges of Implementing a New Vision

Marcovitch acknowledges that there are a number of challenges to implementing his vision for higher education. These challenges include:

  • Resistance from traditionalists: Many people are resistant to change, and they may be reluctant to embrace a new vision for higher education.
  • Lack of resources: Universities are often underfunded, and they may not have the resources to implement a new vision for higher education.
  • Political interference: Universities are often subject to political interference, which can make it difficult to implement new policies and programs.

Despite these challenges, Marcovitch believes that it is essential to move forward with a new vision for higher education. He argues that the traditional university model is no longer sustainable, and that we need to create a new system that is better suited to the needs of the 21st century.

The Benefits of a New Vision for Higher Education

Marcovitch believes that a new vision for higher education would have a number of benefits, including:

  • Increased student success: A more flexible and interdisciplinary curriculum would allow students to tailor their education to their individual needs and interests, which would lead to increased student success.
  • Greater social impact: A more engaged university would be better able to address the social and environmental challenges of our time, which would benefit society as a whole.
  • Improved global competitiveness: A more flexible and interdisciplinary university system would produce graduates who are better prepared for the global workforce, which would improve the competitiveness of our economy.

Marcovitch believes that the benefits of a new vision for higher education far outweigh the challenges. He argues that we need to move forward with this vision in order to create a better future for our students, our society, and our world.

Conclusion

The Impossible University is a provocative and inspiring book that challenges us to rethink the way we think about higher education. It is a must-read for anyone who cares about the future of education.