The guidelines of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) imply the rethinking of many of the current evaluation systems, since the new pedagogical models now focus on the learning acquired through the students' personal work and on the establishment of the ideal conditions for them to achieve the learning outcomes of the proposed educational…

This article takes up the challenge of curriculum change in relation to the contested purposes of universities. It argues for an expansive, public good understanding, rather than the thin market exchange norms which currently drive higher education policies. The paper suggests that a human capital approach to curriculum is then insufficient to…

The roles of specialized, discipline-specific education and interdisciplinary study in German higher education are discussed, particularly as they pertain to the sciences. It is concluded that learning in the individual disciplines should form a basis on which interdisciplinary study builds parallel, social learning. (MSE)

A model for general education in the four-year university curriculum is proposed. The model, based on the Dutch experience, concentrates general education in the first year and provides a gradual transition to intensive study within the disciplines. Implications for the faculty and instruction are discussed. (MSE)

A discussion of undergraduate higher education in the United Kingdom focuses on the history of interdisciplinary study and its current state and future prospect. It is argued that, in the 1970s, higher education failed to analyze thoroughly the nature of disciplines, resulting in a decontextualized view of interdisciplinarity. (MSE)

An examination of internal and external forces on Belgian higher education suggests that the system is too closely controlled by economic and political forces in the labor market, which threatens to distort university life and higher education in general. (MSE)

A summary of issues in higher education emerging from the unification of the European Community makes recommendations relating to information and analysis needs, students, curricula, research, faculty, and links outside the Community. (MSE)

An Australian study investigated the perceptions of 28 graduate and undergraduate students concerning university teaching and learning, especially with regard to their contact with research projects. The objective was to determine whether students are aware of faculty's research role and whether the conduct of research has an impact on teaching…

Trends and changes in international recognition of academic achievement in the European Community are examined. The history of international negotiations and conventions concerning recognition, recent initiatives, and prospects for progress are discussed. (MSE)

The real issue in the vocalization or professionalization of higher education is not the enrollment distribution but the nature of the curricula offered, which should neither be determined solely by market forces nor leave the student without marketable skills. (MSE)

Discussion of the relationship between higher education and employment in Europe looks at literature previously published in this journal concerning response to changing demands in nonuniversity education since the 1960s, diversification of higher education systems, blurring of sector boundaries in response to employment problems, worker…

An analysis of the way Italy has responded to the changing demands that society places on higher education begins with the enrollment boom of the early 1960s and traces the public debate to the present. (MSE)

Curricular changes in Romania's higher education system precipitated by the abruptly altered political situation and new decision-making processes are examined. Need for change existed because of political outdatedness of some disciplines, faculty frustration over poor research-curriculum connections, long-standing curricular immobility, and need…

The ways in which Miami University (Ohio) has addressed some issues of interdisciplinary study are reported. Issues include disciplinary background needed by students before interdisciplinary study and by teachers before interdisciplinary teaching; the roles of the individual disciplines; intellectual skill development; and interdisciplinary study…

A discussion of Dutch higher education looks at whether a 1985 proposal for fundamental changes in the relationship between government and higher education institutions has been implemented with regard to curriculum design. It is concluded that, despite policy intentions for increased institutional autonomy, the government retains relatively tight…