This comprehensive introduction to the basics of American higher education presents 51 articles by some of today's most respected leaders in the field, in four parts. The readings chosen for this volume are intentionally introductory and are often descriptive, rather than issue oriented. They are designed to help the reader map out the territory of higher education, recognize the key concepts, identify some of the prominent experts who write about them, and explore some of the still unanswered questions.

Part I: The Scope of Higher Education in American Society, introduces readers to the scope of higher education in American society and the world with readings with historical, philosophical and sociological perspectives.

Part II: The Participants, considers the divers array of people that make up today's student body, and those who make up the faculty that conduct research, develop curriculum and deliver much of the intellectual content of a college education.

Part III: The Conduct of Education and Research, contains readings that look at the modes by which the activities of the faculty and students affairs staff are carried out.

Part IV: The Management of the College or University, explores the support system that allows the faculty and student affairs personnel to conduct their own work and considers the nature of the system components outside of the institutions that effect internal policy.