One world, many knowledges: Regional experiences and cross-regional links in higher education

Various forms of academic co-operation criss-cross the modern university system in a bewildering number of ways, from the open exchange of ideas and knowledge, to the sharing of research results, and frank discussions about research challenges. Embedded in these scholarly networks is the question of whether a ‘global template’ for the management of both higher education and national research organisations is necessary, and if so, must institutions slavishly follow the high-flown language of the global ‘knowledge society’ or risk falling behind in the ubiquitous university ranking system? Or are there alternatives that can achieve a better, ‘more ethically inclined, world’?

Basing their observations on their own experiences, an interesting mix of seasoned scholars and new voices from southern Africa and the Nordic region offer critical perspectives on issues of inter- and cross-regional academic co-operation. Several of the chapters also touch on the evolution of the higher education sector in the two regions.

An absorbing and intelligent study, this book will be invaluable for anyone interested in the strategies scholars are using to adapt to the interconnectedness of the modern world. It offers fresh insights into how academics are attempting to protect the spaces in which they can freely and openly debate the challenges they face, while aiming to transform higher education, and foster scholarly collaboration.

Acronyms and abbreviations

Introduction: why this book, and what it’s about
Tor Halvorsen and Peter Vale

Part I: Background

1 The Southern African–Nordic Centre: from conception to realisation
Stanley GM Ridge

2 Drivers and challenges in the internationalisation of higher education and research: the case of the Southern African– Nordic Centre
Anne Sørensen

Part II: Dilemmas of Change

3 Changes in higher education policy and the Nordic model
Risto Rinne

4 University transformation: a crisis for the social sciences and the humanities
Tor Halvorsen

5  Redressing apartheid’s legacy of social exclusion: social equity, redress and admission to higher education in South Africa
Saleem Badat

Part III: Inclusion and Exclusion

6 The struggle, global challenges and international strategies in the University of Fort Hare’s music department
Bernhard Bleibinger

7  The migration of African students to South Africa: motivations, integration and prospects for return
Gabriel Tati

8 The experiences of Deaf students at a South African university
Lucas Magongwa

9 Tradition and modernity: the inclusion and exclusion of traditional voices and other actors in archaeological heritage management in Mozambique and Zimbabwe
Albino Jopela, Ancila Nhamo and Seke Katsamudanga

10 Steering from a distance: improving access to higher education in South Africa via the funding formula
Pieter le Roux and Mignonne Breier

Part IV: Critical Perspectives

11 Cultural heritage and social context: research and management in Mozambique
Anne Bang and Tore Sætersdal

12 A cademic co-operation in a bipolar world: where does SANORD fit in?
Tor Halvorsen

13 Whatever happened to imagination?
Peter Vale

About the contributors