num_pages: 144
description: This book is based on a foundational qualitative study that examines the history, meanings and practices of academic freedom at Arab universities. Eight professors who had experience teaching at Arab universities (two of whom are in exile) and one university president were interviewed. Results indicate that Arab higher education is unable to offer quality education, and most Arab students who can afford it, pursue their education in Europe or the United States. A comparison between Western and Arab academic freedom shows a similarity in the understanding of the concept that academic freedom should stem from the more general freedoms allowed in democratic societies. Historically, Arab Muslims enjoyed a great measure of general academic freedom. Presently, however, authoritarian regimes tend to shape Arab higher education and limit academic freedom to a special one that is at times only allowed in certain natural and applied sciences departments. Expectations that Arabs have of their universities include the development and advancement of Arab societies. Those expectations are in conflict with the current practices of academic freedom at Arab universities where professors are fired, tortured and exiled because of the ideas and research that they are involved in.
language: English
title: Academic Freedom in Arab Universities: Understanding, Practices and Discrepancies
titlecomplete: Academic Freedom in Arab Universities: Understanding, Practices and Discrepancies
ratings_count: 1
publisher: University Press Of America