Browsing by Author "Atkinson, David"

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    Humanities and religious studies: reflection on the future
    (2020) Atkinson, David
    There is particular angst expressed today about the future of the Humanities, although this concern has been with us for a long time. Many are concerned that the Humanities are dying and no longer occupy a position of importance in our universities. While there is every reason to be concerned, there has never been a time when the Humanities are more important. The Humanities must no longer accept a position at the periphery of universities and must, instead, assert their centrality. Religious Studies, as a relatively new Humanities discipline, offers a path forward. It suggests an openness that serves as a paradigm for the Humanities with regard to how to look outside themselves for new ways of doing research and teaching their students.
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    New university, new possibilities: higher education in Western Canada
    (2019) Atkinson, David
    Purpose: This paper aims to examine the new teaching universities created in British Columbia and Alberta over the past 10 years in the context of the multiple challenges faced by higher education today, including issues of purpose, culture, governance, accountability and finances. Design/methodology/approach: The essay provides a historic overview of the challenges universities face today. In this context, it presents the new Western Canadian universities as a possible model, even while identifying the challenges these institutions face in the future. Findings: This case study concludes that universities must change if they are to meet the expectations of students and the needs of society. It outlines the challenges faced by the new universities, how they have responded, the successes they have experienced and the challenges they confront. Originality/value: To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first study of the new Canadian universities.