Formação, especialização, diplomação: Da universidade à instituição de ensino superior

Abstract

The article seeks to discuss the meanings of liberal education, specialization and certification at several stages of Western University/Higher Education Institution. It offers a theoretical framing to follow and interpret historical changes reaching the concepts of Liberal Education (Bildung) and University. It links the present condition of University/Higher Education Institution to the so-called knowledge society and consumer society, so as to disclose the relation that has been established between mass certification and mass consumption. Finally it comments on some of the problems affecting Higher Education Institutions in the contemporary world and particularly in Brazil.