Universidad y sociedad: proyección y vínculos Pablo V. Carlevaro 1 (2008) Reencuentro 52:19-37 University and society: projection and links Pablo V. Carlevaro (2008) Reencuentro 52:19-37

Abstract

This article about the links between university and society concentrates in two subjects: the critical and prospective analysis of university extension and the influence of university education in society. The author queries if university still has the purpose to assist people in society, and questions the meaning of this. He addresses the “Reforma of Cordoba” (1918) as an innovative movement that played an important role in the definition of a Latin-American university profile. University extension was the instrument used to relate univesrity students with people. The author criticizes the rhetorical approach in which extension was put into practice. After this questioning, he asserts the importance of university extension from a different standpoint. He suggests a new practice of extension where extension has links with the other university functions and establishes the relation between university and people at a horizontal and interdisciplinary level with an essentially different democratic connotation. He also refers to the social importance of student education. The article criticizes traditional teaching methods and compares them to a libertarian model that focuses in the person and aims to achieve a comprehensive education that generates moral commitment and calls to serve society.