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This paper examines the sociology of education from the perspective of its recent history and attempts to assess the current state of the field. The authors argue that cognate disciplines such as economics and social policy have taken over some of the key questions that were once the preserve of sociology of education. This raises the question of what is lost if the sociology of education is no longer making a significant contribution, in key areas, to the major educational, social and economic issues of the day. (Contains 3 notes.)

Has Harry Judge's career reproduced in a lifetime the centuries-old history of Brasenose College and the University of Oxford? His biography and the history of his college in relation to Christian belief and modern university reform are briefly recapitulated. All tell a story of adaptation and modernisation, the man short, the college long, the university in ceaseless change from a clerical foundation through an association of colleges as finishing schools for the Establishment to a collegiate university aspiring to place itself in the "world league" of research centres. (Contains 25 notes.)

Contends that there have been three significant points in the history of access to higher education in Great Britain since 1900. Describes these points: (1) a period of considerable expansion of enrollment; (2) little diminution in relative social class inequality; and (3) a significant diminution in gender equality. (CFR)

Compares access to higher education in Great Britain with other nations in Europe, in North America, and Australia. Concludes that Britain is behind Germany and Sweden but continues to make progress. Includes a table comparing college graduation rates in 20 nations. (CFR)

Charles Carter's views on higher education are discussed, and the educational history of the university as an institution is examined. Carter views universities as a diverse set of institutions linked in a comprehensive framework to provide flexible and fair access to higher learning in the sciences and the arts. (RM)

Offers an introduction to the theme articles in this special issue on the Plowden Report, a British government report which advocated a child-centered, experiential approach to primary education. (JDH)

Examines the place of Oxford University within the changing system of British higher education. Surveys indicate that Oxford continues to attract high quality students. Faculty members at other universities consider it an excellent educational institution and a highly desirable place to work. Oxford graduates have better career opportunities than graduates from other British universities. (AM)