Book Description

The work examines the major chronological phases of the institution' s development from the time of its foundation in the mid-nineteenth century to the beginning of World War II. These phases become the four main parts of the book. Part I, The Gentlemen's University, 1850-80, traces the development of the University as it provided a liberal education for sons of the wealthier families of the colonial middle class which, it was hoped, would fit them 'to discharge the duties and offices belonging to the higher grades of society'. Part II, The Professional University, 1880-1900, deals with a period of growth of the first professional schools - medicine, law and engineering - the renovation of the curricula in arts and science, the admission of women, and the strengthening of the University's links with the community. Part III, The Expanding University, 1900- 24, recounts the rise in student numbers and the widening of professional curricula to include the new professions such as architecture, dentistry and veterinary science. It examines also the impact of World War I and the reconstruction that immediately followed. Part IV, The Modern University, 1924-39, tells of the appointment of the first permanent executive officer, the Vice- Chancellor, and of the development of a comprehensive range of arts, science and professional curricula. It also records important changes in student life. By the end of this period, and despite the adverse effects of the depression of the 1930s, the general structure and pattern of the University as it functions today had become apparent. Within each of these four phases, as comprehensive an account as possible is provided of the University's operation as an educational institution. More generally an attempt is made to trace developments in all these aspects within the broader, changing social contexts of city, state and nation which inevitably exerted an influence on what occurred in the University.