Examination of the long history, from Socrates forward, of debates on meaning, purpose, and access to higher education, with special emphasis on the role of humanistic, critical thinking as foundational to all aspects of higher education. Primary focus on Western tradition of postsecondary education, plus a look at different international and alternative models, including apprenticeship, vocational and skills training, monastic training, community-based learning, lifelong learning, and online peer-to-peer open learning. Instructor consent required.