ELHE 7101 Higher Education in American Society

An introduction to higher education in America, this course focuses on the complex relationships between colleges and universities, and the political and social systems of society. This analysis includes a historical perspective on the evolution of American higher education, and especially the development of the contemporary university since the beginning of the twentieth century. Attention is also paid to the impact of federal and state governments on higher education; the role of research in the university; issues of accountability, autonomy, and academic freedom; the academic profession, student politics and culture; affirmative action issues; and others.

Course overview

Department
Educational Leadership and Higher Education
School
Lynch
Credits
3
Level
Graduate
Offered
Every Fall

Course evaluations

Response-weighted averages from Boston College’s official course evaluations (Avalanche/Blue).

Course rating
3.91 / 5 · Very Good
180 responses
Instructor rating
4.23 / 5 · Very Good
180 responses
Terms evaluated
5
Most recent: Fall 2025

Scales: overall ratings run from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent); agreement questions from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree); weekly effort from 1 (up to 1 hour) to 5 (10 or more hours).

Evaluations by term and instructor
TermInstructorCourse overallInstructor overallWell organizedClear learning objectivesIntellectually challengingHelpful assignmentsApplicable beyond courseAttendance necessaryWeekly effortResponses
Fall 2025Michael James4.34.64.74.74.44.54.74.24–6 hrs/week37 of 50
Fall 2024Michael James4.04.24.64.64.44.34.53.97–9 hrs/week29 of 36
Fall 2023Michael James—————————29 of 30
Fall 2022Michael James3.64.04.34.54.14.14.33.57–9 hrs/week44 of 56
Fall 2021Michael James3.84.24.44.44.44.24.33.410+ hrs/week41 of 63

Data freshness

Course and evaluation data last updated 2026-10-09. Source details and limitations are documented in Data Sources and Methodology.

Instructors

  • Michael James
    Fall 2026, Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2021 · Official rating 4.23/5

Sections

  • Section 01
    Fall 2026 · Michael James · Hayden Hall Room 229 Tu 04:30PM-06:50PM · Offered
  • Section 02
    Fall 2026 · Michael James · Hayden Hall Room 229 Tu 07:00PM-09:30PM · Offered