This discussion about universities and higher education today will include a viewing of extracts from the film, At Berkeley, and a discussion, led by Professor Peter Scott (Institute of Education at UCL).

The film shows the major aspects of university life, its intellectual and social mission, its obligation to the state and to larger ideas of higher education. It also illustrates how decisions are made and implemented by the administration in collaboration with its various constituencies. The documentary was directed by the distinguished film-maker, Fred Wiseman.

Fred Wiseman has created an exceptional body of work consisting of thirty full length films devoted primarily to exploring American institutions. The institutions that Wiseman examined early in his career - a hospital, a high school, army basic training, a welfare centre, a police precinct - have "problems" that the filmmaker uncovers. His approach reveals the profound acknowledged and unacknowledged conformity and inequality of American society. Wiseman's films are also a reflection on democracy.

Peter Scott is Professor of Higher Education Studies at the Institute of Education. Prior to that, he was vice-chancellor of Kingston University. He has also been pro vice-chancellor for external affairs at the University of Leeds, as well as Professor of Education and Director of the Centre for Policy Studies in Education. Before going to Leeds in 1992, he was, for 16 years, Editor of Times Higher Education (now the Higher).

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