A comparative overview is presented of the Latin American university, which is seen as an institution with a particular history and definite role. Chapters are as follows: "The Latin American University: An Introduction," by Joseph Maier and Richard W. Weatherhead; "Origin and Philosophy of the Spanish American University," by Mario Gongora; "Origin and Philosophy of the Brazilian University," by Anisio Teixeira; "The European Background," by Hanns-Albert Steger; "Models of the Latin American University," by Orlando Albornoz; "University Reform," by Jose Luis Romero; "Students in the Latin American University," by Alistair Hennessy; "The Rector, the University, and Society," by Luis Manuel Penalver; and "The Professor and the Catedra," by Gino Germani. A bibliography is included. (SW)