THE EUROPEAN SPACE FOR HIGHER EDUCATION AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION IN SPANISH UNIVERSITIES

The implementation of the European Space for Higher Education has entailed a process of profound renewal and change in all European universities. This paper analyzes the development of the objectives of what has been called the << Bologna Process,>> first on the European level, and later, in the specific case of Spain. In addition the paper analyzes the repercussions the process has had on the work of teaching personnel. Although it seemed that the universities were going to have much greater autonomy in terms of organizing teaching, the work of the evaluation and accreditation agencies has had a particularly limiting effect on this option. Furthermore, along with flexibilization and diversification of university teaching, the methodological change put forward under the body of regulations passed under the aegis of the European Space for Higher Education has undoubtedly meant an infringement on the professor's academic freedom, which may lead to new, hitherto unknown, conflicts. This paper does not question the fact that university teaching personnel's academic freedom has, among other limits, the need to coordinate and organize university teaching. Nonetheless, in view of the novelties that the European Space for Higher Education has provided in this area, it is worrisome that the limits on academic freedom have notably increased. One will have to make an evaluation as to whether such limitations are admissible or not.