Critical extension: ways to territorialize the Latin American University. The emergence of territorial programs

Abstract

This article analyzes the ways in which Latin American universities territorialize, that is, the ways they display and build territories with others.

To do this, firstly, some of the recent processes of territorialization linked to the extension in universities in the southern region of America are organized and related by observing some of their forms of anchoring, the interdisciplinary approach, the characteristics of the teaching team, and the integration of research and extension in the integrating process.

Secondly, some examples are explored in depth, in a way that does not intend to be exhaustive but does provide a heterogeneous and diverse vision around "territorial programs or platforms", "socio-educational or socio-community practices" and proposals such as the "Universidad Barrial” or “popular" among others.

Thirdly, based on some conceptions and perspectives of the notion of territory, we seek to demonstrate different approaches that university teams use when designing proposals, different ways of territorialization, distinguishing between "popular organizationists", "neighborhood-communitarians” or "institutionalists", and the challenges that they imply in each case, from the paradigm of Critical Extension.

Finally, it is emphasized on some key issues that link these conceptualizations and practices of territorialization and deterritorialization, highlighting four elements that emerge from particular interest from the cases presented, thinking about the internal situation of the universities, the dynamics of the teaching teams and student participation.