#577 | A Short History Of Universities

<p><strong> </strong></p><br><p>In part one of a three-part mini-series on the theme of "university", we go on a whirlwind tour of the history of universities, from medieval student guilds in Bologna to the modern day.</p> <br> <ul> <li>The University of Bologna nears its thousand-year anniversary.</li> <li>Why universities emerged: stability, trade, rediscovered texts, Church needs.</li> <li>Student guilds hired teachers; papal charters granted privileges, recognition.</li> <li>Medieval curriculum and university specialisations in law, theology, medicine.</li> <li>Renaissance humanism broadened studies beyond law and theology.</li> <li>Scientific Revolution made universities producers of new knowledge.</li> <li>Humboldt model united teaching and research in modern universities.</li> <li>Post-war expansion massified higher education around the world.</li> <li>Today: many universities, 250 million students; degrees often required.</li> <li>UK participation reaches 50%; rising costs and...