Universities have come a long way ever since they were first conceived in the Middle Ages. Although academies have already been in existence during the periods of antiquity, the term “university” only came about more or less a thousand years later.
Here, we give you a brief view on the facts about the history of universities, starting from conception to the current state.
1. Medieval Period
Medieval universities started out as cathedral or monastic schools, administered by monks and nuns. Later, cathedral schools evolved into actual universities with guild structures. Such universities include the Bologna University and the University of Paris.
Young men often proceeded to university once they have completed their trivium; namely grammar, rhetoric, and logic, as well as the quadrivium, namely arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy.
Medieval universities were said to be influenced by religious authorities in Al-Andalus, Sicily, and Middle-Eastern countries.
2. Early Modern Period
From the 1400s-1800s, there had been a huge growth in the universities in Europe. With about 400 universities in existence by the end of the medieval era, about 38 new ones where established from 1500-1625.
By the 1700s, there had been about 143 new universities built—ushering half a thousand percent increase in universities since then.
Continuing the curriculum of the Middle Ages, early modern universities offered relevant programs focusing on what had been traditionally studied.
By the end of the period, the structures of universities have since changed into something which a lot of us may recognize nowadays.
3. Modern Period
At the end of the 18th century, universities began to publish their own research journals. Later, what had been deemed as the French and German university models were conceived.
Additionally, the role of religion in universities declined in the 19th century and the German university model had spread throughout the world, becoming the most recognizable university model today.
Now that you’ve learned about the history of universities, you have also understood its relevance and importance in today’s world! And that’s why it’s often been said that the role of universities all around the globe is to transform it.