#577 | A Short History Of Universities

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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.

• The University of Bologna nears its thousand-year anniversary.

• Why universities emerged: stability, trade, rediscovered texts, Church needs.

• Student guilds hired teachers; papal charters granted privileges, recognition.

• Medieval curriculum and university specialisations in law, theology, medicine.

• Renaissance humanism broadened studies beyond law and theology.

• Scientific Revolution made universities producers of new knowledge.

• Humboldt model united teaching and research in modern universities.

• Post-war expansion massified higher education around the world.

• Today: many universities, 250 million students; degrees often required.

• UK participation reaches 50%; rising costs and student debt.

Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/history-of-university

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