2.2. Edad Media. Del monasterio a la universidad.
Education in the Middle Ages
This section discusses the evolution of education during the Middle Ages, starting with monasteries monopolizing education until the eleventh century and then progressing to cathedral schools and universities.
Monastic Schools
- Monasteries monopolized education until the eleventh century.
- Monasteries had internal and external schools. Internal schools were attended by children of wealthier families who wanted to become clerics while day schools were for secular clergy and other types of people.
Cathedral Schools
- Cathedral schools developed with the birth and development of cities, eventually eclipsing monastic schools.
- A repertoire of texts from the twelfth century was introduced thanks to translations from Arabic and Greek.
- The first general studies, Studium generale, appeared in universities in particular those of Bologna and Paris.
Universities
- The foundation of universities became increasingly widespread throughout Europe with thirty universities scattered across the continent by 1378.
- Before accessing university, prior knowledge had to be acquired in grammar schools that trained people who did not need studies at a high university level such as secretaries or notaries.
- The fundamental features that defined a university were: teaching subjects most useful for society (law, medicine, theology), legally recognized corporations thanks to privileges collected together in various charters, and establishing a curriculum that allowed students to obtain an academic degree.
- Universities were made up of Universitas - groups of scholars and masters who resided there. Masters were highly renowned figures hired for their specific knowledge in certain areas. Students came from diverse origins but united based on where they came from in what were called nations.
- Famous colleges appeared where students who came from outside could be accommodated and obtain books that were generally quite expensive and difficult to access.
The Emergence of Universities
This section discusses the emergence of universities in Europe during the Middle Ages.
Monasteries and Schools
- Monasteries had internal and external schools, with the latter becoming more developed with the rise of cities.
- External schools were noisier than internal ones.
- Grammar schools were common even in rural areas.
- Knowledge was seen as essential to work, and grammar schools provided a propaedeutic education.
Emergence of Universities
- Universities emerged in Europe from the 12th century onwards.
- They taught subjects such as history, jurisprudence, medicine, and philosophy.
- They became corporations that granted degrees to students who completed their studies.
- Students came from far away to attend universities.
- Islamic authors were important for teaching law.
The Role of Universities in Social Progress
This section discusses how universities contributed to social progress during the Middle Ages.
Importance of Knowledge
- Knowledge was essential for social progress during this time period.
- One of the most important achievements of medieval culture and science was knowledge acquisition.
Useful Subjects Taught at Universities
- Universities taught subjects that were useful in practical life or conceived in classical times.
Corporations and Degrees
- Universities became corporations that granted degrees to students who completed their studies.
Challenges Faced by Students and Teachers
This section discusses some challenges faced by students and teachers during the Middle Ages.
Distance and Access to Books
- Students came from far away to attend universities.
- Books were expensive and difficult to access.
Propaedeutic Education
- Students had to pass through the classes of arts, which constituted a propaedeutic education.
Islamic Authors
- Islamic authors were important for teaching law.