Medieval Cathedral Schools & University Evolution

Medieval Cathedral Schools and the Rise of Universities

Cathedral schools first appeared in the East, mirroring older institutions, during the eleventh century. These study centers were similar to their European counterparts. People gathered at these cathedral schools to hear news brought by immigrants from the East. This led to large groups of students undertaking work to survive and learning to read and write.

Here, discussions began on new truths and interpretations of faith. Students also started creating their own guilds, which later gained strength and rights.

The shelters provided by the church to these students offered certain freedoms, including freedom of opinion. Students were arranged in a master-apprentice system, where the teacher decided when a student was ready.

Between 1200 and 1400, 52 universities were established in Europe. 23 originated from cathedral schools, and 29 were founded by popes or kings.

Universities were highly organized, with each specializing in a specific science, allowing students to choose their area of study.

From the fourteenth century, these institutions were called UNIVERSITAS. This change marked a process of expansion and the creation of free boarding, functioning similarly to monasteries with a focus on regime, time, and discipline. Slowly, they moved away from the church, teaching content outside its imposed limits. The oldest universities are in Bologna (Italy) and Paris (France).

Two Pedagogical Models and Academic Practices

Two distinct pedagogical models and academic practices emerged. The first is the University of Bologna.

School Model A

In this model, students managed the university, led by a student rector. It was divided into two levels:

• Trivium: grammar, rhetoric, and dialectic
• Quadrivium: arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, and music

Students entered the university at age 13, starting with the trivium. The universitas created a society where people were recognized for their merits. Titles granted the right to teach.

The most important professions at this university were medicine, theology, and law. It is the oldest university still operating. This was the first university to accept women as students and teachers.

The University of Paris was organized by teachers, including the elected rector, who usually had the most merit. The church's influence caused many conflicts, as the university sought its freedoms. In 1231, it eventually separated from the church.

There were no limits; everything was allowed and uncensored.