CHAPTER 1 - The World's Oldest Universities

Reading Comprehension - Check Your Understanding

A. Choose the correct answers for the following questions.

1. Scholars came to Nalanda University to study ______.
A) math, art, and history
B) Buddhism, science, and medicine
C) geography, health, and philosophy

2. Al-Karaouine is said to be the ______.
A) oldest university in India
B) oldest surviving university
C) first university in Europe

3. Which university is no longer standing today?
A) University of Al-Karaouine
B) Nalanda University
C) University of Bologna

B. Read the following sentences. Choose true (T) or false (F).

C. Discuss the following questions with a partner.

1. Do you think old universities are better than new universities? Why, or why not?
   Answer

   the idea that new universities have the advantage of technology over old ones.

2. Before universities, how do you think people passed down knowledge?
   Answer

   knowledge was passed from generation to generation within families, or from tribal or religious leaders.

The world's Oldest Universities

Nalanda University, in Bihar, India, was established around 600 sc. It was most likely the world's first university. In the past, scholars1 came from Europe, China, and all over India to learn about science, medicine, the Buddhist religion, and other subjects. The university is in ruins now, but at one time it was an impressive school with temples, classrooms, libraries, and dormitories.2

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the University of AI-Karaouine in Fes, Morocco, is the oldest surviving university 1s in the world. It was probably founded in 859 and became a famous place to study natural sciences. In 1957, after more than 1,000 years as a university, AI-Karaouine added mathematics, physics, chemistry, and various foreign languages 20 to its traditional list of subjects for study.

The first university in Europe is definitely the University of Bologna, in Italy. It was one of the few universities in Europe that were not influenced by religion. Professors were forbidden from teaching outside the university, and so students came from all over Europe to study with its famous teachers. Since opening in 1088, the University of Bologna has never closed its doors, despite the many wars in Europe.

With the success of the University of Bologna, other universities opened across Europe. They were started by kings, religious groups, and former professors. Today there are so many universities that students don't need to go far to study. They are sure to find one close to home.