THE KRAKOW UNIVERSITY AS A PRACTICE-ORIENTED HIGHER EDUCATION MODEL IN THE 14TH CENTURY

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to explore the establishment process of the Krakow University as a practice-oriented higher education institution.

The research methodology is based on the principles of historicism, systematic approach, and reliance on historical sources. The methods employed are appropriate for the defined objective and include general scientific methods (analysis, synthesis and generalisation) as well as special historical methods (historical-systemic and comparative-historical).

The scientific novelty of this research lies in the need for a comprehensive study of the practices involved in establishing the first universities in Central and Eastern European countries, as well as the peculiarities of their activities as centers of secular higher education.

Based upon the reviewed materials, we can conclude that the Krakow University was established owing to the efforts of Casimir III the Great, the king of Poland. It was the second university in Central and Eastern Europe during the Middle Ages. The Bologna-Padua University model, which was aimed at practice-oriented learning, was applied to structure and organise the educational process. Casimir III believed that the primary objective was to educate competent staff to meet the needs of the state rather than the Church. Consequently, Krakow University placed an emphasis on secular higher education.

Initially, the institution did not have a theological faculty as the foundation of clericalism. Krakow University’s curriculum included the study of the «seven liberal arts», law, and medicine. Teaching combined theory with practical exercises and participation in discussions. Learning outcomes were assessed through collegial examinations. The university enjoyed academic freedom, and students were provided with fixed payments to cover accommodation and educational services.