Jeffersoniańska koncepcja uniwersytetu
Streszczenie
The Jeffersonian vision of the educational system in America found its application
in the Virginia University founded in 1825. Thomas Jefferson's educational
concepts were formed since the time he commenced his academic studies in
William and Mary College through elaboration of projects concerning dissemination
of knowledge, publication of Notes on Virginia until finally they assumed
a concrete shape in the University. The character of these ideas was affected by
Th. Jefferson's stay in Paris and his exchange of ideas with many eminent representatives
of the European Enlightement (e.g. J. A. Condorcet, J. Priestley,
C. F. Volney). They were implemented in one point i.e. through creation оf a new
university from its very foundations and not through reform of the already existing
university.
Progressive character of the Virginia University is reflected in principles,
methods, and contents of curricula carried out by it. Moreover, it combined academic
education with social education, introduced secularity and democratization
of life at the University. The curriculum incorporated also new subjects such as
exact sciences, agricultural science, modern languages, and political sciences. The
mother tongue, by pushing out Latin, became the language in which lectures and
seminars were conducted. Hierarchy of faculties was abolished and students wore
allowed freedom in choosing subjects they wished to study. The architecture of
the University was adapted to needs and requirements of academic programmes.
Erection of an imposing library building — source of knowledge rising above the
other buildings grow to the rank of a symbol. Th. Jefferson's reformatory activity
is supported by abundant source materials (writings, papers, letters) and has received
a great deal of attention in its literature.