Are you confused about the difference between Sorbonne and University of Paris? You’re not alone!
The two names are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to different things. In this article, we’ll explore the history of these institutions and clarify their differences.
The History of Sorbonne and University of Paris
The University of Paris was founded in the 12th century, making it one of Europe’s oldest universities. It consisted of several colleges, including the College de Sorbonne.
The College de Sorbonne was established in 1257 by Robert de Sorbon, a chaplain and confessor to King Louis IX. It was originally intended as a school for poor students studying theology.
Over time, the College de Sorbonne became one of the most prestigious colleges within the University of Paris. It was known for its rigorous academic standards and produced many notable alumni, including philosopher René Descartes.
In 1970, the University of Paris was divided into several autonomous institutions, each with its own faculties and administration. The College de Sorbonne became part of a new institution called Paris-Sorbonne University.
Sorbonne Today
Today, when people refer to “Sorbonne,” they are usually referring to Paris-Sorbonne University or its successor institution, Sorbonne University. These institutions are known for their humanities programs and continue to be highly regarded in academic circles.
Sorbonne University is actually an amalgamation of several different institutions. In addition to the original College de Sorbonne, it includes faculties from other former members of the University of Paris system, such as Pierre-and-Marie-Curie University (science) and Paris Descartes University (health sciences).
University of Paris Today
The name “University of Paris” is no longer used as an umbrella term for all the institutions that were once part of the University of Paris system. However, the name has been revived for a new institution that is set to launch in 2019.
The new University of Paris will be a merger of several existing institutions, including Paris Descartes University and Pierre-and-Marie-Curie University (which were previously part of Sorbonne University). The aim is to create a more streamlined and efficient university system that can compete with top universities around the world.
Conclusion
In summary, Sorbonne and University of Paris are related but different entities. Sorbonne refers to a specific college within the University of Paris system that has since become its own institution. Today, when people talk about “Sorbonne,” they are usually referring to either Paris-Sorbonne University or Sorbonne University.
The name “University of Paris” no longer refers to a single institution, but it will be revived in 2019 for a new university that is set to launch. This new university will be an amalgamation of several existing institutions and aims to create a more competitive and efficient university system in France.
If you’re interested in studying at one of these institutions, make sure you do your research and understand which specific school or faculty you’re applying to!