The University of Paris, also known as La Sorbonne, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. It was founded in 1150 and became a center of intellectual life in Europe during the Middle Ages.
However, in 1970, the University of Paris was closed down. Many people wonder why such a renowned institution ceased to exist. Let’s explore the reasons behind its closure.
The Student Protests
In the late 1960s, France was going through a period of social and political unrest. The country was facing economic difficulties, and many young people were dissatisfied with the traditional values and institutions that governed their lives. The students at the University of Paris were no exception.
In May 1968, a group of students occupied the university’s administrative buildings to protest against what they saw as an outdated and elitist educational system. They demanded greater democracy and autonomy within the university, as well as broader social and political change in France.
The protests quickly spread throughout Paris and became known as the May 68 movement. They were characterized by mass demonstrations, strikes, and clashes with police forces. The movement had a profound impact on French society and sparked significant changes in politics, culture, and education.
The Creation of New Universities
One of the consequences of the May 68 movement was the creation of new universities across France. These institutions were intended to be more democratic and responsive to student needs than traditional universities like La Sorbonne.
The University of Paris was split into several smaller universities during this period. These new institutions focused on specific fields such as science or humanities instead of offering a broad liberal arts education like La Sorbonne did.
The End of an Era
The closure of La Sorbonne marked the end of an era for higher education in France. It represented a shift away from traditional institutions that emphasized a broad, classical education towards more specialized and vocational training.
Despite its closure, the legacy of La Sorbonne lives on. Many of the new universities that were created in its wake continue to uphold its values of academic excellence and intellectual rigor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the University of Paris was closed down due to a combination of factors. The May 68 movement and the creation of new universities played a significant role in its demise.
However, it is important to note that the closure of La Sorbonne also marked a turning point in French society and higher education. It paved the way for greater democracy and diversity within universities and helped to shape the modern landscape of higher education in France.