What is Universitas?

We are inspired by the initiatives that appeared in the period known as Late Antiquity, where the aim was to bring together and pass on the different legacies of Greco-Roman and Eastern wisdom that gave rise to the universities of the Middle Ages.

Universitas General Studies is an academic project supported by the International Organization New Acropolis.

Origin of the name

The foundation of universities resulted in the need to organize knowledge. The first differentiation was that of knowledge for mental use and manual practice, which would later become Theory and Practice, the latter being relegated to the field of apprenticeship.

The word University derives from the Latin Universitas. “Abstract noun formed on the adjective Universus – a- um (All, whole, universal), derived in turn from Unus – a- um (one).” This term is attributed to Cicero, who would have used it for the first time, to mean a whole made up of numerous parts with a single purpose: universitas rerum and universitas generis humani.

Alfonso X the Wise defined it as “a community of teachers and scholars which is established in some place with the intention and understanding to study the different branches of knowledge(Partid. II, Title XXXI, Law 1), alluding to the name universitas magistrorum et scholarium.

Until the 14th century, the term Universitas coexisted with another older term, first Studium and then Studium generale and also Studia Generalia (plural). This was the name given to the first universities: the Bologna School of Law (14th century), the schools of Philosophy in Paris (12th century) and the monastic schools of Oxford (12th century).

In this antecedent we base ourselves to add the term “General Study” in singular or plural, “General Studies”, in the vernacular languages or in Latin Studium Generale or Studia Generalia . It refers to a center of instruction for all types of people, where lessons are given on various academic disciplines.

Academic Proposal

Interdisciplinary training

Interdisciplinary and scientifically based training within the reach of all people seeking knowledge in various fields. The common link offered by Universitas is the ethical approach, which takes into account universal and timeless values and principles.

Education for life

We want to contribute to the improvement of our societies through individual training. Broadening horizons of deep and solid knowledge, helping people to face life and improve their environment and societies.

Specialized faculty

With an interdisciplinary base, we also seek specialized training, taught by teachers who have in-depth knowledge of the disciplines being taught and also add professional experience.