The University of Seville (Universidad de Sevilla) is a university in Seville, Andalusia, Spain. Founded under the name of Colegio Santa María de Jesús in 1505,[7] in 2022 it has a student body of 57,214,[8] and is ranked 6th among Spanish universities.[8]

University of Seville
Universidad de Sevilla
Seal of the University of Seville
TypePublic
Established1505; 519 years ago (1505)
Academic affiliation
PEGASUS
Budget€497,776,950
Students69,200
Location, ,
37°22′51″N 5°59′28″W / 37.38075790°N 5.99123070°W / 37.38075790; -5.99123070
ColoursYellow and Red[1]
   
Websitewww.us.es Edit this at Wikidata
University rankings
Global – Overall
ARWU World[2]401-500 (2019)
CWTS World[3]297 (2019)
QS World[4]601-650 (2020)
THE World[5]801–1000 (2020)
USNWR Global[6]522 (2020)
The "Old Tobacco Factory", now the university's main building

History edit

Colegio de Santa María de Jesús edit

The University of Seville originally dates to the 15th century. Created by Archdeacon Maese Rodrigo Fernández de Santaella, it was originally called Colegio de Santa María de Jesús. In the 16th century (1505), a Bull of Pope Julius II granted the college the faculty to teach degrees in Theology, Philosophy, Law, Medicine and Arts. In 1551, the City Council allowed it, by means of a Royal Provision, to officially become a university, enjoying all the privileges of the other Spanish universities.[7]

Its antecedents date back to the middle of the 13th century, the Dominicans, in order to prepare missionaries for work among the Moors and Jews, organised schools for the teaching of Arabic, Hebrew, and Greek. To cooperate in this work and to enhance the prestige of Seville, Alfonso the Wise in 1254 established "general schools" (escuelas generales) of Arabic and Latin in Seville.[9] Alexander IV recognized this foundation as a generale litterarum studium by the Papal Bull of 21 June 1260 and granted its members certain dispensations in the matter of residence.[10] Later, the cathedral chapter established ecclesiastical studies in the College of San Miguel. Rodrigo Fernández de Santaella, archdeacon of the cathedral and commonly known as Maese Rodrigo, began the construction of a building for a university in 1472; in 1502 the Catholic Monarchs published the royal decree creating the university, and in 1505 Julius II granted the Bull of authorization. The construction of the chapel of Santa Maria de Jesus began in 1505 and was consecrated on May 17, 1506. The work on the chapel was completed in 1519 and the construction of the college was finished around 1520. In 1526 it was enlarged with the acquisition of an adjoining plot of land that belonged to the Alcazar.[11] The Catholic Monarchs and the pope granted the power to confer degrees in logic, philosophy, theology, and canon and civil law.

In 1621, new statutes were drawn up that gave the university greater independence with respect to the college, which, in turn, came to be sponsored by the Count-Duke of Olivares and was renamed Colegio Mayor de Santa María de Jesús, which differentiated it more from the nearby Colegio de Santo Tomás, governed by the Dominicans. In 1621 the university had four faculties: Theology, Canons and Law, Medicine and Arts, and granted the degrees of bachelor, bachelor and doctor in all faculties, along with that of master for the Faculty of Arts.[12]

The colegio mayor de Maese Rodrigo and the university proper, although housed in the same building, never lost their separate identities, as is shown by the fact that, in the 18th century, the university was moved to the College of San Hermenegildo, while that of Maese Rodrigo remained independent, although languishing.[13]

In 1767 Pablo de Olavide, assistant of Seville, after knowing the situation of the university, prepared a report in which other personalities participated, among them the clergymen José Cevallos and Luis Germán y Ribón, of the Real Academia Sevillana de Buenas Letras. The report proposed the end of the centers of theology studies, which were organized by different religious orders; the secularization of the chairs and their duration so that they would not be for life; the elaboration of new texts for the faculties of Theology, Arts or Philosophy, Canons and Law and Medicine, as well as a new course in Mathematics; and greater independence of the university with respect to the college. These proposals were approved by Royal Decree in 1769.[12]

In 1767 the Jesuits were expelled from Spain. In 1768 Olavide proposed that the university be moved to the former professed house of that order, a 16th-century building on Laraña Street. This was approved by the Royal Order of May 31, 1768. The move took place in 1771.[12]

The school was confiscated in 1835. It was used as a barracks for the local militia. In 1848 it was renovated, and housed the diocesan seminary. With this use, it underwent a major renovation at the end of the 19th century.  The seminary was moved to the palace of San Telmo in 1901 and the school building was sold to the real estate developer Juan Bautista Calvi. In 1909 it was demolished for the creation of the current Constitution Avenue. The façade was moved to the Santa Clara convent, where it was mounted in 1922 by Juan Talavera y Heredia when a portion of the convent was used as a municipal museum. The façade remains in the convent of Santa Clara. The chapel of the school, which became the headquarters of the Consejo de Hermandades y Cofradías, has been preserved.[14]

Real Universidad Literaria edit

In 1772 this center, now separated from the Colegio Mayor de Santa María de Jesús, was renamed "Real Universidad Literaria" (Royal Literary University). It had this name until 1845.[15]

The Royal Decree of July 12, 1807, promoted by the minister José Antonio Caballero, implemented in all Spanish universities the study plan approved that year by the University of Salamanca and suppressed all the minor universities, such as those of Baeza and Osuna. Both were reinstated in 1815, although they were definitively suppressed in 1824.[16] In the nineteenth century new general university plans and reforms were carried out that affected certain Spanish faculties.[17]

In 1843 the Provincial and University Library of Seville was founded,[18] and since its remodeling in 1845-68, it has become one of the most important libraries in Spain, with the acquisition of new books.[19]

Hispalense University edit

The Universidad Hispalense, as the University of Seville is known, evolved in terms of its curricula and faculties and in terms of its location in the city during the 19th century with new professorships, the reform of faculties and the emergence of seminars and specialized libraries.

In terms of curricula, theology studies, due to the ecclesiastical influence, were among the last to be taught. The General Plan of 1845 suppressed theology in all Spanish universities except in five educational institutions, including Seville. It was eradicated from all universities in 1852; however, Seville reinstated it again in 1854, only to be definitively closed after the Revolution of 1868.[20]

The Moyano Law (1857) created the Faculty of Exact, Physical and Natural Sciences of the University of Seville.[21]

The reform of 1843 suppressed the teaching of medicine in Seville, with classes ceasing in the city in 1845 and moving to the city of Cadiz, in full swing.[22] The Provincial and University Library was also in charge of the Library of the Faculty of Medicine in Cadiz. In 1868 the Free School of Medicine was created in Seville. In 1917, the Faculty of Medicine was founded in the city of Seville.[23]

After a major remodeling, the University of Seville moved to the Real Fabrica de Tabacos between 1954 and 1956.  The transformation of the building was a work of great significance, carried out by the architects Alberto Balbontín de Orta, Delgado Roig and Toro Buiza.[24][25]

Initially it housed the Rector's Office and the Faculties of Science, Law and Philosophy and Letters. It currently serves as the headquarters of the rectorate and only houses the Faculties of Geography and History and Philology.

In the 1960s, the Higher Technical Schools of Architecture and Industrial Engineering were created.[26][27] In the following decade, the Schools of Economics,[28] and Pharmacy were created, the Faculty of Sciences was divided, giving rise to the Schools of Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, and the University College of La Rábida, the seed of the University of Huelva, was created.[29]

Influence edit

The influence of the University of Seville, from the ecclesiastical point of view, was considerable, though not equal to that of the Universities of Salamanca and of Alcalá. Renowned alumni include Sebastián Antonio de Cortés, Riquelme, Rioja, Luis Germán y Ribón, founder of the Horatian Academy, Martín Alberto Carbajal, Cardinal Belluga, Cardinal Francisco Solís Folch,[30] Marcelo Doye y Pelarte,[31] Bernardo de Torrijos,[32] Francisco Aguilar Ribón,[33] the Abate Marchena, Alberto Lista, and many others who shone in the magistracy, or were distinguished ecclesiastics. The University of Seville had a great influence on the development of the fine arts in Spain. In its shadow the school of the famous master Juan de Mal Lara was founded, and intellects like those of Fernando de Herrera, Juan de Arguijo, and many others were developed, while literary and artistic clubs were formed, like that of Francisco Pacheco, which was a school for both painting and poetry. During the period of secularization and sequestration (1845–57) the University of Seville passed into the control of the State and received a new organization.

At the same time that the royal university was established, the Universidad de Mareantes (university of sea-farers) was developed. Here, the Catholic Monarchs established the Casa de Contratación by a royal decree of 1503, with classes for pilots and seamen, and courses in cosmography, mathematics, military tactics, and artillery. This establishment was of incalculable importance, for it was here that the expeditions to the Indies were organised, and the great Spanish mariners were educated. This form of polytechnic school, which, according to Eden, Bourné, and Alexander von Humboldt, had taught a great deal to Europe, fell into decay in the 17th century, following the fortunes of Spanish science. [34]

Equality, liberty, justice and pluralism edit

The university enjoys the independence afforded by self-governance, which gives it a certain flexibility that may work to advantage in the hiring of professors and lecturers. The ancient motto of the university is: "Equality, Liberty, Justice and Pluralism".[citation needed] The university's stated mission is to educate students who will do the research and development necessary to scientific and technological innovation. This is reflected in the number of degrees offered; students attending the university have a choice of 65 different subjects and one of the widest ranges of academic and sporting facilities in Spain, making it a popular university for both Spanish and international students. In 2004 it had 73,350 students spread on different campuses, being second in number of students among Spanish universities.

Campus internationalization edit

Since 1994, North American exchange students have been able to take classes taught by University of Seville faculty members in Spanish in the Faculty of Philology and the Faculty of Geography and History. As of Fall 2009, the university has agreements with 15 international organizations including the Council on International Educational Exchange, the College Consortium for International Studies, International Studies Abroad, SUNY New Paltz and Wells College.[35] and St. John's University.[36] The University of Seville has had a partnership with the Real Colegio Complutense at Harvard University since 2015.

Organization edit

 
Economy and Business School (Facultad de Economía y Empresariales)

The University of Seville comprises:

  • Governed by the Department Council (Consejo de Departamento): The Departments
  • Governed by Centre Council (Junta de Centro): consists of
    • Faculties,
    • Technical Sciences Schools (Escuelas Técnicas Superiores), and
    • University Schools (Escuelas Universitarias).
 
Facade of the building of the Rectorate

The main building of the University of Seville is known as the "Old Tobacco Factory", named for its original use. Built in the 18th century, Seville's tobacco factory was the largest industrial building in the world at the time and remained a tobacco factory until the 1950s. This building is also the setting for the renowned opera, Carmen, by Bizet. Carmen was a fictional worker in the tobacco factory, the original story being a novella by Prosper Mérimée. This building houses two of the university's faculties: the School of Literature and Philology, and the School of Geography and History.

Other campuses and faculties are located throughout Seville, including the Health Science schools in La Macarena, the Business School in Nervion, the Engineering School and School of Communications in La Cartuja and the Languages Institute (Instituto de Idiomas) and Science Schools in Romina

Library edit

The library holds about 777,000 volumes.[37]

Notable people edit

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Manuel de Identidad Visual Corporativa de la Universidad de Sevilla – website of University of Seville
  2. ^ "Academic Ranking of World Universities – University of Seville". Shanghai Ranking. Retrieved 2020-02-06.
  3. ^ "CWTS Leiden Ranking 2019". Retrieved 2020-02-06.
  4. ^ "QS World University Rankings – Universidad de Sevilla". Top Universities. Retrieved 2020-02-06.
  5. ^ "World University Rankings – University of Seville". THE World University Rankings. Retrieved 2020-02-06.
  6. ^ "Best Global Universities – University of Seville". U.S. News Education (USNWR). Retrieved 2020-02-06.
  7. ^ a b Sevilla, Patrimonio de (2017-03-21). "Origen e historia de la Universidad" (in Spanish). Retrieved 2023-05-17.
  8. ^ a b U-Ranking Universidades españolas, Universidad de Sevilla.
  9. ^ Julio Domínguez Arjona (2014)LA SEVILLA QUE NO VEMOS "ALFONSO X CREA LAS ESCUELAS GENERALES EN SEVILLA"
  10. ^ José Sánchez Herrero" Centros de enseñanza y estudiantes de Sevilla durante los siglos XIII al XV"
  11. ^ Teodoro Falcón Márquez (2004). V Centenario. Universidad de Sevilla. 1505-2005. Universidad de Sevilla y Fundación El Monte.
  12. ^ a b c Teodoro Falcón Márquez y otros (2001). Universidad de Sevilla: patrimonio monumental y artístico. Arquitectura, escultura, pintura y artes ornamentales (2ª edición). ISBN 978-84-472-0632-2.
  13. ^ The Catholic Encyclopedia: Revelation - Simon Stock. Vol. 13. Encyclopedia Press. 1913. Retrieved 27 January 2013.
  14. ^ Jiménez, Javier Tejido, "La primera sede de la Universidad de Sevilla y el traslado de su portada", Revista PH (in European Spanish)
  15. ^ Francisco Aguilar Piñal (1991). Historia de la Universidad de Sevilla. Secretariado de Publicaciones de la Universidad de Sevilla. ISBN 84-7405-953-4
  16. ^ ALÍAS, Inmaculada ARIAS DE SAAVEDRA (2014-05-12). La Universidad de Baeza en la Edad Moderna. Estado de la cuestión y síntesis de su trayectoria: EN «Universidades hispánicas: colegios y conventos universitarios en la Edad Moderna (II)» (in Spanish). Ediciones Universidad de Salamanca.
  17. ^ "Planes de estudio de la Universidad española durante medio siglo" Ministerio de Educación, España
  18. ^ Guadalupe Trigueros Gordillo (1998). La Universidad de Sevilla durante el Sexenio Revolucionario. Secretariado de Publicaciones de la Universidad de Sevilla. ISBN 84-472-0417-0
  19. ^ Trigueros Gordillo, op. cit. p.188
  20. ^ Rosario Navarro Hinojosa (2005). «10. La Universidad de Sevilla durante la Década Absolutista y la consolidación del estado liberal (1823-1868)». La Universidad de Sevilla. 1505-2005. V Centenario. Universidad de Sevilla y Fundación El Monte. ISBN 84-8455-139-3, p. 289
  21. ^ Navarro Hinojosa, op.cit. p.184
  22. ^ Trigueros Gordillo (1998), op. cit. p.165
  23. ^ Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Sevilla, Historia de la Facultad
  24. ^ Tryllo de Leyva, Juan Luis. Universidad y ciudad: arquitectura de la Universidad Hispalense (Universidad de Sevilla edición). ISBN 84-472-0746-3
  25. ^ "la años 70 en la Universidad de Sevilla. La nueva sede". personal.us.es. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  26. ^ Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura, Universidad de Sevilla, Guía Virtual de acogida.
  27. ^ "Cincuenta años de los primeros ingenieros industriales sevillanos". sevilla (in Spanish). 2021-11-16. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  28. ^ "Económicas en Sevilla, cincuenta años de «una fábrica de generación de talentos»". sevilla (in Spanish). 2021-10-22. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  29. ^ Información, Huelva (2013-07-31). "La Universidad rescata a Huelva". Huelva Información (in European Spanish). Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  30. ^ "Francisco Solís y Folch de Cardona | Real Academia de la Historia". dbe.rah.es. Retrieved 2023-05-19.
  31. ^ "Fondo Antiguo y Archivo Histórico Universitario". ahus.us.es. Retrieved 2023-05-19.
  32. ^ "Torrijos Vargas, Bernardo - Fondo Antiguo y Archivo Histórico Universitario". ahus.us.es. Retrieved 2023-05-19.
  33. ^ "Fondo Antiguo y Archivo Histórico Universitario". ahus.us.es. Retrieved 2023-05-19.
  34. ^ "CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: University of Seville". Newadvent.org. 1912-02-01. Retrieved 2013-10-24.
  35. ^ [1][dead link]
  36. ^ "Seville, Spain". Stjohns.edu. 2012-02-01. Archived from the original on 2013-10-29. Retrieved 2013-10-24.
  37. ^ "Libraries and museums - Spain". Nationsencyclopedia.com. Retrieved 2013-10-24.
  38. ^ "Azcárate y Ristori, José María". Museo Nacional del Prado (in Spanish). Retrieved 2018-11-26.

External links edit