A university is an institution of higher education and research, which grants academic degrees at all levels (bachelor, master, and doctorate) in a variety of subjects. A university provides both tertiary and quaternary education. The word university is derived from the Latin universitas, meaning corporation, since the first medieval European universities were simply groups of scholars.

History

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Because of the above definition, there is some controversy regarding what is the world's oldest university. If we consider university simply as a higher education institution, then it is Shangyang, which originated before the 21st century BC in China. In the western world, the choice is between Takshashila, Nalanda and Al-Azhar University. If we consider the original meaning of the word (from the latin "universitas": a corporation of students), then universities are a medieval European phenomenon and the oldest university is the University of Bologna in northern Italy (founded in 1088 and known as "Alma Mater Studiorum").

Students at Takshashila University, founded in Taxila (Pakistan) from around the 7th century BC, were given academic titles after graduating from one of its many courses. Nalanda University, founded in Bihar (India) from around the 5th century BC, also gave academic titles to its graduates, while also offering post-graduate courses. Al-Azhar University, founded in Cairo (Egypt) in the 10th century, offered a variety of post-graduate degrees, and is usually regarded as the first full-fledged university.

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L.A. Times - College Football

Bruins go over the wall
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 20:08:00 -0800
The EagleBank Bowl-bound players escape from practice on 'Wall Day.' Kicker Kai Forbath is a first-team All-American selection by the Sporting News. The EagleBank Bowl-bound players escape from practice on 'Wall Day.' Kicker Kai Forbath is a first-team All-American selection by the Sporting News.
Richard Brehaut gets to run the offense -- in practice
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800
The freshman is taking the snaps with the first unit while starter Kevin Prince recovers from a shoulder injury. The freshman is taking the snaps with the first unit while starter Kevin Prince recovers from a shoulder injury.
Alabama sets record with six Associated Press All-Americans
Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800
Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram leads the Crimson Tide contingent. Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram leads the Crimson Tide contingent.
Jake Locker will return to Washington for senior season
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800
Despite being labeled as a potential first-round choice in this year's NFL draft, the Huskies' quarterback will return to school. Quarterback Jake Locker announced Monday he would return to Washington for his senior season, quickly putting to rest any lingering questions about his future.
USC cornerback Josh Pinkard to miss Emerald Bowl
Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800
The senior won't play in Dec. 26 game against Boston College because of a knee injury. Coach Pete Carroll will choose from among three candidates to replace him in starting lineup. USC utilizes early bowl-game practices to ready young players for possible starting roles the following season.
UCLA's Kevin Prince uncertain about recovery
Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800
The Bruins quarterback said he is still feeling nagging pain from an AC sprain and a doctor told him he may or may not be ready to play in the EagleBank Bowl on Dec. 29. UCLA quarterback Kevin Prince , still recovering from a shoulder injury, took one snap and handed off. That was his high point for practice Sunday.

ESPN.com - College Football

Road To The BCS: The Mountain West's AQ quest
Brad Edwards Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:37:25 -0800
Two years into a four-year evaluation period, the Mountain West Conference is halfway home to securing an automatic BCS bid.
Heisman: Can the Nebraska Cornhuskers' Ndamukong Suh win it all?
Mark Schlabach Fri, 11 Dec 2009 20:26:30 -0800
Former Pittsburgh All-America defensive end Hugh Green came close to winning the Heisman. Can Ndamukong Suh take home college football's top individual prize?
Sources: Central Michigan's Butch Jones to coach Cincinnati
ESPN.com news services Wed, 16 Dec 2009 03:59:46 -0800
Sources say Butch Jones will be named the new Cincinnati coach.

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