The Tendency Of Secularization Of English Early Universities

High Middle Ages(from the 12th to 15th century) is a special period in European history, and is a transformative period in British history. During the particular period, the fine heritages of classical civilizations have been revived and spread Britian. In addition, Britain has been conquered by foreign invaders for nearly 1000 years. Romans brought the spirits of commerce and Christianity; Anglo-Saxons made German law traditions known in this country; Vikings taught the British people some advanced agricultural and administrative abilities; Normans promoted the process of feudalization. After the 12th century, several institutions of higher education, like universities, were established all over Europe. The rise of cities, the cultural renaissance as well as the conflict between Church and State had laid a solid foundation for the emergence of universities.In the year of 1088, the oldest and first European university was founded in Bologna. A century later, the university of Paris was established. Those two universities were recognized as archetypal universities, serving as role models for other universities. In the early times of the 13th century,Oxford and Cambridge were set up in succession in England. The foundations of both universities were having numerous different points with Italian and French schools in terms of social and political environments. Due to those basic diversities, early universities made themselves a unique position in medieval times. The university of Bologna was born in an autonomous borough with a dynamic society and deep historical connotations, becoming a founder of law study. On the other hand, the university of Paris derived from some cathedral schools, such as Notre Dame. The university of Paris possesses a strong religious atmosphere because of the capital position of Paris, which deeply influences on the academic study of theology and philosophy. Unlike Bologna and Paris, the towns of Oxford and Cambridge were neither political center nor independent borough, thus enjoying this "isolated" privilege.In addition, the tendency of secularization is a particular phenomenon in the course fo Oxbridge. The main manifestation of secularization is multi-facet de-religion. First of all, mundane curriculum made their initial appearances in Oxbridge, natural sciences, music medicine and other subjects mutually developed. The particular emphasis on natural sciences ensured Oxbridge the most distinguished universities in this field. Secondly, the State seized its authority from the spiritual group, and held those two universities as its think tanks. Moreover, the admission of common students and staff pushed the process of secularization a step further. Medieval students led a serious and industrious life,just like monks. But sometimes they indulged in casual lifestyles, including drinking, fighting and gambling. The social compositions of students were more complicated than before, even those students from poor families could go to Oxbridge. The so-called "ivory tower" finally opened its arms to everyone. In addition, the majority of medieval teachers were clerical persons, their income also reflected some secular peculiarity. Except their regular salaries, some of them relied on tuition fees, subsidizes from rich donators. Last but not least, secular administrative staff engaged in the management of school routines. The main body of administrative faculty expanded from religious deputies to chancellors, bedels, taxors etc.Chancellors, instead of bishops, gradually became the true leader of universities.Furthermore, a brand-new way of management, i.e.,collegiate system prevailing in Oxbridge, was preserved till now. Thanks to those remarkable changes, the tendency of secularization has been permeated to every aspect of the universites.There are several factors contributing to the trend of secularization. New patterns(especially commercialization, urbanisation and marketization) provided economic supports for the seed of secularization. King used his political influences placing himself over the Church, finally achieved his victory. Thirdly, with the increase of economic development, the society followed a trend towards knowledge, thus making the vision of "looking up to upper society" possible. Ultimately, cultural exchanges with the Continent and West Asia pushed the process of nationalization.The typical tendency of secularization made suffient preparation of modernization. Early universities cultivated lots of talented people for social development and progress, accelerating the prosperity of scientific spirits, rationalism, empiricism and ethos. Meanwhile,the educational universality and tendency of secularization helped social disciplines taken in shape. Oxford and Cambridge, striving for living between the State and Church, became a potential power to foster the rise of Britain.