Abstract
The study examines the status of a private docent, the academic position which was introduced across the world in the 18th century and which also existed in Latvia from the second half of the 19th century until the end of World War II. The status of the private docent as it used to be understood in Latvia is compared with other countries, mainly considering German-type universities. Definition of the terms «venia legendi» and «private docent» providing examples of academic activity of the lecturers of Riga Polytechnicum (RP) allow considering these concepts from various perspectives in order to make their meaning and usage in the previous centuries transparent for the users in the 21st century. Conducting the present research, the author has used archival documents and library collections, the theoretical framework includes the findings of not only the Latvian scientists, but also researchers from Russia, Germany and other countries.
Highlights
Reflecting on the history of higher education institutions, researchers most often focus on their institutional development, including the establishment of new faculties, chairs, development of the research areas, and the increase in student numbers, or scientific achievements of
1821–1840 1 8 4
Already at the beginning of 1889, in the atmosphere of russification of the Baltic provinces, the Circular of the Ministry of National Enlightenment ruled that the existence of private docents was not in accordance with the statutes of the institution, the Curator of the Dorpat School District stated that «Private docents are not allowed in the Polytechnicum and no one may be employed in this status» [41]
Summary
The study examines the status of a private docent, the academic position which was introduced across the world in the 18th century and which existed in Latvia from the second half of the 19th century until the end of World War II. The status of the private docent as it used to be understood in Latvia is compared with other countries, mainly considering German-type universities. Definition of the terms «venia legendi» and «private docent» providing examples of academic activity of the lecturers of Riga Polytechnicum (RP) allow considering these concepts from various perspectives in order to make their meaning and usage in the previous centuries transparent for the users in the 21st century. Conducting the present research, the author has used archival documents and library collections, the theoretical framework includes the findings of the Latvian scientists, and researchers from Russia, Germany and other countries
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