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Didactic Commentary: Krakow - Renaissance - Education

1. The subject “Economy of 16th century Kraków” consists of three parts:

- Jagielloński University: 16th century centre of sciences and knowledge: about the role of Jagielloński University in the 16th century provides the basic information about its golden times. It informs students that, already at that time, there was a lively international cooperation between universities in Europe.

- Outstanding scholar: ntroduces Mikołaj Kopernik, a remarkable scholar of the 16th century. The main objective here is to encourage students to read source materials on astronomical discoveries.

- Schools in 16th century Kraków: gives examples of the 16th century schools in Kraków. Students will be encouraged to compare them with contemporary schools, and they will analyse educational requirements now and then.

2. Implementation order of source materials:

Source materials may be implemented as required, no particular order is compulsory.

3. Forms of work:

Jagielloński University: Students may gather information about European universities individually. However, when preparing an advertisement poster, they should work in small groups.

Outstanding scholar: Because of the high linguistic complexity of the source materials, students should work in small groups. The “scholar” table may provide a starting point for a small competition: a student who comes up with the biggest number of scholars and scientists, and their areas of research, wins. Completing the table may be transformed into a project assignment “Great contemporary scientists and their discoveries.” Students should compare scientific research of today with the 16thcentury scientific methods of science.

Schools in 16th century Kraków: A public classroom discussion is recommended. The information text as well as the source materials can be used as the introduction to the class on the educational system. Students like discussing their school problems and requirements they have to meet. 

4. Additional information may be found at:

-http://www.kopernik.pl/index.php?id=1&kod=1

-http://www.uj.edu.pl/index.html

-http//miasta.gazeta.pl/Kraków/1,3765,5017898.html