Did you know this building was once a hotel? Today we stand before the Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educación a place of learning and history. It’s a key part of Uruguay’s academic landscape.
Let’s step back to 1943. The Facultad de Humanidades was created by Decree Law. Its mission was clear to promote advanced studies in philosophy literature history and pedagogy. It also aimed to train secondary and normal school teachers. However the initial plan never fully materialized.
In 1946 a new law reshaped the vision. Law No. 10.658 established the Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias. That same year it opened its doors. The location was the old Hotel Nacional in Montevideo’s Ciudad Vieja. Today that building is a historical monument.
Fast forward to 1987. The Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias was divided. Two new faculties emerged. One was the Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educación. It focused on history philosophy linguistics literature anthropology education sciences and tourism. The other was the Facultad de Ciencias. It concentrated on biology biochemistry geography geology physics and mathematics.
The Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educación then moved. Its new home became the former Scuola Italiana de Montevideo. This is in the Cordón neighborhood on Magallanes Street where we stand now.
What can you study here? The Facultad offers various undergraduate degrees. These include licenses in History Philosophy Linguistics and Literature. You can also study Anthropological Sciences or Education. Tourism and Human Biology are options too. Style Correction Interpretation and Translation and Cultural Heritage are offered as technical degrees. Dramaturgy is also a choice.
For those seeking advanced knowledge the Facultad offers postgraduate degrees. The Master of Human Sciences program has options. These cover Latin American Literature Language Culture and Society. You might study Contemporary Philosophy or Theater. Other fields include Rioplatense History Anthropology Latin American Studies and University Teaching. Doctoral studies began in 2014. They cover the same fields as the master’s programs.
In 2012 the Facultad had a diverse student body. There were over 4700 students enrolled. The most popular fields were Education and Anthropological Sciences. Other popular choices were Historical Sciences Philosophy and Literature. Linguistics Style Correction and Museology also had many students.
The Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educación also boasts a significant library. Students faculty and alumni have access to a wealth of resources. In 1994 the library digitized its book search process. Faculty publications are cataloged in a database. The library also offers computers with internet access. You can even get a card to access other university libraries.
Language learning is another key aspect of the Facultad. Students can study languages like German French English Italian and Portuguese. Courses are available in Catalan Galician Greek and Latin. Modern Greek Italian Portuguese Japanese and Basque are also offered. Even Uruguayan Sign Language is taught here.
Throughout its history many notable figures have led the Facultad. Carlos Vaz Ferreira was the first dean. Others include Justino Jiménez de Aréchaga and Fructuoso Pittaluga. Emilio Oribe Rodolfo Tálice and Arturo Ardao also served. During the civic-military dictatorship deans were appointed. Miguel Ángel Klappenbach and Rodolfo Gori Carrara were among them. After democracy returned deans were elected again. Ana Frega was the first woman to hold the position. Pablo Martinis is the current dean.
The Facultad has honored several professors. Germán D’Elía Mario H. Otero and Guido Zannier were named Emeritus Professors. Adolfo Elizaincín Carlos Zubillaga Tulio Halperín Donghi and Noé Jitrik have also received honors.
The Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educación continues to evolve. It adapts to meet the changing needs of students and society. Its commitment to learning and research remains strong. This institution shapes the future of Uruguay.