Universidad Nacional de Córdoba

Founded in 1613, the National University of Cordoba is the oldest university in Argentina and one of the first in the Americas. A rich history of events turned UNC into an important center of cultural, scientific, political and social influence for the country and the region. Born under the Jesuit Order, the UNC and had a theological and philosophical profile, but in late 18th century legal studies were incorporated. By mid-19th century, with the enactment of the Constitution, UNC was nationalized and theological studies were eliminated from the curriculum. Scientific studies were progressively incorporated. In 1871, Argentina’s first astronomical observatory was created in Cordoba. At the beginning of 20th century, UNC students were the protagonists of the University Reform Movement, a major turning point in the history of Latin American universities. It took place in 1918 and spread across Latin America while claiming scientific reasoning against dogmatism, freedom of thought, social commitment and the democratization of university government through participation of student governing body.