King's College

Definition

King's College, founded in 1754, is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the United States and is located in New York City. It was established by the Church of England to provide a religious education and to prepare young men for the clergy, reflecting the significant role religion played in education during colonial times.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. King's College was originally established as a response to the need for trained clergy within the Church of England in colonial America.
2. The college was initially located in what is now lower Manhattan but faced challenges during the American Revolution, leading to its closure for a period.
3. After the war, King's College was renamed Columbia College in 1784 and became the foundation for what is now Columbia University.
4. The curriculum at King's College included classical studies, theology, and moral philosophy, reflecting the educational priorities of its religious founders.
5. The founding of King's College marked a significant shift towards institutionalized higher education that incorporated religious teachings and preparation for leadership roles in society.

Review Questions

• How did King's College reflect the educational priorities of colonial America?
  • King's College exemplified the educational priorities of colonial America by emphasizing religious instruction alongside classical studies. Founded by the Church of England, it aimed to prepare young men for clergy roles, showcasing how intertwined religion was with education at that time. The curriculum not only included theology but also focused on moral philosophy, indicating that moral character was deemed essential for leadership in society.
• In what ways did the founding of King's College influence higher education in America?
  • The founding of King's College significantly influenced higher education in America by establishing a model for integrating religious values into academic programs. It set a precedent for other colleges that followed, encouraging the development of institutions focused on moral character and civic responsibility. The eventual transformation into Columbia University illustrated how early institutions evolved while still retaining some core educational values rooted in their original missions.
• Evaluate the impact of historical events on King's College's operations during and after the American Revolution.
  • Historical events such as the American Revolution had a profound impact on King's College, leading to its temporary closure due to political turmoil and occupation by British forces. After the war, the college had to navigate a new national identity and changing public attitudes towards religion and education. The rebranding as Columbia College not only marked a fresh start but also represented a broader shift in higher education towards secularization while still recognizing its roots in religious training and moral instruction.

Related terms

Collegiate School: A historic school founded in 1628 in New York City that was closely associated with the Church of England and aimed at providing education to boys, often in preparation for college or religious service.

Puritan Education: A system of education influenced by Puritan values that emphasized literacy, moral instruction, and religious training, aiming to instill a strong work ethic and piety among students.

Charter: A formal document issued by a governing authority granting rights or privileges to an institution, such as King's College, which received its charter from King George II.