[Academic degrees and changing ceremonies].

Abstract

The traditions and ceremonies regarding doctoral dissertations in Europe date back to early medieval times, to the school of health at Salerno. The University of Oslo, founded in 1811, inherited the traditions from Denmark. Up to 1845, the dissertations were held in Latin, which was a burden on the candidates. The first four candidates who presented a thesis for a doctorate were all from the Faculty of Medicine. After 1845, the Norwegian language was permitted, but up to the end of the century there were still only few dissertations, and a doctorate degree was not highly valued. The number has since increased, and this degree is more highly esteemed. The ceremonies around the dissertations have also changed. The first promotions included solemn procedures in Latin, but later on the promotion ceremonies disappeared for 91 years. Promotion ceremonies reappeared in 1933, but changes have been observed more recently, probably related to changing cultural opinions and trends. The policy today seems to indicate a trend towards more ceremony, accompanied by festivity.