第1个回答 2013-12-11
oxford is a unique and historic institution. as the oldest english-speaking university in the world, it lays claim to eight centuries of continuous existence. there is no clear date of foundation, but teaching existed at oxford in some form in 1096 and developed rapidly from 1167, when henry ii banned english students from attending the university of paris. in 1188, the historian, gerald of wales, gave a public reading to the assembled oxford dons and in 1190 the arrival of emo of friesland, the first known overseas student, initiated the university's tradition of international scholarship. by 1201, the university was headed by a magister scolarum oxonie, on whom the title of chancellor was conferred in 1214, and in 1231 the masters were recognized as a uniuersitas or corporation. less than a century later, oxford had achieved eminence above every other seat of learning, and won the praises of popes, kings and sages by virtue of its antiquity, curriculum, doctrine and privileges. in 1355, edward iii paid tribute to the university for its invaluable contribution to learning; he also commented on the services rendered to the state by distinguished oxford graduates.students the university of oxford's total student population numbers just over 16,100 (students in residence, 1998-9). almost a quarter of these students are from overseas, including the countries of the european union. more than 130 nationalities are represented among our student body. almost 5,000 students are engaged in postgraduate work. of these, around 3,000 are working in the arts and humanities. staff oxford's current academic community includes 76 fellows of the royal society and 105 fellows of the british academy. a further 97 emeritus and honorary college fellows are also fellows of the british academy, and 142 emeritus and honorary college fellows are fellows of the royal society.