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Founded by John Calvin in 1559 as a theological seminary that also taught law, it remained focused on theology until the 17th century, when it became a center for Enlightenment scholarship. In 1873 it dropped its religious affiliations and became officially secular. Today, the university is the second-largest university in Switzerland. It has programs in many fields but is especially noted for its programs in international relations (with Geneva being a center for many international organizations), law, scientific research (with a record of notable discoveries in planetary science and genetics) and theology. Classes are taught mainly in French. The university pursues three missions: teaching, research, and service to the community. It was ranked number one generalist university in continental Europe, thirty-second world wide among the "Top 100 Global Universities" by Newsweek in 2006 and 81-83rd worldwide by the Global University Ranking in 2009. The university is a member of the League of European Research Universities. In 2009, the University of Geneva has celebrated the 450th anniversary of its birth, through a wide range of events. |