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The Sumerian Civilization & The Alumnus System
Sumerian school system had concept of Alumni / Alumnus system. They were called as “ school- sons of the days past”. Examinations were held for students. The school system was not universal and it was elitist in nature. The commercial nature of education which still is very much prevalent. The Sumerian schooling system had basically two streams- Science and Arts stream. This system almost stands till date. In later part of their civilization they developed “Dictionary” also for the schools. Those who graduated from the schools had very good job opportunities as scribes in administration, estate management, temple management etc
The Two Most Amazing Continuity Of The Sumerian System That Brings Smile
If we read the above points were are amazed at the way we are still following the Sumerian education system for almost close to 4000-5000 years. But there are still two interesting aspects that makes us smile at the way we have followed it in Toto..
1. The word sophomore which we use in our education system comes from the Greek compound word Sophos-Moros which literally mean “Clever Fool”. This Greek compound word has come from the Sumerian compound word “Galam-Huru“ literally meaning “clever fool”. This word Galam-Huru is used in one Sumerian essay in which one senior student describes his rival junior student from another school as Galam-Huru.
2. The other interesting aspect is the parental pressure on the students to perform to succeed in the job & employment market. There is the story of a father who puts lots of pressure on his son to study hard and excel in life. He wants him to become a scribe like him and get a good job. The father often laments that his son doesn’t listen to him for studies and wanders with his friends on streets in the evening
The Motto Of Sumerian Schooling & Education System
The Sumerians were very clear in their approach to education system. The Sumerians describe their schools and the purpose of schooling & education system in the following beautiful verse which is now immortal :
“He whose eyes are not open enters it
He whose eyes are wide open comes out of it”
