What does 'PhD' stand for?
AnswerDoctor of Philosophy
PhD comes from Latin 'Philosophiae Doctor'; it's awarded in many fields, not just philosophy.
Education · Facts & stats
Academic facts & stats
7 fact-checked facts about academic life and learning, each with the reason behind it. 5 more are in today's round and join this page after it closes.
The basics
The word 'academy' comes from the school near Athens founded by which philosopher?
AnswerPlato
Plato founded his Academy around 387 BC in a grove named after the hero Akademos.
Going deeper
What does the Latin honor 'summa cum laude' mean?
AnswerWith highest honor
The Latin honors are cum laude (with honor), magna cum laude (with great honor) and summa cum laude (highest).
What is 'peer review' in academic publishing?
AnswerExperts in the same field evaluating work before publication
In peer review, independent specialists check a paper's methods and conclusions before a journal publishes it.
What is the flat, square academic cap worn at many graduations called?
AnswerA mortarboard
The mortarboard is named for its resemblance to the flat board masons use to hold mortar.
Expert level
Al-Qarawiyyin, founded in 859 and often cited as the oldest existing degree-granting university, is in which city?
AnswerFez, Morocco
Al-Qarawiyyin was founded in Fez in 859 by Fatima al-Fihri and is recognized by UNESCO and Guinness.
The word 'semester' comes from Latin meaning a period of how long?
AnswerSix months
'Semester' comes from Latin 'semestris', from 'sex' (six) and 'mensis' (month).
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