Final answer:
Students in 18th-century academies needed to master disciplines such as languages, literature, philosophy, and arts, along with physical education for future military service. Traditional curriculum at prestigious universities emphasized classical learning for roles in civil service or professions like medicine, law, or theology. Education was central to social mobility and reflected the values of discipline and morality.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the academies of the 18th century, it was critical for students to master disciplines such as languages, literature, philosophy, and some arts. These subjects not only shaped the intellectual and moral character of the students but also prepared them for future roles in the civil service or for professions such as medicine, law, or theology. Physical education was also a significant aspect, especially since service in the army was compulsory at the age of 18, implying that institutions also focused on preparing students for military service.
The academies strived to uphold tradition and invested in a curriculum that established a foundation in classical learning, valuable for administration and governance. Mastery of these subjects was a stepping stone to power, prestige, and potential innovative research and scholarship. This was evidenced by the fact that prestigious universities like Oxford, Bologna, and Paris upheld this traditional curriculum while facilitating connections with wealthy patrons for further academic pursuits.
Furthermore, with the increasing value placed on cleanliness, discipline, morality, and hard work, education played a crucial role in social mobility, especially for the middle class, whose children attended school to engage in self-improving activities, reflecting the era's ethos for success and upward mobility.