Jerzy Turnau’s Higher Land Courses in Lviv in 1919–1939 and their genesis

Abstract

At the turn of the 20th century, agricultural education developed in the Polish lands under
Austrian rule, thanks to relative political freedom. The enlightened strata realized that one of the methods of work was to directly influence farmers, that is: showing model farms, providing advice and examples of good management, organizing
apprenticeships for young farmers, organizing and being active in agricultural associations.
Increasing the agricultural culture of the manors was a prelude to starting educational work among peasants. Thus, agricultural education was supported by organizing agricultural schools and courses, and libraries and reading rooms were established.
The forms of activity were: visiting the farms of the members of the circles, conducting agricultural experimental stations and exchanging experiences. Trips were also organized, 1–2 times a year, to further destinations, mainly in Greater Poland (under the Prussian partition) in order to learn about the agricultural culture there standing at a higher level.
In 1911, agricultural apprenticeships were launched on their own farms for pupils and students of agricultural schools. In 1919, 2-year Higher Land Courses were opened in Lviv with a higher level than in high schools. In 1938, the JCCs were granted the status of a non-academic university with a 3-year study period and the right to confer the title of agricultural engineer. During its 20 years of operation, 457 students studied there, including 306 men and 151 women.