Shakira attended classes in History of Civilisation at the University of California, Los Angeles, this summer.

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"While everyone else has been at the beach, the MTV Awards and the Emmys, Shakira's been studying History of Western Civilization all summer at UCLA." said a source.

The 'Hips Don't Lie' singer was taught by the respected professor Robert Cleve, who has a doctorate in the subject.

Cleve said he had no idea who Shakira was and was stunned to discover she was a world famous singer.

He said: "She told me she was visiting from Colombia and that she was just doing this for her own enlightenment and enjoyment. She looked like just an ordinary student. She wasn't flamboyant, she didn't act like a big celebrity or anything."

Sharika's manager confirmed she had enrolled on the course, saying: "She went when she finished her tour, for the summer."