George Washington High School - Post Yearbook (Indianapolis, IN)

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USSIA chose a five year plan to build up her country, but the social science department of George Wash- ington high school is able in a four year plan to offer a sound basis for good citizenship. In this department seventeen subjects are offered, which range from general courses such as social studies to the more specialized ones of economics and sociology. With the present tendency towards effective group action and emphasis on the social unit rather than on the individual, such courses are timely. Many people contend that the present adult gen- eration is unable to solve the economic and social prob- lems of today and that the youth of the country will have it to do. There seems to be much truth in this contention, but it places a great respon- sibility upon the coming generation. It definitely means that more young people should take a deeper interest in courses that deal particularly with our present social and economic order. Sociology and economics give us a general idea of how our social and economic problems have evolved and how they should be conducted in the future. Sociology deals especially with society-social groups and institutions-while econ- omics is a social science dealing with Public finance, production, and consumption. The subjects in this department are broad in scope and varied in interest. The first study on the list is social problems, a one-semester, haH-credit course for fresh- men. The purpose of this study is to orient the beginner and aid him to map his future school program. Social Studies I and II are also freshman courses and give the pupil a knowledge of group and occupational life. World history may be chosen by students who desire a brief survey of world events. This offers a fascinating preview of the whole field. European history is especially recommended for students majoring in history, for it gives a detailed account of world events and leads up to a study of the history of the United States, a required subject. In the fall semester of each year economics, English government, and Indiana history are offered to upper classmen. During the spring semester, sociology, American government, and recent European government are taught. These special studies are open to seniors and postgraduates because such subjects are more difiicult, and a good background of history is necessary to understand them. English government, however, is open to juniors, seniors, and postgraduates. There are two club afliliated with the Social Science department, the Civic Quest Club, and the Stamp Club. One way to keep up with the world is to join the Civic Quest Club, the little congress of' George Washington high school. Not many world events are missed by this group and every report given is one worth hearing. Besides student speakers, distinguished guests have addressed the club. Members forgot their serious side at the Chirstmas party. The initiation was a stiff test on the American government. At the next to the last meeting the new ofiicers were installed. llllflllnfllll llll lulfllu llllfllll 'Wllll llll THE HOBBY of all hobbies seems to be stamp collecting. The recently organized Stamp Club can prove this by the widened interest in the collection and discussion of stamps of the world. Besides being a pastime for leisure hours, it gives one a greater knowledge of the world socially as well as geographically. At each meeting various stamps are placed on display and their histories discussed. Through these meetings members find it easier to exchange and bargain. One of the rarest stamps owned by a Washington student is a Japanese stamp which is claimed to be the largest one in the world. Another is a Japanese tuberculosis stamp. Old coins are also introduced and displayed at various times. All in all, stamp collecting is an interesting and useful way to spend spare moments. E121

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TAP-tap-tap-whir-r-r-r-is it a gym class or the shops? Guess again. That's it-the commercial department. Earnest students bend over their typewriters pecking away to the tune of the Victrola. And in the corridor the comptometer machines are more popular than Thompkins's on a hot day. In this department students are trained to be eihcient office workers by studying shorthand, typing, business organization, and bookkeeping. The class in office practice turns out neat and accurate tests and lists and innumerable cards for other departments and roll rooms. All of the work in the commercial department is practical and exceedingly useful. nur mr- :auf un nuinn. . un nn' nu? THE ART DEPARTMENT ofers continuous double per- iod courses in art throughout the four years of high school. In addition, one-period classes in show card and art appreciation are included. However, as our school has de- veloped, the demand for special courses in commercial art, stage craft, and costume design has grown. It is hoped that these may be included soon. The work in the general courses from Art I through Art IV meets the needs of students whether having special art ability or not. It is planned to give a wide range of work in various mediums providing a continuous release of creative powerg to familiarize the students with the best products of the past and present, and to develop an appreciation and power of discrim- ination involved in the various fields of observation and selection in everyday life. Art V through VIII continues this plan, but also gives an opportunity for the development of those especially interested in the subject for a future vocation. The art department also has sponsored several exhibits this year. The students interested in furthering art interests outside of classes formed the Art Club. The members are recognized by a symbol of art, a tiny gold palette with stones representing colors. The club members have taken trips to see several exhibits. During the year Mrs. Walter Mitchel gave a talk on ceramics. At Christmas, the club contributed cheer to the sick and crippled children at the Riley Hospital by creating miniature decorative fiowers made from scraps of colored paper, tooth picks, and corks to be used on trays. The Art Club was sponsored by Miss Whitmire this year. Officers for the first semester were Janet Ernst, president, Harvey Slaughter, vice presidentg Beatrice Wright, secretary, and Cleatis Wright, treasurer. The officers for the second semester were Harvey Slaughter, president, Emery Creekbaum, vice presidentg Cecelia George, secretaryg and Beatrice Wright, treasurer. I14l