Indiana University - Arbutus Yearbook (Bloomington, IN)

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Edouakd Baillot, Professor of Romance Languages. B. S., Paris, 1877; Instructor in French, Solent College, England, 1881-88; Instructor in Romance Languages, Buffalo Seminary, 1885-90; Instructor in French, Cornell University, 1800-91 ; Professor of Romance Languages Indiana University, from 1891. George Davis Morris, Assistant Professor of French. A. B., Indiana University, 1890; A. M., 1895; Instructor in High School, Independence, Kansas, 1890-91 ; Instructor in French and German, Jarvis Hall, Denver, 1891-93; student in Paris, 1895-96; Instructor in French, Indiana University, 1893-96; Assistant Professor of French, from 1896. Charles Alfred Mose.miller, Instructor in French. A. B., Indiana University, 1890; teacher of Modern Languages, Vincennes University, 1891-92; Instructor in French, from 1895. Edward Erkest Ruby, Richmond, Ind. $ A 9. Etilla Bethel, Henderson, Ky. Gustavus Leonard Spillwax, Danville, Ind.

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IRomance Xanouaoes N a liberal education French is an important factor. First, because the English language is the result of a fusion of Saxon and Norman speech. Second, because of the great influence of French literature. Third, because the French are foremost in taste, diplomacy and art. The study of the French language is the shortest way to these things, for in it are embodied the nation ' s individuality, genius and best thought. In the elementary study the student learns English history by com- paring the relation of Saxon to Norman-French words. The Saxon peasant had a board for his food, the Norman lord, a table. The former tended the swine, the latter ate the pore. So it was with sheep and mutton. In the sophomore and junior years, the masterpieces of Corneille, Racine and Moliere receive most attention, while the writers of the nineteenth century are studied by the seniors. All this work is supplemented by lectures, conversation and composition. French taste in etiquette, dress and art sends out its edicts from Paris. Students from all parts of the globe flock to the Louvre to study art. These, especially, need to study the French language, itself an instrument of grace and art, and to this day the language of international diplomacy. While the four years ' course of French in Indiana University can not and does not aim to turn out French linguists, artists and diplomats, it does lay a practical foundation for a historic, literary and scientific basis of French. It infuses into the student French vivacity, taste and culture, and this is a sufficient raison d ' etre for a place of French in a college education.

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German HE characteristic which the German Department has in common with the other departments of the University is its unbounded generosity in bestowing flunks upon hapless students. The characteristic which is distinctive of this department lies in the opportunities which it offers for the study of the German language and literature, and of Germanic philology. The German language is one of the most important modern languages. A knowledge of it is therefore of great general value. It has for most students a special importance, on account of the pre-eminence of German scholars and scientists. But our department regards such a knowledge only as a means of introducing the student to the broader fields of German literature and philology. German literature is one of the grand literatures of the world, while Germanic philology, which forms the basis for all accurate study of the German and English languages, ranks among the most instructive and fascinating of sciences. Our department is admirably equipped to deal with these subjects in all their phases. It can put the Freshman through the declensions and conjuga- tions, and can interest the Senior in the evolution of Faust or the intricacies of consonant shiftings. In their work our students are assisted not a little — though jjerhaps uncon- sciousty — by the all-pervading, sanctifying atmosphere emanating from the valuable library, concealed somewhere in the gloomy recesses of Maxwell ' s basement. It is true that many a poor Freshman is not readily influenced by this. But just let him come in contact with our instructors, and he will quickly realize that the study of German means something more than simply acquiring credits. The influence of the department is not confined to Indiana University, but is felt throughout the country. Dr. Karsten, who already has a world-wide reputation as a philologist, is now editing a new magazine, The Journal of Germanic Philology. It is by far the best publication of its kind, and will carry his name and that of Indiana University far and wide among educated people.