Indiana University - Arbutus Yearbook (Bloomington, IN)

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Gustaf Ernst Karsten, Professor of Germanic Philology. Gradu- ate of Marienburg College, Prussia, 1878; student at the Universities of Leipsie, Konigsburg, Heidelberg, 1878-83; Ph. D., Freiburg. 1883; student in Tubingen, London, Paris, 1883-85; Docent in Germanic and Romance Philology at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, 1885-86; Professor of Romance Languages, Indiana University, 1886-89; Professor of Germanic Philology, Indiana University, from 1889. Caul Osthaus, Associate Professor of German. Graduate of Hildesheim Gymnasium, 1880; student in the University of Goettingen, 1880-84; A.M., Indiana University, 1890; Instruc- tor in German, Indiana University, 1887; Instructor in German, Summer School of Georgia Chautauqua, 1889; Associate Professor of German, Indiana University, from 1888. Eugese Leser, Instructor in German. Graduate of the Gymna- sium of Sondershausen, Germany, 1882; A. M. and Ph. D., University of Berlin, 1887; Tutor, Reicbenheim Orphan Asylum, Berlin, 1S91-92; Instructor in French and German, DePauw University, 1893; Instructor in French, University of Michigan, 1893-94; Instructor in German, from 1895. Roy Henderson Perring, Instructor in German. A. B., Indiana University, 1894; Tutor in German, Indiana University, 1894-90; Instructor in German, from 1890. Otto Paul Klopsch, Tutor in German. 1896. A. B., Indiana University, Olive Beroth, Logansport, Ind. State Normal, 1S93. Anton Theophilus Boisen, Bloomington, Ind. Jotilda Conklin, Indianapolis, Ind. K A 9. Anna L. Hancock, Seymour, Ind. Harry Richard Gers, Washington, Ind. 2 X; A A 2 Lucy Howe, Indianapolis, Ind. K A 9.

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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.

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English CHE I. U. student who chooses English for his major treads no flowery path to honor and distinction, even though his way leads through the mellifluous How of lyric poetry, the resonant swell of the epic, and the sturm unci drang of tragic drama. Over the department hovers the I. U. Fairy, already renowned in song and story; within its doors stands the I. U. Cerberus; the number of the monster ' s heads, however, are tripled to meet the exigencies of the times. The three principal heads challenge every candidate for admission into the University with English 1. They simultaneously utter the mandate, Pass it — or take it, and each phrase closes with a snap — a snap that is echoed by the six minor heads and dies away in an ominous growl. This, however, is the only snap in the department. English 1 having been passed or taken, the student is ushered into English 7, and realizes for the first time that life is not worth living. His compositions come back to him illuminated in red ink. A Freshman once questioned: These contingent fees, amounting to something less than $15,000 — what are they used for? Why, my innocent, replied a Senior English, a large portion of that sum goes toward supplying the English Department with red ink. The Freshman was satisfied. If the unsophisticated student chooses English, thinking that here, at least, he will meet his difficulties in a known language, he learns the error of his judgment when he encounters English 14. Here he must have a knowledge not onl} ' of French and German, Greek and Latin, but Gothic and Sanskrit as well. The English professor assigns a selection of prose or poetry, and instructs the student to tell what he knows about it. He must analyze not only the selection, but the writer ' s mind, his mood, his temperament, his times. Moreover, the student must clearly and definitely set forth the effect the selection has upon himself, and tell how this effect is produced; he must set down what he sees and can prove, and what he feels but can not prove. Sometimes — oh, sad to relate! — a student falters and faints under this rigid regime, this close and subtle analysis; but the University authorities, with wise foresight, have made provision for such cases. The biological laboratories are used as sanitariums for overworked English students. Here, under the care of three eminent doctors, and the invigorating odor of alcoholic specimens, the student gradually regains his wonted health and strength. 26