Our Lady of Mercy School - Lore Yearbook (Detroit, MI)

Page 79 text:

The Course: An Alternative Method of Education A new experimental academic program was initiated into the curriculum this year as an alternative to traditional education. Known simply as ‘‘The Course,’’ the program is composed of eleven Seniors and three teacher-moderators, Sister Marian, Mr. Gervais and Mr. Murphy. The experiment is founded on the assumption that a student of high school status is capable of personally directing studies to suit individual needs and interests. The Course approaches learning and education as a total, not just an eight to three experience, and operates under self-imposed structure. Throughout the year students explored a variety of academic pursuits and became involved in community projects. Above left: Moderators Mr. Gervais (left) and Mr. Murphy. Left: Col- leen Cavanaugh makes a point at a general meeting. Above: Course members (I to r) Ann Cahalan, Donna Harrington, Kathy Quinn, Sheila Walker, Debbie Darin, Mr. Murphy. Members not pic- tured: Sheila Griffin, Karen Cromwell, Michele Laporte, Peggy Man- gold, Colleen Ronayne.

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Inquiry, Research, Utilization — Foundations of Independent Study An opportunity for extraordinary achievement in both scholarly and creative areas is provided through Mercy’s Independent Study program. Students are responsible for planning and carrying out their individual program of work. In order to be eligible for independent study the quality of the student’s previous work in related areas, should have been in depth. Faculty consultants work with the students to help them realize the objectives for their study. Periodically and at the close of the course both the consultant and the student will work together to evaluate the success of the study. Working within the program, a student may choose almost any field of study and explore it far beyond the scope of the high school curriculum. Pail yi P A —. | am Above right: Luann Faucher glances through the collection of Spanish periodicals in the language resource center. Above left: Rosemary Manty and consultant Kenneth Mead work on their topic, the philosophy of science. Lower right: Mary Long (consultant: Sr. | Mary Clare) works on creative writing.

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= Centuries of Knowledge and Current Awareness Coincide in Library An all-academic environment is an essential part of any institution of learning. We have this en- vironment here at Mercy in our library. The library continually strives to aid the student body more ef- ficiently in all scholastic areas. Teachers in various departments, especially the natural and social sciences, have purchased many recent and interesting books and periodicals dealing with their specific subject area for our li- brary shelves. The l ibrary’s audio-visual depart- ment, with its extensive supply of projecters, sound equipment, recordings and films continued to expand its services to students. New this year was the opening of a room across from the periodical section which features shelves of college catalogues and bulletins as well as scholarship and guidance information. Profession- al and scholarly journals, previously reserved for faculty members, were made available to students. Above left: Sister Mary Peter prepares a magazine article for the In- ternational Room collection. Above right: Sister Mary Dorothy, school librarian, consults with staff members Mrs. Rand and Mrs. Groper. Lower left: Sister Mary Imelda looks through the files in the American Room.