Academy of Mount Saint Vincent - Chastellux Yearbook (Tuxedo Park, NY)

Page 35 text:

Music And Dramatic Art Are Part Of Our Cultural Heritage SISTER MARIE FRANCESCA HURLEY Social Studies The course in American History offered in the 11th grade is a departure from the traditional chronologi- cal or chrono-topical treatment. Instead of concern trating on the accumulation of facts, which this new approach assumed that the pupil has already ac- quired through the Social Studies Program in the elementary school, the emphasis is placed on discov ery. It seeks to develop critical thinking on the part of the student on whom is placed increased responsi- bility for searching beyond the facts presented in the textbooks. Students are urged to explore resources of the library and audio-visual aids department. Only through such indepth studies under the guidance of the instructor will the student be enabled to derive those concepts and generalizations that will help ex- plain the past, link it up with the present, and in some measure foresee what is to come. Electives offered in the 12th year include Government and Economics. The former aims to develop more effective citizens through an understanding of the nature of our democratic government, the opportuni- ties it offers and the responsibilities we have toward it. In the second semester a course in Advanced Eco- nomics seeks to prepare the student to make wise de- cisions in the practical problems that will confront her as a wage earner, producer, consumer and or member of society. We shall include further reference to MR. EUGENE JUDGE and his direction of the GLEE CLUB and SISTER MARIAN FRANCIS and her continued work with our DRAMATIC PROGRAM in the Activity Section of our Yearbook.

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New Courses And New Approaches Evident In The Social Studies Program The course in World Culture begins with a review of the techniques, topics and methods needed to study any culture intelligently. Islamic civilization has been used as a prototype because of its tremendous influence in Asia and Africa. A new course in European Culture was introduced this year in the 10th grade. Less and less does the American see Europe in terms of each individual na- tion as a separate entity. Therefore the student exam- ines those trends in European history that identify Western Civilization. This examination is historical, since it shows how certain aspects of society devel- oped. It is also interdisciplinary, with emphasis upon important political, economic and social concepts as well as those concepts drawn from the humanities. In organizing the examination of European cultural developments, a major theme has been the relation- ship between a society's need for cohesion and stabil- ity on the one hand, and the struggle for individual identity and self-fulfillment on the other. Besides the basic text and three books of readings, pages of mimeographed notes are used as a supple- ment. These readings include materials from news- papers, magazines, documents and diaries. To en- courage student participation, the basic form of in- struction will be discussion of assigned materials. To allow students to pursue advanced studies in Euro- pean History on the college level, a course is given which allows them to take the College Board Ad- vanced Placement Examination, and receive college credit if a satisfactory grade is achieved. The Course covers European History from 1500 to 1945 and students are required to have a detailed knowledge of the narrative of this period, plus specific and in- tensive knowledge of one period of her choice. SISTER KATHLEEN NORA CASSIDY Chairman of the Social Science Department 26

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Studio Art, Art Appreciation, Clothing And Tutoring Are Included Among Electives Once again MRS. MILDRED FERRIS, pictured above with TESSIE FONALLEDAS and MARIA de la GUARDIA, has accomplished wonders in her Studio Art Courses. She insists that her students master the basic rules of perspective, the fundamentals of color harmony and the techniques of pencil, pen and ink, scratchboard, water color and oil painting. Then the reins are loosened and stu- dents are free to choose media and subjects that appeal to them. If fifteen po- tential artists are at work in the studio at one time, each will be working at something she enjoys, and at her own pace. There is competition, and this is necessary and stimulating. The Kiln shown in the picture was part of the new equipment purchased with funds provided by The Fathers and Friends of The Mount. Under the direction of MRS. FERRIS very beautiful ceramic pieces were made by the students before Christmas as gifts for parents and special friends. MRS. HARRY COX, Mother of NANCY COX, a Senior, and last year’s President of the Mothers’ Guild, has done much work in ceramics herself, and helped MRS. FERRIS organize this phase of the Studio Art Program. 28