Belleville Township High School - Bellevinois Yearbook (Belleville, IL)

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HISTORY DEPARTMENT H ISTORY enjoys the distinction of being: included in every course of study from the elementary schools to the universities. As a subject it can be made as interesting as the best novel of the great composers, thereby always holding the interest of the pupils and never becoming dull for the teacher. The World War has elevated our country to a position that is surpassed by the name of the other great powers. Likewise it has been equally influential upon his¬ tory in the leading universities, who since that time have made it a requirement in all of their classical courses. The enrollment in the history classes of this institution has been as steady as the grow-th of our school. At present the classes are all large and an enlarged de¬ partment to take care of its ever in creasing enrollment for this subject will soon become a necessity. THE LATIN DEPARTMENT A GRADUATE of the Belleville Township High School may offer four units of Latin among the entrance requirements of a university or college. The first year’s consists of a study of the principles of grammar, combined with trans¬ lation into English of fables and events in Roman history. In the second year the course begins w ' ith the translation of a description of Roman life and customs, continues with the history of Roman government, and then takes up in detail the history- of Julius Caesar and the wars of which this great sol¬ dier was the leader. Composition based on the Latin occupies the required time. During the third year Cicero’s works and life furnish the basis of study, or as is being done this year a course in Vergil is being alternated with the one in Cicero. In this course the translation of the Aeneid is the primary- function. Here the stu¬ dent becomes acquainted with the story of this beautiful epic, its immortal hero • and characters. MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT T HE study of mathematics aids the individual to reason logically, and to think straight. Mathematics is a great body of truth which has played an important part in the development of civilization. From the crude attempts of the ancients to survey their lands to the completion of the great engineering undertakings of today, mathematics has been an important factor in the advancement of society. And just as a know-ledge of history and literature is essential to culture, as they give us a clearer idea of social conditions, so is mathematics. The department of Mathematics offers courses in Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry 3 and 4, Algebra 5, Geometry 6, and Trigometry 7.

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-v . Administration

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v BEU-EVINOIS THE INDUSTRIAL ARTS DEPARTMENT H. R. Brill, A. B., Wood Shops Leo A. Riley, B. S., Auto Mechanics Drawing A. A. Bohannon, B. S., Iron Shops R. M. Denney, Mechanical Drawing T HE Industrial Arts Department was organized in the fall of 11)17 with one instructor offering classes in Mechanical Drawing and Machine Shops. In the fall of 1918 another instructor was hired and classes in Wood-work were offered in addition to the Drawing and Machine Shops. The department was taught by two instructors for two years, when the demand for vocational work became so great that it required the services of a third instructor in the fall of 1920. At this time courses were offered in Mechanical Drawing, Wood Shops, Iron Shops, Forging and Auto Mechanics. The department remained in the charge of three instructors for a period of eight and a half years, growing in equipment and in larger classes until in the Spring semester of 1928 a fourth instructor was employed. At present each branch of the Department has its own instructor, who is espec¬ ially trained for that particular line of work. The instructions in drawing cover two and a half years’ work — one full year on elementary drawing, one-half year machine design, and one year of architectural drawing. The Wood Shops offer two full years of cabinet work including one-half year bench work, one-half year wood turning (lathe work), and one year mill work. When the classes are not too large, a fifth term is offered to students having had two years’ work. The Machine Shops offer two full years with possibility of more advanced work to students desiring it. The first year’s work includes elementary bench work in metal. Elementary lathe work, work on drill press and hack saw. During the second year the students are given advanced work on the lathe, shaper, milling machine and planer. Acetylene welding is offered to advanced students. The Auto Mechanics’ course for the first year includes instruction in the purpose, materials of instruction, types of maintain- ence of the various units of the automobile. The second year is devoted entirely to the location and repair of the various troubles occurring in the operation of an auto¬ mobile. As a whole, the Vocational Department tries to give sound practical training along lines that will benefit the students when they go out to earn a livelihood. — H. R. Brill. SCIENCE DEPARTMENT O NE of the best indications of the condition of an institution is the manner of its growth. A slow, steady, almost imperceptible, yet gradual growth points toward a healthy condition. The Belleville Township High School has had such a development; and in keeping with the increase in the enrollment of the school, the science department has had a similar growth. In ten years, the science faculty has increased from three instructors to six instructors; and the students enrolled have increased proportionately. During that time an additional laboratory has been equipped and many pieces of apparatus, both for demonstrations! purposes and for student use, have been purchased. A student may complete a full four year science course by studying biology in the Freshman year, botany or physiography in the Sophomore year, chemistry or zoology in the Junior year, and physics in the Senior year. Much credit is due Mr. Schmidt for the arrangement of the work. No laboratory stands idle; the rooms., equipment and teachers are scheduled for use in such a way that the greatest pos¬ sible return is obtained from the money expended on this work. And while this has been done the standard of the work has not been impaired. Every course meets the requirements of the North Central Association. Page Sixteen