Cathedral High School - Pantherpix Yearbook (Springfield, MA)

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English Department emphasizes individual’s needs English students this year experienced the freedom and res ponsibility of selecting their own courses according to their personal tastes. They could choose from a wide range of electives. Humanities was offered to both Juniors and Sophomores. It involved itself, in general, with three questions: What is the good man, the good society, the good life? Juniors undertook comparative study of Russian and American cultures; Sophomore Humanities observed man in three distinct civilizations: ancient Athens, medieval Florence, and modern New York. The Senior Curriculum, also designed for individual interests, offered courses varying from Shakespeare to Critical Reading. Freshman courses dealt with an introduction to types of literature including works of many cultures. Not a direct offspring of the English Department, though relevant to its curriculum, a Fine Arts exhibit was presented, highlighting the literature, music and art of the 18th century. At other times during the year paintings on loan from the National Gallery of Art were available for student's viewing. , 4 3 f } 3 90

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Social Studies stirs with activities In an attempt to broaden offered curriculum the Social Studies department added several new dimensions to its existing facilities. A Social Studies resource center was made available to students. Also incorporated into the department was experimentation with team teaching. Government classes participated in the annual Model Senate, which debated, for the first time, three bills. In addition, a Mock City Council was held earlier in the year. The guest speakers, members of the city government, included Mayor Freedman, city clerk William Sullivan, and council president Paul Ackerman. The problem under debate was a proposed shopping mall which would be located next to the Cathedral Convent. Frosh studied history this year from acultural point of view. Both the Modern and World History students interpreted history, through art, music, and the language of nations. 89

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2 1 Working in one of the booths in the reading lab, Pauline Boucher makes marginal notes. 2 Prose and Criticism, a new Senior elective, of- fers Deborah Renzulli a wide choice of fiction and nonfiction, and a chance to express her own opinions. 3 Something catches John Lambert's eye as he leafs through a book. 4 Group discus- sions make students aware of others’ views, and also their own. 5 Confronted with Thoreau’s ideas on civil disobedience, Susan Hopkins formulates her own opinions. 6 At the Fine Arts Seminar in December, Steve Rivers and Ann Boudet view a small collection of distinguished paintings. 7 English doesn't interest everybody. 91