DePauw University - Mirage Yearbook (Greencastle, IN)

Page 25 text:

Department of Political Science James Riley Weaver, A. M., B. D. The study of political science in. its various phases is today occupying the minds of scholars, reformers and states- nien. The importance of this subject is i so well. recognized throughout the World that it is given a high place in university and college curriculums. In De Pauw University the department of political science is among the most important. .lt embraces specifically the science and philosophy of the state or society politi- cally organized. But the state depends so essentially on organized society in gen- eral, that the science and philosophy el' society fall naturally within. its scope. The state springs logically from organ- ized society, but for the sake of clearness, Colonel. Weaver has his classes study the theory of state before sociology g the latter, being more complex and indeli- nite, requires more intellectual maturity. Then he takes up the special phases of political science, Viz : those of law and econoimics. The close rela- tion of ethics to these subjects is not overlooked g and the Vital importance of history is emphasized. in this department, since all social theory and philosophy must be tested by historical data properly interpreted. The historical-philosophic method is the only safeguard against ideology on the one hand and empiricism on the other. D The laboratory method has proven its su.peri.ority, particularly in sociological subjects, consequently. no special text-books are required. Specific subjects are investigated by the students, as co-laborers with the professor. By too much. help the intellect is blunted and must rather be quiekened to sclF-dependence. Colonel VVeaVer has published several

Page 24 text:

Saxon and English Languages and Literatures, Logic, Rhetoric, Political Economy, History of Civilization and International Lawf' All l1'reshmen were required to take Ridpathls United States History the third term, the Sophomores, three terms of 'l'halheimer's Ancient Mediaeval and Modern History, and the Seniors, one term of Guizotls History of Civilization. No elective courses were offered. ln the latter part of the reign of lJ.r. Ridpath, affairs in the history department began to take on new forms, and during the time in which Mrs. Mans- lield, and Colonel Weaver occupied the chair of this professorship, the work grew steadily in modern methods and depths of treatment. Dr. Andrew Stephenson,' who graduated from De Pauxv in 1882, and took his lJoctor's Degree at Johns Hopkins University, was elected Pro- fessor of History in 1894. Under the present regime, the department has advanced to the highest point in modern methods of lecture and research Work. Dr. Stephenson, an ardent student himself, is an inspiration to every student in his department. All the history Work is purely elective, and every lflreshman looks with awe on the man iwho is brave enough to undertake the vigorous training, While every Senior who has not taken history, looks with envy on the one who has. Dr. Stephenson spent several months of last year in: research work in England, and since his return has placed his private library for the use of his students. This is the finest library of originaldocuments west of the Alleghany Mountains, if not in America. With such resources for mental development and true scholarship, the history department ranks among the strongest in the University.

Page 26 text:

syllabusos in connoction with his work, anfl, when practicable, thoso are utilized to supply hihliograpliy and unify class work. A library con- 1-2lll1ll1Q:f1l1U host litcraturo of tho suhjm-cts taught in tho clcpartlncnt is placocl in tho H0ll'1ll1il1l'lLIl1l at tho fullest illSlvJO!'111?lU11 of tho S13llK1OllU. Each student is assignml a special 1JI'O1Jl0Ill for Caroful rosoarcli. Rioports and thcsos on thoso rcsozlrch topics are givvn i11 class, and thus co-operation in acquisition is utilizocl. Colonel 1Voavcr, who is tho head ol' this 1lopartn1ont, is, hy reason ol' his oxporioncc and scholarship, oininontly iittwl for tho position. Ho was Ql'2l1Klll2l11QO1l A. 13.21113 Jp1llogl11111y Collogc, 1813233 A. N., 181513, onlistod in Union f1l'lI1'Y, 1862 3 proniotod to SOVQGRIII1'-111El-'10l', 110111701121-1117 and captain. g prisoner ol' war in Lihhy, Macon, Ga., Ull21l'1.0S1'0ll, S. U., and Colinnhia, H. C.g l11'o1'ot1-1111 major and l1011101111111t-00101101 aftor tho warg principal Dickson Acaclciny, Illinois, 18156-18673 professor of mathcniatics and inilitary scioncc, Wcst Virginia Uiiivorsity, .l8li37-18693 United States consul at Iirinclisi, Italy, 118651+18705 consul to Antwcrp, liolgiuin, 1870- lHT9g consul-general at Vienna, Austria, ono your of which ho served as sc-crotary ol' l0g2l111lOl1 and 1'lllI'l'fjl7 fl,ll'fl1I7i'l'1'S, 1879-fl885g professor of inod- crn l.iL11gll2l1g0S, Do Pauw University, 1885-1886, profossoi' of modern languages and political philosophy, 1886-18905 professor of history and political scionco, 1890-l894g since 1894, professor of political scionce. fl! Bti N: 1 7' ni '19 A GP