DePauw University - Mirage Yearbook (Greencastle, IN)

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English Literature Department Frank C. Tilden, Ph. B. The aim of instruction in literature is twofold. lt strives, first, to produce a cultivated and appreciative taste for the best things in letters. It strives also to give a detailed knowledge of the master- pieces of English literature. To accom- plish these things, the instruction is based on broad plans. lt presupposes that lit'- oraturo is the expression ol' the thought and emotion of' the raceg that the study of literature is not only the study ol' litter- ary forms, but of the life both national and individual that produced those forms. It is necessary to know whether a piece was produced in a time of intense striving and accomplishment, as in the time of Elizabeth., ina time of dwarfed thought and rule-governed intellect, like that of Anne, or amidst the dreams and aspirations of the period of revolution, before we can rightly judge that piece. It is necessary to know the character and bias oi' the writer before we can judge his work with relation to truth and life. ln this study we get more than history, and more than art, for the study implies both. We learn of social conditions, of race tendencies of thought, of national impulses 3 we learn 11ot only new literary and artistic forms, but the causes that produced them. Mr. Tilden, successor to Prof. William E. Smyser, is proving himself an able scholar, and we feel confident that he will maintain the work of the department at the high standard to which it was raised by his prede- cessor. In i897 he was graduated at De Pauw, Ph. B., and during the next two years he was a student in Harvard University. During thi' year 1,899-1900 he was engaged in newspaper work at Macomb, Ill. .ln 1900 he was called to the chair of English language and literature at Dakota University, but before he had assumed his duties there, he was called to the position which he now occupies.

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inliucnce i11 his training of the classics, While Ogden N. Reed instructed him in natural science. Doctor Swahlen was graduated from the Uni- versity of Pennsylvania with the class of ,623 with the degree of A. B., and in 1866 received l1is lVlaster's degree from his Alma ilfafer. Iowa Wesleyan University bestowed upon him the degree of Ph. D. On graduation he was elected to the chair of Greek and German in McKendree College. ln 1883 he was elected president of that college, which position he held. for three years. In 1886i Doctor Swahlen was elected acting president of Kansas Wesleyan University, and in 11.887 to its presidency. Atvthe same time he was elected professor of Greek in De Pauw University, whereupon he resigned his position at Kansas NVesleyan, and entered upon the duties of the chair of Greek in De Pauw. Doctor Swahlen was ordained a deacon in the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1870 by Bishop Matthew Simpson, and ordained elder by Bishop Thomas Bowman in 1877. Doctor Swahlen enjoys the distinction of being one ol' the first elected members of the cb B K Society, Alpha Chapter, of Indiana, and wasiniti ated on the night of its organization. The department of Greek is equipped with a good library, consisting of a complete list of principal Greek authors in the H Teubner Edition, comprising about one hundred and fifty volumes. In addition to these there are about iifty other volumes of value. There is a complete Grotels History of Greece Hg Curtius Complete and a variety of other books of reference for research and study, including texts, commentaries, diction- aries, and works on antiquities and literature. The department is also supplied with pieces of sculpture of value, embracing the principal actors of Grecian Olympus and prominent figures of Grecian history. Chief among these is found a east of Apollo de Belvidereg the Quoit Pitcher, statuettes of Pallas Athena and Xllsculapiusg busts of Zeus and Herag of Socrates, Demosthenes, Homer, Heroditus, Plato, Aristotle, and others. There are two fine French engravings : one representing Socrates instruct- ing Alcibiades, the other, the discovery of Achilles by Ulysses. A variety of maps and charts complete the material equipment for original research. The library room is easily accessible to the student for private study or for the classes on any disputed question..

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Department of Latin Edwin Post,A. M., Ph. D. The student who goes through college without taking work in the Latin depart- ment misses work from which he would certainly derive much benefit. The classi- I cal student learns that Latin is uni a rlwul languagc--information not appreciated hy him who passes hy the study of the literature ol' antiquity. The object of the work is to promote a clear understamling of the language with an acquaintance with its literature, connected with a knowl- edge of the civilization and daily life ol' one ol' the greatest nations ol' the world. This department in De Pauw can boast ol' opportunities not olil erod in many of the more renowned schools of the country. The Latin semi- nariuln af'l ords advantages which are truly appreciated hy those who take the work. Students pursue courses of original investigation, making a critical study of classical authors, the results of this research appearing in papers read before the seniinarium. ' A splendid library of about one thousand volumes, maintained the SllHlSOI1 Latin Fund, offers material for the advanced Work in the Latin department. Access to such a collection of literary productions is sufiicient inducement to work in this direction, and the study of Latin is made very interesting to those who seek the advantages of a classical education.