Girard College - Corinthian Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

Page 15 text:

social studies department Mr. Robert Long Chairman, Social Studies Dept. Miss Jo Anne Wallen It is commonly said that in our age the part of our culture which m anipulates material things lags behind that which treats relations between human beings. This cultural lag is to some degree the consequence of a lack of knowledge in the area of social relations, a field of research that is relatively new and is filled with complexities dif¬ ficult to analyze, particularly through use of scientific methods. However, the cultural lag is also partially the result of a failure to spread and to apply the knowledge that already exists. To make a contribution to the dissemination of this important body of facts and theory, the cur¬ riculum of Girard College includes the offerings of the Social Studies Department. To face life with less than such minimal exposure to formal learning of subject matter so vital to personal and social progress would be an unthinkable handicap of ignorance. Our stu¬ dents have opportunities to disDlace ignorance of their social environment with basic education in the Social Studies. Every boy is required to study in the seventh grade a course in World Geography; in t he eighth and eleventh grades, a historical survey of the cultured development of the United States; in the ninth grade, an examination of the shaping of many world-cultures, ancient, medieval, and modern; and in the twelth, a systematic study of the principles and structure of the Ameri¬ can Government in comparison with others. There is also an elective course in Psychology. Mr. Edward Vavalo

Page 14 text:

english department m. Mr. Joseph Devlin Mr. William Stein Miss Deborah Wade 12 Mr. Leonard Lenzi

Page 16 text:

languages Mr. Eugene McLaughlin The first and most important step in understanding other peoples, their way of thinking, as well as their way of acting lies in understanding their language and language habits. The language department has been using the relatively new method of language instruction common¬ ly referred to as an audiolingual method, in order to facilitate good speaking and listening skills. The first year program stresses pronounciation and speech patterns. Increased emphasis upon free conversation, reading and culture become areas of increased interest in the second year program. The third year elective program, which will start in September of 1976, will provide ample opportunity for the kinds of listening, speaking, reading and writing needed to develop spontaneity, fluency and on the spot comprehension. art department Zeil, (Dr.) William 14