Goshen College - Maple Leaf Yearbook (Goshen, IN)

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PHILOSOPHY. ' I f Hr] course in philosophy was introduced in 1903 by Pres. N. E. Byers, who has charge of the department. ■ ■ Besides a brief introduction into the field of general philosophy the department includes the special disci- plines of psychology, logic, ethics, education and religion. The aim of the course is to satisfy in part the student ' s curiosity as to the nature of ultimate reality, to give him a practical and stable foundation and frame- work for his knowledge, to cultivate in him the habit of looking at things from a broad point of view and seeing an intelligible relationship between things which ordinarily seem seperate and exclusive, and to have him devel- op a unified personality in which all his departments of thought and activity are organically related. Prof. James would call Pres. Byers a tender-minded philosopher for he closes his courses with some form of idealistic theism and he convinces you that it is as gocd and as true a system as any and much more practical than most others. SCIENCE. THE loftiest aim of Science is to know the truth. With all the intricacies connected with such a high purpose, there have been individuals in every age who have given their time and means toward its realization. The early progress was slow, but recently the achievements have been so far-reaching that this is frequently called the scientific age. The multitude of varied phenomena that are constantly making their appeal to the human mind, are the ob- jects of thorough-going research. Men want to know their real natures ; their relations and inter-dependencies ; their causes and effects. Such a careful study of Nature reveals the close connections between Science and other fields of investiga- tion. It goes hand in hand with Mathematics, not only verifying its theories and laws, but also opening up larger and richer fields of investigation. It makes the richest contribution to philosophy, so that the progress of the former has to a very large extent determined that of the latter. To the ordinary mind, however, Science has nowhere made greater achievements than in the practical af- fairs of mankind, and its triumphs in this sphere have been a marvel to the age. But the individual who desires to experience the enjoyment of contributing to this growing fund of knowl- edge must lay a good foundation. He must start at the beginning. And the Department of Science at Goshen College presents such an opportunity. Beginning courses are offered in Botany, Zoology, Physics, Chemistry, Ge- ology, and Astronomy, in which foundations are laid for more extensive future work.

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HISTORY F t T RING the early years of the institution most of the courses in history wen given by Profs E J Zook and S J. W. Yoder. In 1903 Prof. C, H. Smith took charge of the department and added several courses in ad- vanced history. Since 1905 Prof. E. J. Zook, who is assisted by Miss Maud Warve and Mr. C. B. Blosser has had charge of the department. The department also includes Political Science, Economics, and Sociology. The latter two courses are given by res. tiyers. 1 he department aims : 6 h J° have th ? student acquire a knowledge of the leading facts of history, especially those which have af- fected the course of events. «, a T ° gh T e. student an understanding of the philosohy of history and an insight into the development of the modern industrial, political, and social institutions and life which prevails among the most civilized nations V ;u° de t V( ;lop m him a broad-minded, intelligent and sympathetic citizen who knows his duties to his fellow men, to the state, and to society in general, and who is able to judge as to the advisability of means which are supposed to ameliorate present conditions. MATHEMATICS ' T ' HE mathematical department has enjoyed a healthy and continuous growth since the founding of the institu- tion. It has lately included interesting classes in Algebra, Geometrv, Trigonometrv. College lgebra and Analytic Geometry. In order to meet the demand for more of the higher work, a two term course in the Calculus is to be offered the coming year. f»ui f The p , urp ? se ° f studying mathematics is held to be threefold. It trains the judgement and reason and so Mw£ Th the St , Udent m -° re worthy, influential and successful in life. It enables him to detect and avo fallacies and unsound views in all departments of thought. It gives training in the very much needed power of anc Hmnarttl l°» F? r nt , imen or , traditional belief not founded on facts or reason and of looking ' sr ,uarel v and impartially at a complex situation long enough to analyze its meaning. It may be so treated as to furnish the mind with much knowledge useful in business, in the arts and sciences, and in all the relations fat life ,n,i , , UP character by training the will, fixing the habit of honest thinking, and making one thorough SS, ' ™ P erf ™S his duties. Fortunate the student who so thinks through his mathematics, and sees its interrelations and important applications as to be made a more sane, useful, and trustworthy citizen,

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THE BIBLE SCHOOL ' I ' HE Bible Department has always been a part of the Goshen College. It aims to give the student a better ■ knoweledge of the Bible and assist him in working out its underlying principles into concrete experiences of daily life. The complete Christian character which is so essential at present in all spheres of activity is constantly emphasized. In addition to this the student is constantly trained to do various kinds of religious work. The best meth- ods for personal work, the use of different parts of the scriptures for the peculiar needs of different individuals, Foriegn Missions, Home Missions, Church work, etc., all recieve their proper share of attention. J. S. Hartzler has always had charge of the Bible work. At first there was no regular outlined course of study and it was not until 1898 that the Department was carefully organized. A short course was then offered and this was extended to two years work. The Department at present requires the student to make a thorough study of both the Old and New Testaments together with such other subjects as will prepare one for his highest useful- ness. The interest and atttendance in this department is constantly growing and its future prospects have never been brighter. ORATORY. ' I J HE School of Oratory has had a frequent change of teachers but notwithstanding this fact it has enjoyed a A gradual and steady progress. During the past year the students have been unusually enthusiastic in ac- quiring the art of interpetation and expression under the instruction of Miss Kartryn Carter. The school has been added with the idea of promoting the literary and aesthetic tastes of all the students as well as offering a complete course in oratory for special students. It aims to teach the art rather as a manifesta- tion of a real inner life force than a mere superficial culture. Hence, great pains are taken to have the student build up a strong character and personality as a foundation for the art. He is also given physical culture in order to develop grace of manner, beauty in form, and ease in movement. In a complete course in oratory he is sup- posed to acquire distinct pronunciation, a flexible and resonant voice, a taste for and interpretation of the best lit- erature, and power to hold and please an audience.