North Platte High School - Roundup Yearbook (North Platte, NE)

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THE CURRICULUM governments; present day problems of business and industry; present day problems of society. World History I — The study of history leads the student into discussions, searches, topics, and maps. It gives a brief survey of the contributions of the ancient world and of the Middle Ages to modern civilization. American History — Topics studied are : The formation of our government tracing the development of the American people from the period of exploration to the Eve of the Civil War. Outside references and readings are vitally important in this course. For second semester, the student traces the develop- ment of the United States from the Civil War to the present time. They at- tempt to show that present day problems are the out-growth of earlier prob- lems or conditions. Civics — Included in this course is a survey of local, state and national governmental frame-work and functions, including topics of economic, socio- logical and international interest. Rural Sociology — This trend of study is only taught every other year. It was not taught this year. However, when it is offered, it is required by Nor- mal Trainers. It is comprised of a survey of the nature of rur l life, its ad- vantages, and disadvantages, the causes and effects of rural life and the tendencies operative in modifying it. Economics — Economics is a study of wealth and the manner in which it is obtained, presenting the fundamental principles of economic thought and practice in every-day life. Mathematics Algebra I-II — Elementary algebra consists of formulas, negative num- bers, addition, substraction, multiplication and division. Forming and solving simple equations are practiced. Second the student learns to solve quadratic and fractional equations; graphs of linear equations; systems of equations; and powers and roots. Plane Geometry — The study of simple geometric figures and their con- struction; parallels; equality of triangles; quadrilaterals; polygons; and loci are involved. Also circles, ratio and proportion, and similar figures are mastered. Plane and Sperical Trigonometry — This course covers practical applica- tion from surveying and engineering. Algebra III-IV — This year ' s algebra is a brief review of elementary alge- bra, quadratic equations, imaginary and complex roots, simultaneous equations, graphs, progressions and series ratio and proportion must be studied. Solid Geometry — Space perception, mensuration formulas for solid figures are developed. Languages Latin I-II — The purpose of the course is to learn syntax, vocabulary, and inflections in relationship to English, reading of Roman life, traditions, heroic legend and classical mythology. Latin III — Mythology of Greeks and Romans, Roman ideals of citizenship, review of vocabulary, syntax, and forms are taken up. Latin IV — This semester the student in Latin begins Caesar ' s Gallic Wars. New principles are gradually introduced. Latin V-VI — The course of study follows the public speaking line. Cice- —19—

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.ll THE CURRICULUM English Courses English I-II — In this course we stress the necessity for skill and correct- ness in the us of language through a thorough review of punctuation, cap- italization, grammar of the sentence, and letter writing. Composition work, ex- planation, and oral argumentation are also given. Reading and literature are acquired through the presentation of Silas Marner, Ivanhoe, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, The Vision of Sir Launfal, and The Lady of the Lake. English III-IV — This course aims to promote self-cultivation in correct and effective writing and speech. Better English for immediate use is the goal. Topics studied are oral composition, spelling, word mastery, letter writing, sentence structure. A great deal of time is devoted to development of good sentences, and writing effective compositions. Some debating is done. Merchant of Venice, Julius Caesar, Idylls of the Kink, Little Min- ister, and The House of Seven Gables are studied in the literary part of the course. Eiglish Reviews — English Reviews sti-esses only those parts of grammar which will be helpful to students who do not plan on attending college. It con- sists primarily of activities in letter writing, business and social conversation, punctuation, and reading of interesting short stories and narrative poems. English V-VI — A survey of British writers to the eighteenth century with selections from their writings, is made the first semester. British writers from the beginning of the eighteenth century, including contemporary literature, were taken up during the second semester. Special attention was given to types of literature to teach a useful knowledge of books and authors. Public Speaking — The text used in this course was Effective Speaking, by Phill ips. The study is an introductory course to speech-making, and deals with various types of speeches such as sales talks, campaign speeches, orations, and after-dinner speeches. Creative Writing — Creative Writing i.s applied English composition. Vivid- ness of style and accuracy of news is stressed. The students read models, clips typical stories for a scrap-book and write similar stories. The members of this class form the nucleus of the staff of the school paper. American Literature — In American Literature novels, epic poems, poetry, dramas, groups of short stories, and groups of essays are studied intensively on the unit plan. In addition, the best examples of leading American authors are read. Reading is stressed and book reports of American writers are called for. Some creative writing is required. Dramatics I — The students are required to build their own note-books as various phases of the course are introduced. The study of pantomime, voice work, gesture and self-expression, stage make-up and important rules of stage are covered first semester. One-act plays are also introduced. Dramatics II — First semester dramatics is required in this course for credit. There is a continuation of first semester course. The work is carried into three-act plays. These are studied from both the director ' s and actor ' s viewpoint. Social Science Vocations — Vocations is a study of jobs, opportunities for service, pay, promotion, reputation, and self-expression are observed. The student notices preparation and individual characteristics required for various positions. An analysis of his own characteristics is made. One trip a week is made to observe some industrial plant or business concern. ,..,-, Ninth Grade Civics — Fundamental principles ot Civics are divided into the following groups: Community life and welfare; work of state and federal —18—

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,ll THE CURRICULUM ro ' s Ovations Against Cataline is studied in the first semester, and Archies the Poet, second. Reading in Latin is also stressed. Latin VII-VIII — Here is taken up the intense study of Virgil ' s Aeneid, basic history and mythology. In this epic poem, the student learns to read ac- curately and smoothly from Latin to English. Spanish III-IV — In order to finish up the course in Spanish which the school is planning to remove from the curriculum, only third and fourth year Spanish was offered this year. It is a continued study of grammar supplement- ed by reading and composition. Various books and stories are read. Physical Education For Boys — Physical Education is required of all freshmen and sophomore boys. These classes are built to serve three purposes, develop clean habits of living, develop character, and train for leadership. As in all modern physical education problems, with class members as cap- tains and organizers, this idea is carried out. Games which are stressed are basket ball, track, volley ball and baseball. For Girls — Girls ' Physical Training classes are required in grades nine and ten. Their purposes are: The development of healthy bodies, the teaching of sportsmanship and fair play, and grace of movement, good posture, and a foundation for the worthy use of leisure time. Music Instrumental Music — Band and Orchestra — The instrumental courses in high school offer an excellent opportunity for the boy or girl to find self-ex- pression in music. Two bands and one orchestra provide a graded course of systematic instruction; in the playing and appreciation of all types of music, sight reading, and the development of the proper technique in the playing of the individual ' s chosen instrument. Glee Clubs and Mixed Chorus — Much care is given to growing voices and study of the proper vowel formation as class exercises. The aim is artistic group work. A beginning girls club is maintained for those who have not the proficiency for the advanced club. Enrollment in the advanced club is by re- commendations of the instructor and Glee club members of the previous semes- ter. Work is motivated by presentation of the operetta, entrance in contests, participation in public appearances whenever requested, which is required for credit. Public School Music — This course is designed primarily for teaching the required Normal Training Music Course to senior classes in high school. It is designated by the state of the Nebraska Department of Public Instruction. —20—