Princeton University - Bric A Brac Yearbook (Princeton, NJ)

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In response to popular demand a new full-course in drama has been added to the curricula this year. Prof. Stauffer's department takes great pride in the number ofuyounger men giving major courses. GEOLOGY is to the arts student what geo- logical engineering is to the engineer. Its purpose is to develop the principles and broader aspects of the field for the man not interested in becom- ing a practical geologist. One of the big induce- ments of the department is the summer camp for research maintained in Montana just outside Yel- lowstone Park. Last summer the field studies cov- ered a wide range of territory from British Co- lumbia to Venezuela and from Nova Scotia to the Grand Canyon. Seventy students took part in the strata interpreting and fossil searching. The senior thesis, always the most up-to-date source of geo- logical developments, are largely bases upon this original work. I HISTORY shares with English the top honors among the seniors' choice of a department to repeat. Prof. Strayer's department is to the study of social groups what English is to the individual. Besides being the second largest department it is closely associated with many of the programs cov- ering more than one department. Not content with presenting and interpreting the past for the undergraduate there is a series of graduate pre- ceptorialsn which are presented in near-by cities on topics of current interest for those .alumni who desire a more complete understanding of the im- mediate problems of the times. The MATHEMATICS department, in keeping with its tradition of nearly a century, has endeav- ored to maintain itself at the top scieniiic level both on the pure and applied side. With Princeton engaged in so many forms of scientihc research and training this department has become the focal point of the whole program. It realizes its unique position, and by constant experimentation is con- tinually improving its undergraduate teaching. The Bicentennial Conference of the problems of mathematics was the most important gathering of its kind in ten years and stimulated major ad- vances in all branches of the subject. MILITARY SCIENCE is here to provide mili- tary training at the college level. The Reserve is the chief source of officers of our army in an emer- gency and they must be trained principally from the ROTC units in the colleges. Our Field Artil- CARROLL C- PRATT DONALD A. 'STAUFFER SOLOMON LEFSCHETZ P13 chology Ezzglzrla Aillfbfllldliff

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E. BALDWIN SMITH CAPTAIN F. G. RICHARDS GEORGE F THOMAS Ari :md Arcbeology Naval Science Religion CHEMISTRY department has had the constant aim to duplicate, for the undergraduate, the experience of scientific research, especially through the lab- oratory. As Work in the department is required for pre-medical students it covers an almost infinite range of topics Within its general realm, and almost any phase of chemical research and ex- perience can be found in process at Erick Lab. Professor Oates' CLASSICS department has the unique position of being primarily in existence to preserve and diffuse the knowledge and Wisdom of the ancient civilizations, without trying to de- velop or change them. By the time he graduates, the classics major is well qualified to carry on and perpetuate the classic spirit either in teaching or through his experiences in private life. The works studies have greater relevance today, em- phasizing those aspects that are especially im- portant in understanding our present civilization. Today ECONOMICS has the honor of being the most popular line of specialization among the undergraduate body. This has presented many new problems and the department is hard pressed to keep abreast of the demands of the students. The plan of study is designed to give an understand- ing of the economic and social influences in our life today by acquainting the undergraduate with the underlying principles, not the superficial facts and figures. The large number of other depart- ments that recommended cognates in Economics all attest to the general value of the subject. The aim of the ENGLISH department is to study the possibilities of man as an individual as approached through his literature. Witli courses in Written and oral composition and others in public speaking and debate as well as the usual ones in literature it is one of the broadest and most all inclusive departments in the university.

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JOSEPH R, STRAYER CoLoNI2I. IVTILES Cowias PHILIP K HITTI ffI.ff0I'j' Military 56161156 Oyjenml Langgggeg lery unit is one of the finest in the country. Today the department is mechanized and has special courses in geography and the use of the latest types of equipment. In the summer camp first hand prac- tilcal information as werll as leadership training are acquired. To approach human relations through a study of western civilization's greater literary accom- plishments studied in the native idiom of the author is the purpose of our department of MOD- ERN LANGUAGES AND LITERATURES. Witlu this in mind new courses on comparative literature by periods, and the history of ideas have been added. A new idea is taking shape in the depart- ment-to prepare men for a language career, a great stride towards giving an undergraduate something he can use in later life. Firm in the belief that there is something in an analytical study of music, the MUSIC department provides an unusual opportunity for an intimate knowledge of the art. The student taking regular courses finds a much broader base for appreciation of music, while those taking part in the musical organizations learn to appreciate music by be- coming intimately acquainted with individual pieces. Free Opera and the University Concerts provide an outlet for more direct appreciation of the :great masterworks. NAVAL SCIENCE is in its second year at Princeton and it enjoys a prestige far beyond its age. During the summer cruise last year the Princeton salts turned in the highest marks in the country. Today, the Navy intends to obtain half of its officers from the NROTC and our unit plans on doing its share. The year 1947 will stand out as a landmark in the development of American-Near Eastern relations. In the department of ORIENTAL LAN- GUAGES AND LITERATURES it has become possible for the first time to take the Near East as a field of concentration at the undergraduate level at an American University. The need for more trained men in the near eastern sphere has long ben felt and several outside roganizations are sup- porting the work. The program is broad and covers work in the SPIA and History departments as well as a study of Persian or Turkish, the lan- guages of the area. Under the direction of Prof.