Southern Methodist University - Rotunda Yearbook (University Park, TX)

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A critical examination of the standards for the MasterTs de- gree as conferred in American universities shows a high rank for Southern Methodist Univer- sity. Specific requirements in- clude: the study of a foreign language, rigid prerequisite re- quirements, a full year of resi- dence study on which no trans- fer courses are credited, and the writing of an acceptable thesis. There is no longer the need, as in the past, to go North or East for Graduate study. This is all the more important since the educational, commercial, and social development of the South- west in the future is largely de- pendent upon her own sons and daughters, who, trained in the ways and attitudes of research, can successfully attack the dis- tinctive problems in this section of the United States. GRADUATE SCHOOL The original plan for a new central university, which resulted in the foundation of Southern Methodist University, contemplated the development of graduate work as rapidly as resources would permit, and the charter provides for an institution ttwith authority to confer all degrees. Graduate courses have been given each year since the opening of the University and at each commencement, the degree of Master of Arts has been conferred. The increasing demand made necessary the more dehnite organization of the work, and in the spring of 1920 there was established the Graduate School, with a distinct administration. In 1926 Dr. E. W. Shuler was made Dean of the Graduate School and has since continued to serve in that capacity. Twenty departments in the University offer courses which satisfy the requirements for the de- gree of Master of Arts. The coordination of the graduate courses of the academic departments with the graduate courses in the School of Theology not only gives larger freedom in the selection of a maj or subject, but also makes possible a greater concentration in the chosen field. The courses offered in the school are planned to meet the needs of students who wish to obtain a more thorough knowledge of the subject in which they are particularly interested; those who de- sire preliminary training in the methods of investigation before undertaking more highly specialized courses in other graduate schools; and those who desire to become teachers in schools and univer- sities. The plan for the Masterls degree does not place primary emphasis on research, though the required thesis and the basic graduate courses give ample opportunity for individual investigation. The school seeks to strengthen the interest acquired in some subj ect during the undergraduate peri- od of study; to cultivate a scholarly spirit, and to give thorough training, both of method and of con- tent, in the chosen field. With a growth in endowments and the addition of new equipment it is safe to predict that in the future the Graduate School shall form a center of Southwestern graduate study. hh 22, e

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A study of the underlying principles of economics and busi- ness is as important today as ever. A recent survey by an eastern journal brought out the fact that the heads of most of our collegiate Schools of Com- merce are of the opinion that the participation of our govern- ment in business Will necessitate but few changes in the curricula of our schools and that these minor changes deal mostly with the factual material involved in new legislation. My own opin- ion was expressed for the survey in the following quotation: wThe measure of success which the present program of our government will. attain depends on the degree to which its man- agement of economic affairs is carried on within the general framework of basic economic lawsy SCHOOL OF COMMERCE Realizing the need for a conservative school of commerce in the Southwest to better equip future business leaders to cope with the complexities of modern industry, the Dallas School of Commerce was established at Southern Methodist University in 1920. This expansion conformed to the com- paratively new policy of American universities of providing commercial training. Until recently, specialized education for business was gained through apprenticeship and in so-called business col- leges. The training offered by these schools was inadequate in that it gave only a superficial tech- nique of certain business transactions. Dallas and Southern Methodist University afford an ideal location for a collegiate school of commerce. The City is the main distributing center of the Southwest. All the larger and more com- plex aspects of modern business may be observed by the students of commerce. Business and com- mercial leaders are available to be called upon to add reality and experience to the basic principles advanced by the professors. N 0 other school in the Southwest is able to offer such advantages to the undergraduate. The Dallas School of Commerce aims to lay stress upon fundamentals, theories and basic prin- ciples of business practice. The best business men of today are seeking educated helpers with ideas for improvement and not trained technicians. They realize that the technique of any particular busi- ness cannot be directly taught in any school. The Chief aim of a school of commerce, therefore, is to cultivate the ability to think in terms of business problems and to develop careful and accurate methods of work. This presupposes a thorough understanding of basic economic principles and in- volves hard and subtle thinking. The school is a member of the American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business, an or-- ganization composed of university business schools maintaining exacting standards of training. Beta Gamma Sigma, honorary scholastic fraternity of commerce schools, has established a chapter here. Alpha Kappa Psi, professional fraternity, also maintains a Chapter in the school. a 21 e

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Perhaps the most important factor in the development of the School of Music at the present time is its admission to full membership in the National As- sociation of Schools of Music Which took place at the Conven- tion of the Association at Lin- coln, Nebraska, December 27th to 30th, 1933. Full membership in this As- sociation not only puts the seal of approval of a national board of prominent musicians upon Southern Methodist University School of Music, but assures its students of full transfer of their credits, hour for hour, to any firSt-Class school or conservatory in the United States. Several new courses have been added to the curriculum. Chief among these are courses in advance compositionj choral and orchestral conducting, and a course in orchestral instruments. fWW SCHOOL OF MUSIC The School of Music of Southern Methodist University, established fifteen years ago, has rap- idly made an enviable reputation for itself development, the School was recently adm Schools of Music. Strictly modern in its me music in the fullest sense, to build educatec One of the principal factors in determin ulty. Southern Methodist University School for the superior performing ability and higl Further, the relation between teacher a No infiexible systems of instruction are use the requirements of each case, and based on to students is much more valuable than rigic Students are required to appear in recitc create a healthful spirit of competition but A well-rounded program of eXtra-Curric is provided. Included in these activities is t wijk, Who is also conductor of the Dallas 85 wood Bowl. Two other very popular orga Club. These organizations make annual toui school. Last year they produced an Operettc decided to incorporate such a production as The magnificent McFarlin Memorial A1 and beautiful concert organ, is in itself an as a successful, progressive school. In recognition of its itted to full membership in the National Association of thods and thorough in its requirements, it aims to teach 1 musicians, not mere vocal or instrumental performers. ing the Value of a school of music is the calibre of its fac- of Music is recognized throughout the entire Southwest 1 educational potency of its faculty. rid student is placed on an intimate basis of cooperation. c1, each student receiving intelligent instruction suited to discrimination and sincerity. This individual instruction l methods of teaching. tlS With reasonable frequency. These recitals not only also accustom the students to appear before an audience. ular activities calculated to capture the studentsi interest he orchestra under the direction of Dean Paul Van Kat- Imphony Orchestra and a guest conductor at the Holly- iizations are the Menis Glee Club and the Girls Choral s of different cities in Texas and present programs at the L, iiThe Red :VIill,D Which was such a success that it Was a regular part of their program. 1ditorium, With its great concert hall, its spacious studios, nspiration to music students.