Southwest Baptist University - Mozarkian Yearbook (Bolivar, MO)

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The complexities of this age of atoms, space and scientific tech- nology place high demands on the skills and capacities of the spe- cialist. Not many can afford to become so specialized, but no one in present-day America can consider himself truly educated who has not studied and com- prehended some of the intricacies of his natural environment. Physical sciences qleftj in- cluding Chemistry and Physics, Mathematics ibelowj with its many diver- sified fields such as Algebra and Trigonometry, and the Biological sciences fbottomj including B ot o n y, Zoology and Bacteriology compose the Division of N at u r al Science. if Since we are living organisms, the more we learn about our physical and biotic environment the better and more satisfying our lives can be. Everyday living requires a knowledge of biological and physical phenomena if we are to make wise decisions about such pertinent mat- ters as what proposed law to support, which products to buy, and how properly to use many of the products purchased. Not only does the study of natural science contribute greatly to the balance and versatility of a solid liberal education, such subjects as these which enable people to live better physically and enjoy their inheritance more fully and more wisely form a vital branch in the curriculum of a Christian college. Maximum Christian stewardship of life itself is hardly possible without a basic understanding of the laws and relationships which God has ordained in this universe. Every graduate of Southwest Baptist College has had the opportunity to explore this realm through the required Natural Science courses in the General Education program. Students who major in one of the fields of the Division of Natural Science may be looking forward to various career opportunities. Well trained scientists and mathe- maticians are in demand by research laboratories, in- dustrial concerns, pharmaceutical houses, plant nurs- eries, oceanographic institutes, museums, national parks and forests, hospitals and many other such organizations. Federal, state and local governments also provide em- ployment for the scientist or engineer. Manyothers who major in this area are preparing to become teachers of science or mathematics.

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But getting lost is not the answer! Whatever the specific answer for our world it will most certainly be made by those individuals who commit themselves to the tasks of the day with a human potential raised to its highest power by being both mentally and spiritually prepared. The Division of Social Science at Southwest Baptist College is dedicated to the basic task of analyzing and examining the action and interaction of men and nations. No individual is fully prepared in the mental realm who has failed to acquire an understanding and appreciation of both the rational and irrational aspects of, and re- lations between, his own personality and the society in which he lives. It is, after all, in this maze of relation- ships called our world that we must live. Both Christian maturity and responsible citizenship depend upon an intelligent understanding of social behavior in its widest sense. For this reason the Social Sciences are in integral part in the general education program of every student at Southwest. More specifically, an emphasis in one of the academic fields of the Division of Social Science can lead directly to one of several vital careers and professions. Many students who look forward to a career in teaching, journalism, social work, the gospel ministry, law, foreign service, foreign trade, business or government take their bachelor degree with amaj or or minor in one of the fields of this Division. Monstrous challenges confront our world today, defying our capacity of description and evading our comprehension. Like thunder - heads gathering before the storm, these challenges cast lengthening shadows of pessimism over man and his world. As the contem- porary prophets of doom solemnly announce impending catastrophy, we are tempted to thrust our heads into the sands of personal pre- occupation. The temptation is to get lost, to play dumb, to evade our responsibility of facing these challenges squarely! One of our several students from other lands, Miss Christina'Chu, points to her home, Hong Kong, China qbelowj. People are funny and the study of people intheir social environment helps us enjoy ourselves --and our studies fbottoml.

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Southwest Baptist College as a liberal arts college rec- ognizes that many of its students will one day become teachers in the schools of our land. Public school pupils deserve a teacher with ability. Therefore, the Education Department at Southwest holds as its goal the motivation of superior performance both in the general academic studies and in the professional studies. The study of education is arespected discipline and calls for emphasis on quality in the professional courses of- fered in the teacher-education program. These include solid courses in educational history and philosophy, educational psychology and methods, and student teach- ing. The elementary teacher's program includes courses from all divisions of the college and the secondary teacher may choose a teaching field from any division which offers a major field of study. It is obvious that under these programs the student who prepares for a career in teaching is really a product of the entire college, even more representative than any other group. As teachers go out they extend the influence, the ideals, the scholarship andthe spirit of Southwest Baptist College wherever they go. They have opportunity to touch and influence many thousands during a lifetime. Physical Education also has a vital place at Southwest Baptist College. Every student enrolls for four semesters of scheduled physical education while at Southwest. These courses provide not only enjoyment forthe partic- ipants, but they make a positive contribution to the health and physical fitness of the student aside from teaching him sportsmanship and the rules of the game. Southwest is proud of her Varsity Basketball, Bowling, Tennis, Golf and Track teams and of their performance in intercol- legiate competition. Students who seek to major in P.E. may anticipate careers as coaches, trainers, orperhaps even participants in professional athletics. 16 The role of the teacher in our so- ciety offers a supreme challenge to young men and women who as- pire to contribute their talents and potentials to the training of the younger generation. The teacher in the public school classroom has an undeniable responsibility for the future of our nation and of our way of life. Great men are the products of great teachers, and perhaps, aside from the influence of the home, no other individual role in society carries such crucial responsibility. The S.W.B.C. Bearcats took top honors in the Region Sixteen Tournament in 1964 and went on to play in the National NJCAA B a s k etb all Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas frightl. These young ladies, among many others, are pre- paring at Southwest to become public s c h o ol teachers in the n e a r future qbelowj. This test in progress may look like child's play, but when properly ad- ministered and interpreted by a highly trained individual it is extremely useful as a basis for academic counseling. fbottomj. 1 ' l c