University of Chicago - Cap and Gown Yearbook (Chicago, IL)

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D I! THE SOCIAL SCIENCES ..SOCIAL SCIENTISTS . . .TAXES . . . CIVIC AFFAIRS.. Activities of members of the depart- ments of Economics and Political Science were mainly centered in their own back yard, the metropolitan area of Chica- go. ln a year when the schools faced closure, when the. Tax system seemed entirely out of adjustment with land values, and when the local governmental agencies were helpless to correct these disorders, let alone enforce the law, citi- zens found some satisfaction in the knowledge that University men were conducting a scientific analysis of the problem with the view of making prac- tical recommendations for reconstruc- tion. Such an analysis was represented by Chester W1'ight's study of Chicago land values, Simeon Leland's survey of the taxation problem, and the regional government study directed by Charles E. Merriam. Professor lVIerriam, for long a prominent figure in civic affairs, saw the solution for the seemingly hope- CHARLES E. Msmrmm Profuiwr and Qliz111'1narzl, Dz'fJarlmc'nZ of Polzlzcal Srzcntr , HARRY GIDEONSE iflrsaczate Professor of Economzrr f less tangle in the substitution of a re- gional government in place of the 1,700 independent and conflicting ones in the area. Through Steadman's work on the Public Health Qrganizations, Le- pawsICy's work on the Courts, and Par- rott's work on the School Units, the factual material relating to the prob- lem was laid out in part for the first time. With the analysis to be complet- ed in the near future, prospects for im- provement were far from dim. Two other social scientists, Paul Douglas and Harry Gideonse, stood out over and above their work as research men as teachers of great popularity and strong leaders in the political movements of the day. Dr. Gideonse, who was en- gaged in a study of international gold movements, also found time to promote the third party at the University. Dr. Douglas, whose trend of real wages studies were outstanding, lent his help to the Socialist cause on campus. Page 27

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lj D THE SOCIAL SCIENCES . . SCIENTIFIC EDUCATION . . . SOCIOLOGY . . CHARLES H. Juno P1'0ff'.f.rof, Dfarz, and Head, School of Education Greatest material addition to the pro- gress of the division during the year was the construction of the new Graduate Education building Csee page 325 . There, members of the Department of Educa- tion, under Dean Charles Judd, found space to expand their effort to place con- temporary educational methods on a firm, scientific basis. To this end, Floyd Reeves conducted a survey of colleges and universities, Karl Holzinger was engaged in an analysis of the statistical presentation of information, and Henry C. lllorrison investigated relative values of various teaching techniques. The trend toward the scientific study of edu- cation was perhaps best exemplified by Guy Buswellls photographic study of the eye movements of pupils. By recording the movements involved in various men- tal processes, Dr. Buswell was able to predict the mental habits of the pupil while thinking. Professor Ellsworth Faris and his as- sociates, had a very diversified research program both at home and abroad. Pro- fessor Faris made a study of punishment under a grant from the Local Commun- ity Research Fund. Professor Ogburn was engaged in directing research for the Presidentls Research Committee on Social Trends. Professor E. H. Suth- erland made a study With Professor C. E. Gehlke, of Western Reserve Univer- sity, of social trends in crimes and pun- ishment. Professor W. E. Burgess, di- rector of the Behavior Research Fund, was active in the Work of the Institute for Juvenile Research, and was engaged with Mr. Cottrell in an attempt to pre- dict success or failure in marriage on the basis of the factors present at the time of marriage. Professor Herbert Blumer was in France making a study of the history of fashion in France as an index to the changes in social customs. ELLSVVORTII FAIQIS Pruffuor and Chalrmzuz, Dejzarlrnent of SUHOIIIVI' Page 26

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Cl D HARRY A. BIGELOW Dean of the Lafw School THE LAW SCHOOL The belief has always existed both in the Faculty of the Law School and in its Alumni body that the men who have received their formal degrees from the Law School and entered into the prac- tice of law still remain a vital and valu- able part of the Law School organiza- tion. The Alumni have many times in the past given evidence of the strength of this belief. This year the faculty took a step that manifested its attitude. By arrangement with Dean Huth of the University College, the Law School of- fered four courses in the down town di- vision of the University. These courses took the shape of two hour conferences held once a week through the quarter. The subjects were those of live interest in the profession. ln the Fall Quarter the subject of Taxation, which is of such importance at present, was covered by Professor Kent. The courses were open only to prac- ticing lawyers and were devoted to a careful and intensive study of difficult problems of day to day practice in the particular fields that they covered. In order to give the personal contact and individual discussion that was regarded as being one of the most valuable ele- ments in the courses they were limited in numbers and preference was given to the Alumni of the Law School. ln all the courses, the registration was in ex- cess of the number permitted. The suc- cess of the work was so pronounced that other courses will be given in the same way next year. On the campus the process of careful selection that has been undertaken in the Law School began to show its consequences. It was the gen- eral feeling of the Faculty that the qual- ity of the members of the school was distinctly improved. This conclusion was borne out by the sm-aller number of men who were dropped from the school and the higher average of work in the hrst year class. Page 28