University of Miami - Ibis Yearbook (Coral Gables, FL)

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An Enlightened View . . . of human relationship, approached objectively, is gotten through the study of history, sociology, political science, and economics. HISTORY A study of the social sciences is vital and pertinent. The average person today is greatly concerned with political developments, economic theories, and social unrest. In the social sciences history occupies a position of importance; an understanding of it gives one a major approach to all social sciences. To the ancient Greeks history meant inquiry or learning by inquiry. The earliest records of the past were passed on by word of mouth. The formal teaching of history came when princes were taught about their own land so that they might rule it letter; when military men studied it for the values gained in their field; and when the men of letters gave attention to it. The crowded curriculum of the Middle Ages gave little or no emphasis to the study of history. By the 16th century, historical study gained importance and was a natural outgrowth of the nationalistic spirit of that age. The greatest expansion came in the 18th century with the origin of scientific history. Today, as in no other age, there is need for a basic understanding of history. Innumerable values may lx derived from historical study; citizenship is built upon past and present concepts: and society is better understood in the light of ancient people and cultures. To Comprehend the growth of dictators and other present political developments there must exist knowledge of past actions that have made such conditions possible. In its last analysis history is the presentation, scientific and literary', of the evolution of man in his activities as a social being. The modern student recognizes the values gained from the study of history. Every year the registration in history courses has increased throughout the United States. In the University, over two hundred students are registered in each of the survey courses in European and American history. The history department of the University of Miami is continually expanding its program. Under the leadership of Dr. Harold E. Briggs, graduation requirements for students majoring in the field of history have been set. Dr. Briggs, recognizing that the advanced history student needs more specialized knowledge, has introduced required courses in historiography and thesis writing. Survey courses in both European and American history are offered to the undergraduate desiring a broad outline of civilization. For those students desiring special study within the various fields, courses such as history of American frontier, of American diplomacy, of the South, protes-tant reformation, and Latin American culture are available. Bernice Milliman ECONOMICS Thk teaching of economics is handled by Messrs. Ernest McCracken, Otho V. Ovcrholser, Stewart W. Girriel, and Robert Downes, in addition to their other courses in other fields. In the University of Miami economics is found in the School of Business Administration, but the course is taken by students from all schools. The beginning courses are preceded by an elementary course of principles of business. This is a general survey class designed to give the students an idea of what to ex| cct in the regular and more advanced courses. Then come Economics 111 and 112. In these the field of economics falls naturally into live main divisions; namely, consumption, distribution, production, exchange, and government with a sulxlivision of economic control. Among the advanced courses are included: Economic Problems; Economic History of the United States. Europe, and Latin America: Marketing: Salesmanship and Advertising; Real Estate Principles and Practices: Public Utilities: International Economic Relations; and Advanced Economic Theory. This plan of courses includes a step by step analysis of the underlying principles and applications of the field. Leading up to the ultimate course in Advanced Economic Theory, which includes a development of economic doctrines and schools of economic thought from earliest times, with extensive reading in source material, the courses are well-rounded. In consideration of the progress made in recent years they are comparative to what is offered in some of the largest universities. The plans for the future expansion in this department are great and since many of the economic ideas are constantly under pressure of criticism, the flexibility of the courses at the University will serve as an asset in future development.—Pearl Waldorf POLITICAL SCIENCE During the 17th and 18th centuries there was some doubt as to the possibility of a study of the state. Today it is imperative. As we have no longer an old world and a new, neither have we independent politics but rather world |M litics. Present trends in world [24]

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'The Social Sciences . . . prepare the student to solve his problems today, and to meet the even more difficult situations that will confront him tomorrow. by PEARL WALDORF The social sciences, in matter of scope, number of courses, and importance, make up one of the most vital influences of the University of Miami curriculum. It would be impossible to obtain a diploma without coming under the direct effect of the social studies. The social studies teacher is concerned primarily with inspiring in students a proper understanding and appreciation of our democratic institutions, procedures, and practices. This has been done through a proper regard for the past, suggested plans for the future, and a general policy of making the students vividly and deeply aware of our social world so that they will lx able to solve the problems that will confront them. In this field — the study of human relations — are history, economics, sociology. political science, etc. We are most concerned with the four mentioned. It is not an exaggeration to say that it is difficult to state where one lx gins and another ends, because any one of the four embraces the other three. As sciences these four are babies. Their development is only in the formative stage, and daily our old concepts undergo changes as our investigative processes broaden. The name, social studies, is most apt. One could not doubt for a moment that they are social: the very-essence of each is man- or the human factor. As for being sciences’' this depends entirely upon the approach to the study. In the University, whether by virtue of the texts used, the method of teaching, or learning, it is true they are sciences. The approach to these subjects is based upon a consideration of all the available data; conclusions are drawn from this study. It is not always possible to go to original sources for data, but students are well disciplined in the use of projx r authorities. The place of the Social Sciences in the University curriculum is a difficult question to answer, l'or example: at most universities, courses in economics are found in the College of Liberal Arts; the University of Miami places these courses in the School of Business Administration. This in no way hampers the Liberal Arts student, for the close cooperation of the departments allows a student to take courses in all the schools at the same time. It has been indicated that these subjects, as such, are young. However, their rapid rise in prestige gained in the last thirty years leads one to the discovery that there is a definite trend toward emphasis of the social sciences over the pure sciences. More and more an enlightened view of the problems facing man is becoming necessary. Nowhere can a more intelligent key to the situation be found than in the field of social science. Here ever) phase of the relationships of man are viewed impartially, technically. and fully—i.e. scientifically. Without at least a basic knowledge of the social studies, citizens cannot lx? intelligent voters. A doctor, though he saves many lives, is not beneficial to his community or to himself if his unenlightened vote helps to elect an unscrupu’ous candidate. He has an obligation to society to find out about and to help cure “sick” issues and “sick candidates, just as he has an obligation to help sick jx ople. If we do not recognize the obligation to study issues and to vote intelligently, then our democracy is seriously imperilled. To safeguard ourselves against the empty promises of (Kiliticians and the glib but subtle propaganda of newspapers, we must study the social sciences. If we are familiar with our own as well as foreign history, we have a concrete basis for evaluating present historical trends; if we understand the sociological structures of our institutions and the processes of social change, we arc less likely to lx perplexed by recent social changes; if we know economic laws and the problems of economics, we can lx tter judge the financial projects of our government: and if we know the intricacies of |x litica! science, all the rigmarole of party politics becomes greatly simplified, and we are free to judge issues and candidates objectively. Heading the history department of the University of Miami is I)r. Harold E. Briggs. Other faculty members are Dr. J. Paul Reed, associate professor of sociology: Dr. Robert K. McXicoll. assistant professor of Latin American History and Institutions; Mr. Paul E. Eckel, instructor in history: Mr. Robert B. Downes, instructor in history; and Mr. Ernest McCracken, instructor in economics and political science. Inevitably any progress of the University will carry with it the growth of the social science curriculum; looking ahead, one can almost sec. or at least predict, the expansion of the social studies toward broader opportunities for the undergraduate in planning his college courses — always with that ultimate goal of preparing the student to solve his problems today and to meet the even more difficult situations of tomorrow. 123]

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Social Science faculty: Krlxtlv Downrs. Reed, Eckel. McCracken politics necessitate a thorough knowledge of principles and operations of political science by the student as well as the present citizenry. Students need to leave their colleges and universities with clear, logical thinking and a sound public opinion which only the facts and principles of political science can provide. The functional method is used in the presentation of the course with students participating in class discussions and research. Comparisons of the early documents of the American government and the present: the philosophy of the past and present in Europe, is done by the students independently. Having a twofold purpose, this method trains students in individual political thought and builds a critical attitude toward propaganda. Extensive consideration is given to the processes and mechanisms of the state, its fundamental character, origin, nature, and attributes. The administration, formation, and inteq retation of public law is presented with the appreciation of the corresponding rights, services, and obligations. The operation of our national and local governments the states and municipalities -aims to give the students an idea of how we are governed, the scope of the increased services, and the voter's position in the scheme. At present political science is in the School of business Administration with a number of excellent allied courses 'offered to the students of political science. Because of the trend of world events, it is to be expected more emphasis will be given to such subjects as comparative government and world politics.- Mary Reed SOCIOLOGY Dr. Harold K. Briggs, of the history department, who gave a few courses in sociology for several years, was instrumental in establishing sociology as an independent department this year. Through sociology the entire group of social sciences are coordinated; bringing together history, political science, economics, and psychology, sociology forms a perspective of social interaction. Consistent with the growth of the University is this year’s addition of the sociology department, in which students may now earn a minor. Not only is it possible to study a local field, but one that has barely been touched. An initial service to ihe department will be the gathering of data by the students and faculty, while Greater Miami has voiced an enthusiastic welcome to this addition to the curriculum. Professional social workers see the University as a vital factor in the preparatory service of opening this field of social science. In the introduction of all courses. Dr. J. Paul Reed emphasizes the attempt to maintain the scientific ideal of an unbiased treatment. He encourages his students to make their own evaluation and form their own |)crsj ectives. With this in mind, principles and theories are presented in a systematic attempt to account for social organization, exposing the student to an organized survey of the thought and research in each field. It is now possible to enroll in an introductory course each semester, the only requirement being sophomore standing. This course presents an insight into social situations with observations made on social groups, (CONTINUED ON PAGE 199) [25]