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

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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]

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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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Pan Americanas '■y' he constantly increasing danger of European ec-1 onomic and political penetration in Latin America is strengthening the ties between North and Latin America and bringing a more compact solidarity in support of democratic aims in this hemisphere. Peace, commerce, and friendship are the basis for this New Pan-Americanism. No ideal can become a reality without the pioneering of the intellectuals and the illuminating help of education. In this field the University of Miami is striving to further the ideal of Pan-Americanism. We present here a symposium on Pan-American ideas, many of them based on events that have taken place in the University during the year. Their projection into the future has been also considered. Miguel Colas HISPANIC -A MERIC A X STL DIES Everyone who is acquainted with the writer knows that he has long been enthusiastic on the subject of Miami's possibilities in the field of Pan-American relations. Most people in Miami agree that this docs seem to I one way in which the University can quickly attain prominence. Yet. with all the Spanish-Americans we have had at the University in the past and all the “Latin-American Forums” we have held, we didn't seem to create any great impression in the general North American scene. We did know, however. that Miami was one of the best known American schools in parts of Latin America. The trouble was that we didn't have any permanent record of our activities and that we didn't interest enough American authorities in what we were doing. This year. I)r. J. Riis Owre and I, as co-directors of the first Winter Institute of Hispanic-Amcrican Studies did something different. We obtained the best authorities in the United States for our lecturers — people from the greatest schools and institutions in our own country, scholars who are now producing the best writings on Hispanic-America. Next, we made arrangements for the lectures to appear in printed form. From an academic standpoint, the dividends have been enormous already. Mention has been given by such publications as the Xev York Times. The South Atlantic Bulletin, The Journal of Southern History, The Chicago Tribune and many other leading newspapers and scholarly journals. This is only the beginning. When the publication of the Hispanic-American Institute is distributed to the leading libraries and journals of the country we shall definitely be in the catalogues and bibliographies of students all over the world. We shall be making a real contribution to culture because several of the lecturers, like Dr. John l ate banning of Duke University, have said that their lectures here will l e their first words in print on matters to which they have given years of study and research. The fact that such contributions to the advance of knowledge should l e made under the imprint of the University of Miami will lx a source of pride to every student who agrees with the thesis that a university is a center for the discovery ami dissemination of Truth as well as a place of training and discipline for youth. It is the opinion of the directors, based on the comments of numerous professors and leading citizens all over the United States, that the first Winter Institute of Hispanic-Amcrican Studies has been a real investment in academic prestige and a means of focussing national attention on the fact that Miami is a logical center for Hispanic-American studies and that we intend to do something about it. Robert E. Mc.Nicoll MISS CABR ELA MISTRAL There can Ik no true Pan-Americanism unless the people of both North and Latin America learn to know each other’s cultures. One way to understand the Latin-American mind is to study the lives of their great writers and their works. [26]