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

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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]

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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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. . . a symposium on Pan-American ideas, many of them based on events that have taken place in the University this year. In December Miss Gabriela Mistral, one of the most outstanding women in Latin-America was the guest of l)r. and Mrs. Ashe at Grant House. Dr. J. R. Owre has written the following article about her and her works.—M. C. Gabriela Mistral is undoubtedly the foremost poetess now writing in Spanish. Her work is distinguished by what I might call a profound and intimate, and yet delicate, emotion. Like many Spanish-American writers. her work is full of fantasy, and yet this fantasy is never superficial, but rather, a fantasy whose roots lie deep in the sincerity of her soul. She writes of many subjects, but she prefers especially the common experiences of life, and these almost always come from her pen transfused by the poetess’ imagination into something strange and wonderful. Her work, in effect, represents a new phase in Spanish-American poetry—a realization of the value of the ordinary things of human experience. Too often Spanish and Spanish-American poets have sought the exotic and unusual as subjects for their works, but not so with Gabriela Mistral. Senorita Mistral’s work is known and loved by all who know the Spanish language. She has built for herself an enviable reputation as a poetess; and she has also become distinguished in many countries throughout the world as a diplomatic representative of her native land, Chile. For sixteen years she has represented her country in many other countries and in many capacities from consul to minister and ambassador at large, and emissary of good-will. Her work and her personality are strongly influenced by the Indian heritage that is hers and her country’s. This element represents one of the most important trends in the Hispanic-American life of our century the gradually growing realization that all the components of Hispanic-American civilization have a part in its tradition, and may make their contribution to its future growth.—J. Riis Owre OUR PA. -AMERICAN FUTURE Consuls of the Latin American countries at Miami, foresee the future of the University of Miami in its relation to the growth of Pan-Americanism and the economic evolution of the deep South. In order to know what the representatives of the Latin nations think about the possibilities of our institution. they were asked appropriate questions. 1'he questions were arranged by weighing the advantages of Miami as the crossroad between the Americas, the present trends in the western hemisphere, and the potent ial value of the University of Miami in the development of international good will. The reporter interviewed the several consuls and obtained their opinions as the voice of the countries which they represent. —M.C. Agency for Personal Contacts Mr. Howard Brown, Consul of Panama, and District Director of the National Youth Administration in Miami: Question: What will be the place of the University of Miami in the promising economic evolution of the South especially in connection with the growth of Pan-Americanism ? Answer: Its place must Ik that of an agency for bringing personal contents between students and professors of both continents, and for translating and interpreting Latin American philosophy of life to the average American citizen. In this University of the future, the new concept of Pan-Americanism, based upon the ‘good neighbor' policy instead of upon former diplomacies must l e the basis for teaching. With this enlightenment, the assembled youth of both continents will contribute to continental cooperation and will stimulate national policies. Forum for Intelligent Understanding Mr. Manuel Urruela, Consul of El Salvador, Central America: Question: Your additions to the discussion of Mexico in the first Winter Institute of Hispanic American Studies have been widely commented upon. What do you think about the future of these institutes in contributing toward greater intellectual comprehension among the nations of the Americas? Answer: I believe that the Winter Institute of Hispanic American Studies should have more popular ap-j eal. This may be brought about by presenting each (CONTI Nf BO ON PAOK MO I [27] I.uIkiii .otidrntik at tlM Ulllvrrulty