University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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I WILLIAM l.CLl MENTa U -fr HARKY B. HOTCHINS, LL.D ft. PRESIDENT j s ' [17]

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1911 M I CHI CAN ENS I AN Department of Literature, Science and Arts JOHN OREN REED, Ph.D., Dean Born, Xew Castle, Intl., Dec . 31, 1856. Prepared at Spiceland Academy. Entered U. o{ M. 1879. Received degree of Bachelor of Phil., 1885. Principal of New Castle, Ind., and East Saginaw High Schools. In 1891 took up graduate study at Harvard. Appointed Instructor in Physics at the University of Michigan. .Wistant Professor in 1894, and Junior Professor in 1899. Full Professor in 1895. Dean of Summer School. 1904 to 1907. Doctor of Philosophy at University of Jena in 1897. Fellow of American Association for Advancement of Science and member of American Physical Society. The department had its origin in the original act passed by the Legislature which created the Univer- sity, commonly known as the Organic Act, passed in 1837. Owing to many complications the university was not opened until September, 1841, with two pro- fessors, a librarian and six students. The department was conducted along the conventional and traditional lines until 1852, which date marks the advent of Dr. Tappan and the passing of a new act by the Legislature granting the University much greater power. Until the year 1855-56, no electives were allowed and the degree given was A.B., but with the beginning of this year the seniors were allowed to elect one-third of their work. At this time the department gave three courses. Classical, Scientific and Latin-Scientific, which led to the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy. In 1877 the department was entirely revised, and an English course was added, giving the degree of Bachelor of Letters. The elective system had progressed so far by this time that fully one-half of the studies required for the doctor ' s degree were elective. In 1882-83, the univer- sity system was introduced, with the idea of pro- ducing specialization, and more truly university work, during the junior and senior years. A pro- fessorship of Science and the Art of Teaching was established in 1883, which has developed into our present teacher ' s course and Department of Education. There is also a graduate school established in connection with this department which is under the direction of the Administrative Council appointed by the faculty. [19]