University of Nebraska Kearney - Blue and Gold Yearbook (Kearney, NE)

Page 30 text:

Ar IF Ki B5 IS r. N. ANDERSON, B. S. ETTA BROWN, M. Di. HISTORY AND CIVICS THE department of history includes history, civics, and economics. The funda- mental idea thruout is to teach teachers how to teach these subjects in the grades and high schools of Nebraska, The needs of rural, town, and city schools have been considered in planning the various courses. The complete equipment of the teacher for his work is aimed at knowledge of the nature of history, civics, and economics. Knowledge of the ends to be sought in teaching nr studying each of these for any given subject; knowledge of the facts pertaining to this subject; knowledge of the materials to be used; and knowledge of the methods and devices for attaining the ends sought. History is taught with the central idea that the present is the product of the past.” History that is not made to explain the present and help solve its problems is not worth the teaching. Conversely, the present s viewed in the light of the past, as an effect from it, united to it, and dependent upon it. Knowledge of the past makes clearer the view of the present, and more intelligent the plan- ning for progress in the future. Civics is taught similarly. The present; and one's surroundings are kept in mind always and the subject is studied with a view to a better understanding of one's duties and opportunities as a citizen, now and here. As current events are used in history at all times, so society in its community phases is kept in the foreground in civics. In Economics the society in which we live is again used as a laboratory Tor investigation, classification, and interpretation. The aim is to show the every day value or the subject, not only in one’s private affairs, but in his community relations also. [28]

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EMMA E HANTHOHN. A. 13, MATHEMATICS T,HE value to anyone of a thoro course in Mathematics is beyond question, it is therefore especially valuable to teachers, who go forth as leaders and directors of the young. No subject, except the use of the mother Longue, so intimately connected with the affairs of everyday life and so necessary to the successful conduct of everyday affairs as Mathematics. Thoroneas in arithmetic is essential and this matter has been carefully con- sidered in planning our courses. Accuracy, rapidity, and neatness are the watch- words. Our courses in higher mathematics are planned to strengthen the teacher's ability in ihe lower work, to broaden the view, and to serve various practical and cultural purposes. To this end are offered various courses in Arithmetic, Algebra. Geometry. Trigonometry, Analytics, Calculus and Methods. Throughout all the work emphasis is placed on careful, thoughtful reading, thus understanding directions given; the picking out of essentials; properly repre- senting what is given or set forth: arranging these essential features in clear, neat, logical order and drawing proper conclusions therefrom. By proper comparisons students are led lo see how this kind of training is applied in other studies and to the various affairs or problems of one’s life. Not only the mastery of subject matter and its applications are emphasized but also the various methods of presenting these matters. Special attention is given to this side of the work in the Methods Class. Enroll with us and we assure von full value in return for all the energy you in vest.

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LULA E. WIKT. A. B. THE LATIN DEPARTMENT THE Latin. Department has been one of the active departments of the institution since its foundation in 1905. An appreciation of the cultural and practical values of Latin is evinced b.v the interest and the earnestness of the students enrolled in this department. Four years of college Latin are offered besides special courses in Mythology and Latin Methods. Each course has its specific aim. but the relation of the English and Latin is emphasized in all. A grammatical and rhetorical study of the Latin sentence both simplifies and clarifies the English sentence. A knowledge of Latin derivations lends added interest to word study and helps purify the native language. The classics always inspire a taste for good literature. Thru Caesar's vivid descriptions of his campaigns we learn much concerning the life and customs of the Roman people. The oratory of Cicero, as well as his information of Roman law is everywhere felt in the modern world. No message can be greater than that of Virgil’s in his account of willingness to sacrifice personal happiness for the sake of common good. The Aeueld abounds in deeds of courage, honesty and loyalty. Similar literary values are found in all advanced work. Besides the great values in English and literary lines, Latin is the foundation of modern Romance languages and is a great assistance in the every day business and professional world. In order to supplement the regular work, and to develop and broaden teachers, a Latin Club is maintained thru student organization. The aim of the department in every phase of the work is to train teachers for true service in the High Schools of our stale. 129]