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

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ALMA HOSIC, R. Ed.. A. M. GERMAN THE study of any foreign language affords the culture that comes from contact with new people, new en- vironment, new ideals. It helps to develop citizens with world-wide interests and sym- pathies. A reading knowledge of German is the key to some of the world's best products in education, philosophy, med- icine. music, and literature. Such a knowl- edge of German is indispensible for one who would become a specialist in any of these lines. He who studies a foreign language has a much better understanding of his own language. This is especially true of English and German since inflection and a generous per cent, of the vocabulary of both languages have a common great.grand- mother, the Teutonic language. No other foreign language is more practical for us since we can use it so advantageously with our German-speaking neighbors. Such a practical command of German is acquired through a sane use of the direct method; making the spoken word the basis of all work, using German words as thought symbols, forming German language habits. Four years of German or 36 hours, is the minimum requirement for students who are preparing to teach it. Many who go out have had five years. The children of the training school may begin German in the fifth grade and carry it thru the tenth grade. This affords abundant and varied opportunity for practice in teaching German both in the grades and in the high school. The six years of German offered are elective for all students who are eligible for college work. Two years of secondary German is given to meet the language entrance requirements. The chief aim of the first and second years is a good foundation for further appreciative study and use thru a proper correlation of grammar, composition, conversation, reading, and translation. Classical literature predominates in the third year. The fourth year is professional, including Methods in Teaching German. In the firth year we read modern dramas. The sixth year is devoted to the study of the History of German Literature, The fifth and sixth years alternate. Every available means is used to create a German atmosphere. The kind of reading, maps, postcards, lantern slides, plays, games, songs, and dramatization all contribute much toward “das Spniehgefnhl.” The German Club is an invaluable aid in giving life and color to the work of the class room. r oi

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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]

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PHYSICAL SCIENCE THE Department of Chemistry and Physics was organized with the establishment of the school in 1905. At that time, its quarters consisted of three small rooms: two for laboratories and one for recitation. These rooms are now used by the Home Economics for kitchen and dining room. Apparatus and equi; - ment were conspicuous for their absence, There was not even so much a a hammer or a bottle of aqua ammonia belonging to the department hilt we were abundantly supplied with phenomena for study in the form of a humming buzz saw, the ring of the workman’s hammer, the strong northwest wind blowing thru a windowless building or the hissing tractor which so kindly furnished the heat during those chilly November days. You can but imagine the satisfaction and pride that came with the firsi shipment of supplies that arrived In January of that first year carefully tucked away on the floor in the south-east corner of that first recita- tion room. Today, the department uses the entire third floor of the south wing and has at its disposal two well equipped chemical laboratories, two phyies laboratories which are commodious and well lighted, photometry laboratory, balance and reference room, store rooms, shop and preparation room and a well lighted, convenient lecture room and office. The apparatus and equipment is modern and additions are being made constantly as the needs of a steadily growing department demahd. The courses offered by the department touch every grade of school work in Nebraska.—the rural school, the grades and the high school. The courses in 131]