University of Northern Iowa - Old Gold Yearbook (Cedar Falls, IA)

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DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SCIENCE The Department of Social Science, since its organization in 1922, includes three major lines of study, history, gov- ernment, and economics and sociology. While history claims a majority of the major, the total enrollment is well dis- tributed in the three fields. These so- cial studies are concerned with the in- terests and problems of society which are of utmost importance to every indi- vidual. The underlying purpose of these studies is to develop clear think- ing upon our social, political, and eco- nomic problems. The increasing com- plexity and rapidity of change in our social institutions makes specific instruc- tion increasingly necessary to enable the individual to adjust himself to new situations constantly arising and to co- operate in securing maximum progress for the individual and the group. The social studies should enable youthful citizens to discover their places in organ- ized society and to function efficiently for its improvement. Good citizenship in a democracy requires a broad understanding of social relations and institutions, and the lack of such understanding constitutes the greatest obstacle to social progress today. Merle R. Thompson Head 22

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DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH There are three chief purposes of the English department in this college. In the first place, it is desired that students acquire while in college a more exten- sive and accurate knowledge of our na- tive language and literature than they would probably acquire in a much longer period of time outside of school: more, perhaps, than most people, without a college education, acquire in a whole lifetime. Secondly, we attempt to set up and maintain a higher standard of accuracy, fitness, and effec- tiveness in both speaking and writing English than that which usually pre- vails in life outside of the college. Our graduates should be skillful in the use of English that will unquestionably win the approval of educated people in any community. How can they, otherwise, be exemplars for the children of such people? Finally and chiefly, we en- deavor by example and precept to sug- gest how children in the public schools may be taught to appreciate the value of English literature in the enrichment of their lives and also the range, power, flexibility, and beauty of their mother tongue in the expression of their thoughts and feelings in all phases of their experience. S. A. Lynch Head Top Row—Halvorson, Tuttle. Lambertson. Fagan. Buxhnum. Middle Row—Brindley. Terry. Lambert, Sorenson. Slattery. Bottom Row—Holden. Strayer, Lynch. Berkstresser. Holmes. I btent—Miss Rohlf. 21

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DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS AND COMMERCIAL EDUCATION I Mathematics Mathematics occupies a prominent place among the physical sciences be- cause of its basic nature and its use in establishing definite relationships with the world about us. In the courses offered by this division of the department are found both pure and applied mathematics as demanded by the best educational procedure. The objectives are knowledge of es- sential subject matter, appreciation of mathematics as a part of a liberal edu- cation. habits of efficient dealing with problem situations and skill in computa- tion and in the use of mathematical language. We consider the attainment of these objectives essential to the success of the teachers of mathematics for whom the courses are planned. II Commercial Education Commercial Education deals with subjects which increase people's ability in selling, management, and control. There are two general groups. The first group is specialized or vocational, and includes subjects like shorthand, typewriting, penmanship, and bookkeeping, in which we aim to teach students to do specific things. The second group is gen- eral or non-vocational and includes subjects such as commercial law, history of commerce, and business organization. Top Rote—Condit. Wester, Cummins, Skar, Mach. Daugherty. Bottom Row—Lambert. Gatlin. Davis. Myers. Watson. 23