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

Page 25 text:

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 majors, 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 in- dividual. 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 in- struction increasingly necessary to en- able the individual to adjust himself to new situations constantly arising and to co-operate in securing maximum prog- ress for the individual and the group. The social studies help us to discover our place in organized society and to function more efficiently for its improvement. Good democracy requires a broad understanding of social relations and institutions, and the lack of such understanding constitutes the greatest obstacle to social progress today. The teaching staff of the Department includes M. R. Thompson, Ph. D., University of Iowa; Sara M. Riggs. B. L., University of Michigan: Mary B. Hunter, M. A., University of Chicago: W. L. Wallace, M. A.. University of Minnesota; G. C. Robinson. Ph. D., Harvard University: C. H. Erbe, Ph. D., University of Iowa; F. W. Wellborn, Ph. D., University of Wisconsin: R. R. Fahrney, Ph. D., University of Chicago: M. R. Beard. Ph. D.. University of Wisconsin: and.R. W. Harbeson, Ph. D., Harvard University. M. R. Thompson Head

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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION It is the aim of the Department of Education to acquaint students with the techniques of instruction and with the psychology and philosophy underlying the educative process. In order to fur- ther this aim. courses are offered in psy- chology; in methods of instruction, su- pervision and administration in the history of educational movements; and in methods of measuring pupil prog- ress. As education moves forward to take on the aspects of an exact science, it is imperative that every teacher be- come imbued with the scientific attitude. Since the lack of such an attitude can not help but bring criticism of the pro- fession and of the persons engaged in teaching, this Department feels that anything which it can do in the devel- ppment of a professional consciousness (Is of great importance. The members of the Department of Education are aware that their chief function is to help students to equip thefnselves with the fundamental skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for sd cessful teaching. It is toward the attainment of this end that most of their efforts are directed. They are also aware of their responsibility for the extension of knowledge as to what consti- tutes the best procedures in education. For this reason members of the staff are engaged in making studies of various types which have for their aim the improvement of teaching in the elementary school, in the high school, or in the college. Such studies serve to stimulate them in professional growth and in re- newed interest in the problems of the profession. M. R. Nelson Head

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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 knowledge of our native language and literature than they would probably acquire in a much longer period outside of school. Secondly, we attempt to set up and maintain a higher standard of accuracy, fitness, and effectiveness in both speaking and writing English thbn that which usually prevails in life out- side the college. Finally and chie y, we endeavor by example and precept fo suggest how children in public schools may be taught to appreciate the value of English literature in the enrichment of their lives and also the range, pow- er, flexibility, and beauty of the mother tongue in the expression of their thoughts and feelings in all phases of their existence. Recently the Department has added new work in Journalism, Speech Cor- rection. Scene Construction, and Stage Lighting. For the first two of these, new and well-equipped offices have been provided. The teacher in Journalism has general oversight of all college student publications, and he is also director of the college Publicity Bureau, the Alumnus,’’ and special bulletins. A Drama Shop covering the entire basement of the auditorium, a make-up room, and a costume room, all fully equipped, provide opportunity for practical ex- perience in the technique of play production. With these added facilities, the Department offers work that will prepare English and Speech majors for all the duties they may be called upon to per- form as teachers of these lines of work in the public schools.