University of Wisconsin River Falls - Meletean Yearbook (River Falls, WI)

Page 27 text:

THE DEPARTMENTS THE science department includes courses ranging from elementary nature study and field biology to plant pathology and vertebrate zoology. In the physical sciences a thorough study of all forms of chemistry and physics is included in the curriculum. The laboratories of the science department are completely equipped, ranking among the best in the Northwest. including laboratories for chemistry, physics, biology, bacteriology and general science. Offered to the majors and minors in the mathematical field, besides the fundamental subjects, are many courses in advanced mathematics. This makes it possible for engineering students to secure nearly all their mathematics requirements while taking their preparatory training here. The social sciences, their nature, their purpose and scope, their interrelation, and the teaching of them are introduced in the course of study. Thirty-two courses are offered in this department, making it possible to matriculate in practically any field of social science, including history. American and European, political science, economics, or sociology. One of the features of the history department is the flexibility of the course afforded for transferring students. Especially is this true for the students taking preparatory work for the study of law. In the department of agriculture a very extensive course is offered. In addition to the four year curricula, it paves the way for a wide field of other professional work. The college maintains a 240-acre farm in connection with this department, enabling students to secure actual experience along with their training. As many of the agricultural teachers must organize and conduct community fairs, organize boys and girls clubs, and do various kinds of extension work, it is the aim of the department to have its students actually participate in these activities. President J- h. Ames

Page 26 text:

THE DEPARTMENTS THE foundation of any school is as strong and firm as its departments. Within the last five years there has been a gradual expansion of the course of study in the major departments at the River Falls State Teachers College. With these enlargements one is now able to secure a major or a minor in any one of the following departments: English, science, mathematics, social science, agriculture, mechanics, education, language, art and music. Regent J. H. Grimm A recent investigation of high school teaching conditions in the state shows that more than eighty per cent of the teachers in the high schools are actually teaching more than one line of subject matter. This is particularly true of the schools in that part of the state served by the River Falls Teachers College. The teaching force in these high schools is limited in number and it is necessary for each teacher to handle several lines of work. In view of these conditions extreme specialization is avoided in the curricula for high school teachers. Each student pursues one major and one minor line of subject matter. The major in science is not restricted to one particular science, as chemistry or biology, but must include at least a year’s work each in biology, chemistry, and physics. The same policy is followed in English, history, and other lines. In addition to being able to secure a major and a minor, the various departments fulfill all requirements and provide excellent preparatory training for medicine, law, engineering, and business. The English curriculum opens large fields of study to English majors and minors. The English department gives one not only a very thorough development in rhetoric, but also a comprehensive background in dramatics, experience in journalism, and a very complete study of the various aspects of literature. In connection with this line of study the college sponsors debate, oratory, and extemporaneous speaking. Twtmt

Page 28 text:

THE DEPARTMENTS IN connection with the agricultural department is the department of mechanics. A new. modern mechanic arts building was completed in 1930. offering preparatory training for students majoring in shop work. Since 1930 enough additional courses have been added, so that one may minor in mechanic arts. The study of the modern languages is another field open to students of River Falls. To the student who desires to minor in language, beginning courses are offered in French. German. Latin, and. if there is sufficient demand for it. Spanish. The music department of the River Falls State Teachers College offers many special advantages to the musically inclined academic student. He may carry on his music activities both in private lessons and in class work. He may minor in instrumental and vocal music and have active membership in the college band, girls' band, male chorus, and a capella chorus, and the college orchestra. In the art department all courses are planned to give an understanding and appreciation of the fundamental principles of art, skill in execution, and ability to develop such attitude and skill in children. A minor is offered in art to students who complete the requirements of the department. The aims and ideals of education as an institution in present day society, a comparative study of early contributions and the rise and development of modern systems of education comprise the introductory material in the educational curricula. Both the education and the psychology departments combine to equip the student teacher with a knowledge of child welfare and reaction that will carry him successfully through practice teaching and future teaching. In co-ordination with this department a four year course for principals and supervisors is offered, the purpose of this course being to train students for principalships and county supervisory positions. Dean Charles G. Stratton Twntyiw