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

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

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 29 text:

THE DEPARTMENTS THE department of elementary education, which consists of primary, intermediate, and grammar grades, requires two years of attendance for graduation. The primary department prepares teachers for grades one to three inclusive. The intermediate department prepares teachers for grades from four to six. and the grammar department gives preparation for the seventh and eighth grades. One of the advances made in elementary education during the last few years is the course leading to the bachelor's degree in education which is now given at River Falls. In the junior high school department each student is required to prepare to teach two related subjects. Students who have completed a three-year course and who should decide to work on toward their bachelor's degree can complete their work for a degree in one year and a summer school. A very complete training school system has been organized which provides facilities for practice teaching and experimentation in the various types of schools. Two hundred twenty-five pupils are enrolled in the campus training school. A new training school building was completed in 1927. adding much to this department. Practice teaching is conducted in the River Falls City High School and other adjacent high schools under the general supervision of the members of the College staff. A Smith-Hughes department of agriculture is maintained in the high school under the direction of the college department of agriculture. This department is utilized fully for observation and practice teaching by senior students preparing for work in the Smith-Hughes high schools. The department for training rural teachers is now supplying a large portion of the teachers for rural schools in the territory surrounding River Falls. The college has two rural courses, enabling students to take either the one or two year course. The school also maintains four one-room rural schools which are used for observation and practice work. Dean Irma hathorn Twiniy.ihi«r