Valparaiso High School - Valenian Yearbook (Valparaiso, IN)

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HISTORY. NE of the most important subjects taught in any school is that of History. In the Valparaiso High School this subject is taught by a very competent and efficient teacher, Miss Min- nie McIntyre. History as it is taught in this school is divided into three periods and requires four terms of work. The first age is the Ancient Age and two terms are needed for the study of this age. Only one term each is needed for the study of the Mediaeval and Modern Ages. Ancient History is the study of the beginning, growth and decline of the great civilizations of antiquity. These civilizations are namely, Egypt, Mesopotamia, Syria, Greece and Rome. The Mediaeval age commences with the downfall of the old Empire in the fifth century and the age is marked by the individualism of the German modified by the Roman, which makes an age of stormy and conflicting ideas. Out of this age grows the Modern age which rests politically upon a combination of the German and Roman principles. This is an outline of the work covered in the tw r o years, but of course the history of different countries is studied in detail, within these wide boundaries. Along with the study of the text-book, however, the pupil gets a good idea of the history which is being made at the present time, for one day a -week is given for the specializing along lines of social, eco- nomic, political and constitutional fields and also in those of art, liter- ature and science because as history grows in complexity the increasing importance of these special fields is recognized. BLANC T1 E W I L 1 A A MSON. ENGLISH HISTORY. 1NGLISH -Hjstory, a subject of interest and importance, was added to the Scientific course this year. Seniors in the Latin course are also eligible and the fourth year people compose almost half of the class. The work, which is under the direc- tion of Miss Beck, goes hand in hand with the work in the English department, and thus while the student is gaining a thorough knowledge of the history of England, he is also laying a firmer founda- tion for the study of the English language and literature. By the addition of this study there are now six history classes daily; four in Ancient and Modern History, and one in American, and it is possible that sometime there will be a regular History course in the work of the High School. WILLIAM JONES.

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23 tulge gained from these ancient authors is of great benefit to the modern world. The study of Latin enables one to become a more fluent talker and writer, and it also increases one’s vocabulary to a great extent. Latin also makes the study of modern languages much easier — for Latin is the foundation to the French, Italian, Portugese and Spanish languages. But still you may call Latin a “dead language.” Even if it is dead, Latin still leaves a memory and influence behind it, just as the memory of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln remains in the hearts of the American people. MAURICE ELLIS, ’13. THE SCIENTIFIC DEPARTMENT. HE remark is often made, especially by the members of the lower classes in the high school that, “if you want a snap take the scientific course.” A snap is generally considered as something which can be easily mastered, and therefore not beneficial. But it is not so, science is not a snap, as the mean- ing of the word is frequently understood. It requires harder applica- tion and develops the reasoning powers as very few other subjects do, and in doing this it also helps us in our other branches of work. As the scientific department is established in our high school, the first year’s course consists of one term’s work of physical geography and in the second term two periods each day of either Domestic Art or Domestic Science for the girls and Manual Training for the boys. In the second year, Biology is studied. It consists of short studies in Zoology, Physiology and Botany. This study brings us close to nature and has a practical application in everyday life. Chemistry, which consists of three recitation and four laboratory periods a week, is studied in the third year. The laboratory experi- ments are especially interesting. They develop the powers of observa- tion and tend to produce an accuracy on the part of the student. In the fourth year the first principles of Physics are studied. The study of mechanics and electricity, both theoretical and practical, are interest- ing and beneficial. This study does the most to develop the reasoning powers and it will be found to be beneficial whether we continue our studies in one of the higher institutions or step immediately out into the world. The scientific course has flourished this year under the efficient management of Mr. Blue, and I am sure that all the graduates who are finishing the course under him feel that his help and influence will not soon be forgotten. BESSIE BUSHORE.

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COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT. HE Commercial department of the Valparaiso High School consists of three divisions, Phonography, Typewriting, and Bookkeeping. The system used for Phonography is that of Isaac Pit- man, an Englishman, who invented and published it in 1837. Iu the past half century this art has entered the field of business and revolutionized the whole method of business correspondence. This branch consists entirely of the practice of business forms, general office and practical work, reading printed phonography and speed dictation. One who takes a thorough course in this subject will, at the same time, acquire a considerable knowledge of English. Such a course will en- courage close attention, and will compel prompt decision and instant action. These are elements of the highest educational value. Phonog- raphy is very helpful even in private use and with sufficient study is easily mastered. The touch system is the method used in Typewriting and it is con- sidered the best system along that line, as it enables one to write much faster, keeping his eyes upon his notes while transcribin g them upon the machine. The students are taught the mechanical parts of the machine, which is essential to every stenographer. Accuracy first, and then speed are the two important factors of Typewriting. It includes the copying of legal forms, letters, envelope addressing, and tabulating work. Dictation is given personally to each pupil, enabling him to write from forty to sixty words a minute. Typewriting is the most practical thing in the whole field of education and it is growing more in demand every day. The course in Bookkeeping is, perhaps, less extensive than the others, but is such as to give the student the knowledge of accounting, besides the practice of keeping a systematic record of business trans- actions, and the state of the business in which they occur. The teacher, Miss Young, has had extensive business experience, and is therefore especially competent to have charge of this department. LIIISE ROESSLER, —