Weber State University - Acorn Yearbook (Ogden, UT)

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The ACORN 19 17 Department of History and Government The PHILOSOPHY of social rela- tions is one of the most ancient com- ponents of human wisdom. The story of the development of these social relations, the evolution of society into its present institutions, falls into the province of history. The history courses this year have given an intensive survey of European, American, and British history, establish- ing in the minds of the students a more exact conception of the past, and insur- ing: a finer type of citizenship. Society cannot survive without organ- ization. or government, and government cannot function in a beneficial way unless it is founded upon an intelligent, respon- sive citizenry, which forms the seat of sovereignity. This citizenry should be familiar with the external characteristics and the problems of the governing insti- tutions of the state. The safest and sur- est preparation for the proper solution of these problems is through an intelli- gent study of Political Science. In direct alignment with this purpose the courses of this year have attempted to familiarize the students with the mechanism, functions, problems and their solutions of our government. ] he Library UNDER the direction of Eva Brown- ing the Weber College library has developed into one of the finest among those of Rocky Mountain Junior Colleges. During the summer of 1926 the entire library, consisting of about 7000 volumes, was transposed to larger quarters adjoining the study hall. Two rooms were utilized, a small one in which church books and peridocials were placed, and a large room in which other books were arranged. In the main hall several hundred reference books and classic peri- odicals were shelved in new steel cabi- nets. All of these books, including those of the novel library, have been completely re-classified, and a new filing system in their connection has been established. A valuable addition to the library is a group of books pertaining to the department of English language and literature, a num- ber of Church books, and the ’27 library contribution by the Sophomore class. Books which may be borrowed from the library are concerned with almost Weber ol . . any field of art and science, That by have an appreciation for the opportunities therein offered is evidenced tnt Popularity of the Weber College library.

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The ACORN 19 17 Department of T.ducation and Psychology THE DEPARTMENT of Education emphasizes the necessity of a thorough professional edu- cation for every candidate seeking a teaching certificate. As a basis for that training it urges the broad and liberal non-professional, or general education. The special courses of this depart- ment, which follow, are designed to acquaint the student with the child and the processes by which it learns, as well as to equip the student with the subject matter to be taught and with a working knowledge of the most economical and effective ways of presenting it. Since teaching is essentially a personal process involving intimate relationships, personal qualities and attitudes are stressed in every course. Professor VVinsor, with Professor Stark, consti- tuted a most efficient teaching force in this de- partment for 1926-27. Both with their own marked personality, have conveyed, to those privi- leged to engage in study under their direction, the desire, by intelligent application of knowledge, to elevate teaching standards. Department of Sociology EVERY subject taught in an educational institution must stand the rigid test of its worth to society before being admitted to the curriculum. No study is of value to a student per se. It is valuable only in so far as its ultimate aim is to prepare him to live with his fellow men. The basic purpose of a depart- men of Sociology in any school is to enable the students to under- stand society and then to formulate a scientific program for social bet- terment. The department of Soci- ology in Weber is progressing very creditably toward this desired goal. The courses in this subject are divided into four main divisions: a study of the general principles of Sociology, a study of the family as a social and educational institution, social pathology, a study of the ills a study of the ills of society, social pathology and adolescense, a study of child training. As part of the regular work each year, the stu- dents visit the following social in- stitutions: the State Mental Hospital. State Prison, State Industrial School, School for the Deaf and Blind, and the Children’s Healh Clinic. The field of Sociology is one of continuous laboratory work. Wherever the student may turn, he is always confronted with definite social problems which he must event- ually help to solve.

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The ACORN 19 2.7 Department of English Language and Litcratun INDIVIDUALITY is definitely chai ac ter istic of the English departmen of Weber College. Under the wise an able leadership of Aaron W. Tracj assisted by Mr. Leland Monson, Mis Marian T. Read and Mr. Joseph Jarvis English language and literature corn ses have attained an admirable statu of efficiency. In harmony with a general aim of th school, the classes have been considera bly limited in enrollment, so that stu dents might be accorded the benefit o individual attention and their abilitie developed correspondingly. It is like wise an aim of the department to pro vide special opportunities and experi ence, in connection with college publica tions, for especially talented students. Courses in English and America} literature, in Freshmen composition, ii public speaking, and in expository writ ing, are listed in the department cur riculum. The methods pursued in th composition classes are comparable t those of no other school. That the English language is beinf effectively and consistently taught i: evident from the type of work therewith accomplished. The Department of Language ALTHOUGH the ultimate aim of language study is not always specifically defined, that its general cultural and educational value and its value as an aid in better understanding our own language is enough to warrant its re- quirement is expected. An unusual system was instituted this year in the language department through the pur- chase of several dictaphones. Both for the de- velopment of a purer accent and for the at- tainment of more fluent expression the use of this machine is unrivalled. As head of the department Professor Thomas is well-fitted, since he has had several years of travel among foreign countries and consequent association with the people whose languages he teaches. This year several students have aided Professor Thomas in this department. Their work is demonstrative of the excellent instruction which they have received at Weber College. During the Spring quarter Miss Eleanor Emmett, language instructor at the Central Junior High, has taken charge of Mr. Thomas’ French Class, since he has been studying in Paris. [30]