Western Michigan University - Brown and Gold Yearbook (Kalamazoo, MI)

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the department of BASIC STUDIES Western Michigan College has set a goal for the people whom it admits. That goal is that every student should have the knowledge, the techniques, and the desires to live a reflective and discriminating life. The Basic Studies program is one of the principal devices which Western has established to achieve this goal. We at Western believe that a person who expects a degree should have some knowledge, skill, and perspective with regard to the processes of communication, the social sciences, the natural sciences and humanities. These are big areas. One cannot hope to become profes- sionally competant in any of them by taking one or two courses. But the essential aim of Basic Studies is not specialized training, which is the business of professional cur- ricula. Rather, the Basic Studies program attempts to open doors and present ideas. It tries to stimulate healthy self criticism. It proposes to introduce the student to the world of pressures and changes and of endlessly varied problems, and to give some of the most important means of coping with them. £ W Dr. Robert M. Limpus, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., has just completed his tenth year at Western. Previously he had taught at Muskingum College, Michigan State College and South Dakota State College. In the administrative reorganization of July 1, 1956. Dr. Limpus became Director of Basic Studies. He is co- author of Unified English Composition and has writ- ten several articles on the teaching of grammar and composition. His Making Sense in English is cur- rently in use at Western. 29

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Seated — Miss Myrtle Powers, Frand Hinds, Dr. Harriet Bartoo, Mrs. Elaine Hurst, and Mrs. Bette Barnes. Standing — Merrill Wiseman, Lee Baker, Dr. Leo VanderBeek, Edward Reynolds, Dr. Edwin Steen, Dr. Bettina Carter, Dr. Daniel Jackson, and Miss A. Verne Fuller. the department of BIOLOGY The department of Biology offers courses in general biology, anatomy and physiology, healthful living, botany, and integrated biological fields, each designed to give students a keen precep- tion and appreciation of the delicate balance maintained by all living things, of a world of life. Aside from this general aim, the department places its main focus upon the pre-professional, teaching, and research areas. Staffed by thirteen members, the department offers summer courses and graduate work to those taking further work in the field. Dr. W. C. VanDeventer received his A.B. at the Central College of Fayette, Mo., and his Masters and Ph.D. at the University of Illinois. He came to Western in 1953 and has headed the Biology depart- ment since that time. 28

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tise department vf ART It is the belief of the Art Department that art is a living thing, meant to be enjoyed by everyone. Art has its place on campus and in the life of students, and it has always been Western ' s policy to see that the work of the individual student is recognized. Through the use of student ideas and creations, the campus has found an originality and personality of its own. Few other schools can boast of as extensive use of student talent as can Western. There are art courses designed for every type of student. Students in the various teaching curriculums find that the department offers many courses which give the student a better background in art; those who are interested in becoming professional artists find a variety of commercial and pro- fessional art courses offered ; and those who do not fit in either catagory can take courses merely for their own personal satisfaction and enjoyment. Mr. Harry Hefner received his A.B. from Western and his M.A. from Columbia University. Mr. Hefner returned to Western in 1941 as a member of the De- partment. In 1955 he assumed the capacity of Head of the Department. First row — Elaine Stevenson, Elizabeth Smutz, Lydia Siedschlag, Hazel Paden. Second row — Keith Bailey, John Kemper, Harry Hefner, Richard Bryant and Stanley Phillips. 30