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The University Courier.
with especial attention to the subject of invention.
(4) . A Teacher's Course in Composition and Criticism, in which the art is developed in relation to its special phases and their history. Methods of teaching are discussed; and the student, on completing the course, is prepared to teach composition intelligently.
The other "sub-department," that of English Literature proper, offers courses that are intended to deepen and broaden the knowledge of our literature already obtained in the courses of Freshman and Sophomore years. The courses begin with the Elizabethan literature, and are as follows:
(1) . A course in Bacon and Milton, consisting of a critical study of the Essays or philosophical works of the former, and of the poetry of the latter. The course covers a whole term, with recitations daily.
(2) . The work in Shakespeare extends through the year, three plays being read each term. The aim is to show with especial vividness and power the inner motives of the characters in the great dramas, and to lead the student to analyze for himself these most wonderful works in our literature. The course is conducted chiefly by lectures and interpretations of the text, with essays by the students upon characters in the plays.
(3) . A course in the English Literature of the Nineteenth Century, in which the great poets and prose writers of our modern literary period are widely and carefully read, the student being directed and aided in his work by frequent lectures.
(4) . American Literature is felt to have a claim upon the students in our schools; and here in the State University opportunity is given to pursue a thorough and philosophic study of American authors.
(5) . A course in the History of the Drama is given each year by lectures by the instructors in Greek, Latin, English, French and German.
From sophomores are required, each term, three themes of one thousand words each; and from Juniors and seniors four argumentative essays, or forensics, are required, two each term.
The attempt is made by this department to ground the student thoroughly in the language and literature of his country, and to inspire him to further and higher work therein during his after life.
HISTORY AND SOCIOLOGY.
The study of history and sociology in the University of Kansas is carried on by two departments, i.e. that of history and sociology, with two instructors, and that of American history and civics, with one instructor. This division into departments does not, however, prevent the practical union in the general organization of the work, so that in the twenty-three courses offered by these two departments the student is really free to arrange his work so as to get the benefit of both. The work in these departments was, until the present academic year, entirely optional, and was then open to the Seniors and Juniors, but not to Sophomores and Freshmen. This year a change has been made by which English History while still open to upper classmen, is also made a Sophomore optional, the intention being to provide a thorough knowledge of the history of England, so that this may serve as a basis for more thorough study in American and general European history. With this exception the work belongs entirely to the Senior and Junior years.
The total number of courses offered in history and sociology is twenty-three, of which seven are given by the department of American history and civics, and sixteen by that of history and sociology. Of these, fifteen are properly historical courses and eight are courses in sociology. The historical courses cover general American history, American constitutional history, general European history, institutional history, and the history of some few particularly important epochs in the development of nationalities.
The courses in sociology are merely confined to what are known as the general economic studies, with a few special courses on special subjects, as, for example, that on Sociology, including charities and corrections.