The New Courses in Home Economics BY EDNA D. DAY
Home economics has been introduced into the University of Kansas this year. Temporary rooms have been fitted up in the basement of Fraser hall, with the expectation that the home lovers of the state would soon see to it that in a University having several buildings devoted to the professional training of men to earn money to support homes, there should be at least one building devoted to training women to use wisely this money in the making of homes.
In the olden days all girls were trained at home in household pursuits. This practice is no longer as common as it was, nor is it under present-day conditions, as efficient a means of training for home-making as it was in the past. The old training was given not so much for the sake of the training, but because the daughter's help was needed by the mother in her work. Now that the factory has taken from the home many of its former industries, it is no longer necessary that the girls as well as the mother should give their time to the housework. As a consequence, many other interests have developed that claim the time and energy of the growing daughters, and although some mothers still, by effort, arrange to give their household training, it is not so easily nor as thoroughly done as formerly.
However, although the necessary housework is less, the knowledge needed in the proper management of the home has increased. Today there is more to learn that concerns the home and less time in which to learn it. Some short-cut process must be used. Not only is it less easy for a mother to arrange to train her daughter at home, but the changed conditions make the precepts handed down from grandmother and the experience gained by mother herself insufficient to meet the still rapidly changing conditions. A study of underlying principles does much to shorten the time needed to learn details. Moreover, only an understanding of underlying principles makes adaptations to
new conditions easily possible. Few home-makers know enough of these principles to competently teach their daughters. Moreover, it is easier for the school to do this teaching, as it has long taught language, mathematics, and science.
However, while the school can best teach general principles and must give enough practice to make principles understood, it can not in general take the time to give as much practice as the acquirement of skill demands. Here is the opportunity of the home. The girl with interest aroused and principles learned should be given an opportunity Saturday or Sunday or vacation times to acquire skill, and at the same time to give her mother a vacation.
While much can be done in the high school, until a student has had college or university work in physical, biological and social sciences, and has reached the greater maturity of college years, many of the underlying principles can not be fully grasped. In college, as well as in the lower schools, the work has special educational value because of its own inherent interest. Moreover, by its aid, all the work of a general college course planned originally for men can be made more interesting and valuable for women students.
It is not enough, however, that it should be taught in one institution of higher learning in the state. It should be taught everywhere that girls are taught. The city and town girl needs the instruction fully as much as the country girl. In fact, if there is any difference she needs it more because in general she gets less of it at home.
The work in home economies in the University includes this year a course on Foods, which is an experimental study of the principles of food selection and preparation. The illustration accompanying this article shows the class in the laboratory studying dextrin, the product formed in toasting bread and browning flour. The lesson included a study of the properties of dextrin, including experiments to
A SCENE IN THE HOME EC ONOMICS LABORATORY.
show the relative thickening properties of white and brownen flour, to be applied later in making brown gravy. Also, the members of the class were to prove experimentally that dextrin is a stage in the digestion of starch. Then they made toast in three different ways and compared the products from the standpoint of digestibility as well as flavor.
In the House course this term attention is given primarily to sanitation. The class is studying the principles of heating, lighting, ventilation and plumbing and the planning of basement, kitchen and bath room. The second term's work deals primarily with the artistic aspects and includes a study of plans for other parts of the house.
In the course on Home Administration the class is studying the principles of spending both time and money for a home. Among other things, the members of the class have made a special study of the staple groceries,the brands on the market,the chances of adulteration,and the advantages of buying in quantities.
Next year we hope to give in addition a course in dietetics, a study of the nutritive values of different foods and its application in the planning of meals to suit different economic and dietetic conditions,and a course on special problems of food preparation and dietetics.
Innes Bulline Hackman.
The Christmas Store
Dainty Hosiery Makes an Excellent Gift.
A pair or two of handsome Hose in a pretty holly box makes a Christmas remembrance that is always acceptable to either "him" or "her."
For your convenience we note below some of the special attractions in our hosiery department.
LADIES! THREAD SILK HOSE, in black only, lisle garter 50c
sole, all pure silk; price a pair
LAPEZINI, all pure silk to HOSE and plain silk lise
in black and colors. Packed three pair in a holiday box;
price per box, $1.75 and $1.80
MEN'S ALL SILK HOSE, black and colors. Come in dainty
form.
$2.99
top and side price pair
LADIES' BLACK SILK HOSE, with garter top and double $1.00
pair in a 608 baitABLE HOSE—the famous "Onyx" brand—black
MEI and solids, priced at a pair, 25c and ... 50c
pair in a box at...$3.50
MEN'S SILK LISLE HOSE—the famous "Onyx" brand—black
Also we hope to begin the study of textiles and clothing. Much of the family sewing has left the home, but the problem of a wise choice of dress goods is an ever increasing one. It is said that more money is spent every year on dress than on any other attempt at art expression, yet how few women have been taught to apply principles of art and design to dress! Some women succeed because they are born artists, but all might succeed with much less effort if they were taught aright. In our course on textiles and clothing we expect to teach the characteristics of different fibers and fabrics, their adaptation to different uses,principles of cleaning, the relation of the consumer to the textile industry and the application of art to dress.
EXCLUSIVE CHRISTMAS NOVELTIES
Appropriate gifts for every member of the family: karnak brass ware, vacuum bottles, dainty hand painted china, calendars, book racks, small mission furniture, fancy baskets, etc., at modest prices. Make it a point to see them while assortments are complete.
Only 10 more shopping days until Christmas.
We also plan to give a course on methods of teaching home economics.
Nearly fifty students are enrolled in the department for this first term, and many more are preparing to take it. It will be a very short time before our small rooms will be very much overcrowded by the young women who appreciate both the practical and the educational value of home economics.
Prof. F. W. Bushong of the chemistry department will speak before the Chemical club this afternoon. His subject will be, "How to Use the Library."
whether it might be any of the popular cold creams, Perfumes, Sachet Powders, Tooth Brushes, Taleums, Hair Brushes, Good Soap, or in fact, any article needed for the toilet such as particular people want. You can most always depend on finding it at the convenient store on the corner.
You Know Where,
CAN HELP WIN APPROPRIATION
F. B. McOCLLOCH, Druggist,
847 Mass. St.
STUDENTS SHOULD WORK
DURING HOLIDAYS.
"The Living Word of Students Better Than Letter Writing," Says Professor Carruth.
At the chapel exercises Friday morning, Vice Chancellor Carruth, who was conducting the exercises, gave a short review of the problem of the University appropriation, and urged that students spend a part of their Christmas vacation in preparing their home legislators for the coming session.
"As you probably knew," said Professor Carruth, "the state auditor has cut off some of the most important features of the University budget, in his recommendation of the legislature. Of course he has no authority to curtail appropriations, but his opinion has weight. You, as students of the University know better than anyone else what the University needs, and you may be sure that Chncellor Strong, who is very conservative, has been reasonable in his requests.
"Ninety per cent of the counties of the state are represented in this student body and your influence is wide-spread and very effective if properly wielded. All the printing and letter-writing the University can do, will not count as much toward securing the desirable result as the living word of you students.
"So I again urge upon you to make the occasion of your visit home an opportunity to talk to the legislators and influential citizens of your district, and do your part in securing for the University the appropriation as recommended by the Chancellor."
Man wanted—For steward of mixed club, to work with man at present in charge. Call 1328 O., or room 311, Chemistry bldg.
K. U. Scientists Have Renown.
"American Men of Science" is the title of a new book, copies of which have just reached the University. The University of Kansas is honored in having five of the most eminent scientists in the world, according to this book. These are Professors Bailey,Todd, Haworth, McClung, and Kester. The University is the only institution in Kansas having professors who are given places in the book.
"Hurd's Christmas stationery, toilet and manicure sets for ladies and gentlemen, at Wolf's Book Store.
K. U. View Books 33cts.
ALSO
This Week at BOYLES' 728 Mass St.
728 Mass. St.
Red Sweater Girl Posters 33 cts.
Christmas Suggestions.
Neckwear—In the new Christmas Novelities, Collars and Coat Sets; each 25c to $5.00.
Handkerchiefs—Never before were Handkerchiefs as dainty and pretty; each 10c to $5.00.
Ribbons-In all widths and shades. Printed warp, Persians and plaids; a yard 17c,25c,39c,49c.
Hosiery—Holeproof, Wayne-knit and other good makes. Many put up in pretty Christmas boxes; a pair 25c to $4.
A. D. WEAVER
Your Dollar will buy more Holiday presents at Keeler's Book Store than at any other place in town, besides they have a splendid assortment to choose from.
J. A. Keeler,
939 Massachusetts St.