USA > Pennsylvania > Lancaster County > A History of the Courses of Study in the State Normal Schools of Pennsylvania > Part 7
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The catalogue and circular of the Lancaster County Normal School issued in 1856, J. P. Wick- ersham, A. M., Principal, shows that Prof. J. F.
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Stoddard, A. M., had been elected Principal, but circumstances had caused his separation from the school. The County Superintendent, although disinclined to connect himself permanently with the school, finally consented to accept the position as Principal. A strong faculty was selected to as- sist him.
The objects of the school were the same as stated in the preceding catalogue of the Normal Institute. Two courses of study were offered : a Common School Course, and an Advanced Teachers' Course. The Common School Course included all the branches usually taught in the common schools, and the Theory and Practice of Teaching. It was designed to meet the wants of students who could remain but a short time in the school. A Teachers' Certificate was granted to such as were proficient in these branches. The Advanced Teach- ers' Course included, in addition to the preceding course, such branches as Algebra, Geometry, Sur- veying, Trigonometry, several of the natural and experimental Sciences, and such of the ancient and modern languages as might be thought expedient. This course required two years after completing the common branches. A Diploma was given to those completing this course.
From the commencement of the school there were students who desired to take advantage of its system of instruction and discipline, but who did not intend to become teachers. Such persons were not excluded, but were admitted to the regular classes according to scholarship. It is doubtful whether this tendency to sieze upon the general ed- ucationial advantages of a local institution can ever
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be entirely removed, even if the attempt be made to exclude such students by legislation.
The catalogue of 1857 contains the following outline of the general scope of the work done in the school :-
Our school is intended mainly as an institu- tion for the training of teachers. Adapting it to the present wants of this class of students, we have two distinct courses of instruction :
I. A course of instruction embracing the branches of study required to be taught in common schools.
II. An advanced course of instruction em- . bracing the Higher Mathematics, General Litera- ture, and several of the Natural Sciences.
Opportunity is also afforded for pursuing a full course of study in both the ancient and modern languages, but their study is optional with the student. The course of study in the languages will require, if completed, the usual time devoted to such studies in colleges of good standing. Instruc- tion is also given in Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Painting, and Drawing. Courses of lectures are given in Botany, Geology, Physiology, Natural Philosophy, and General Literature.
Candidates for entrance into the Junior class must possess a thorough knowledge of the branches embraced in the Common School Course, viz : Or- thography, Reading, Writing, Geography, Gram- mar; Mental Arithmetic, Written Arithmetic, His- tory of the United States, Elements of Algebra, Natural Philosophy, and Physiology. Two years after entering the Junior class, a student may grad- uate. The studies are as follows :
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JUNIOR YEAR
· FIRST TERM Geometry (Five Books) Higher Algebra Rhetoric Physiology or Botany
SECOND TERM Geometry (Completed) Trigonometry and Sur- veying History Natural Philosophy
SENIOR YEAR
FIRST TERM
Conic Sections
Analytical Geometry Chemistry
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Philosophy of the Hu- man Mind, with refer- ence to Intellectual Ed- ucation.
SECOND TERM
Calculus
Mathematical Astron-
omy Geology
Philosophy of the Hu- man Mind, with refer- ence to Moral Education.
In special cases, other equivalent studies may be substituted for some of those embraced in the . regular course ; and ladies are sometimes permitted to study the modern languages instead of the Math- ematics of the Senior year.
Students who pass a thorough examination in the branches embraced in the Common School' Course will receive a Teachers' Certificate, and, a Diploma-the highest honor the school can confer, -will be granted to such as complete the Advanced Course.
The methods of teaching practiced in the school are those which, after careful consideration, seem best adapted to train teachers. Teachers as guides to others need three things :
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I. A thorough knowledge of the branches of study they propose to teach.
II. The best methods of teaching those branches.
III. Ability to instruct-to lead the young mind judiciously from the known to the unknown.
Academies and Colleges profess to discipline mind and impart a knowledge of the various branches of study, and, in this respect, their object and that of a Normal School are similar ; but, the peculiar object of the Normal School is to train per- sons to be skillful in imparting instruction.
The following letters relating to the applica- tion for recognition possess historical value :
[Catalogue of Lancaster County Normal, 1859]
LANCASTER COUNTY NORMAL SCHOOL,
June 4, 1859.
DEAR SIR :- It is the intention of the Trus- tees of this institution to ask its recognition as a State Normal School, in October next ; and, in the meantime, it is their intention to prepare to open its next term, in all respects, as if it were already recognized. Under the circumstances, I consider myself justified in submitting to you the following inquiries :
First-Would the proposed plans and arrange- ment of the Trustees of this Institution, as recently exhibited and made known to you, if perfected, in your opinion, entitle the school to recognition as a State Normal School, under the Normal School law passed the 20th day of May, 1857 ?
Second-Is the enclosed outline of a course of
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study essentially such a one as is contemplated by the law above referred to ?
An early answer to the preceding interroga- tories will much oblige Yours truly, J. P. WICKERSHAM, Principal.
To HON. H. C. HICKOK, Supt. of Common Schools.
HARRISBURG, PA., June 7, 1859.
DEAR SIR :- Your communication of the 4th instant, desiring an interpretation of the Normal School Act, with regard to the points which you have presented, was duly received. In reply, I take pleasure in being able to answer both of your interrogatories in the affirmative.
With my best wishes for the success of this noble enterprise, and the hope that the projected plans and arrangements of your Trustees may be completed at the appointed time, I remain
Very truly yours,
H. C. HICKOK, Supt. of Common Schools. To PROF. J. P. WICKERSHAM,
Principal of Lancaster County Normal School.
The following papers relate to the official rec- ognition of the institution as a State Normal School December 2, 1859 :-
Report of Inspectors
To HON. HENRY C. HICKOK,
Superintendent of Common Schools :
The undersigned Inspectors, appointed by you, with the consent of the Governor, in pursuance of the requirements of the Seventh Section of "An
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Act to provide for the due training of teachers for the Common Schools of the State," approved the 20th day of May, 1857, together with the superin- tendents of the counties of Lancaster, York, and Lebanon, whose names are last subscribed, do re- port :
That on due notice from the Department of. Common Schools, they did, personally, and at the same time, to wit : on Thursday and Friday, the first and second days of December, 1859, visit and carefully inspect the Lancaster County Normal School, located at Millersville, in said county, and after a thorough examination thereof-of its by- laws, rules and regulations, and of its general ar- rangement and facilities for instruction-we do ap- prove the same, and find that they fully come up to the provisions of the "Act to provide for the due training of teachers for the Common Schools of the State, approved the 20th day of May, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven, and its supplement, approved the 15th day of April, 1859.
We, therefore, certify the same to the Depart- ment of Common Schools, with our opinion that the Lancaster County Normal School has fully complied with the provisions of the said act and its supplement, as far as can be done before going into operation under the same ; and we unanimously recommend that it shall forthwith be recognized as a State Normal School, for the Second Normal School District of Pennsylvania, composed of the counties of Lancaster, York, and Lebanon.
JAMES POLLOCK, WM. M. HIESTER, A. G. CURTIN, JNO. L. ATLEE.
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[Additional Signatures] A. R. BLAIR, Superintendent of York County HENRY HOUCK, Superintendent of Lebanon County DAVID EVANS, Superintendent of Lancaster County MILLERSVILLE, PA., December 2, 1859.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMON SCHOOLS, Harrisburg, December 3, 1859.
I approve the foregoing report, and forthwith recognize the Lancaster County Normal School as a State Normal, School for the Second District, hereby certifying that I was present during the whole of the inspection, as required by law.
HENRY C. HICKOK, Superintendent of Common Schools.
Notice of the State Superintendent
DEPARTMENT OF COMMON SCHOOLS
HARRISBURG, PA., December 3, 1859.
WHEREAS, The Board of Trustees of the Lan- caster County Normal School, located at Millers- ville, in said county, by resolution adopted at a meeting of the Board, on the Ist day of October, 1859, on file in this Department, made formal ap- plication to the State Superintendent for the privi- leges of "An Act to provide for the training of teachers for the Common Schools of the State," ap- proved the 20th day of May, 1857, and the supple- ment thereto, approved the 15th day of April, 1859, and
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WHEREAS, In pursuance of said application, the State Superintendent of Common Schools, to- gether with Hon. James Pollock of the county of . Northumberland, Hon. William M. Hiester of the county of Berks, Hon. A. G. Curtin of the county of Centre, an'd Dr. John L. Atlee of the county of Lancaster, "competent and disinterested persons," appointed by him, with the consent of the Gov- ernor, as Inspectors, and Dr. A. R. Blair, Super- intendent of the county of York, Henry Houck, Esq., Superintendent of the county of Lebanon, and David Evans, Esq., Superintendent of the county of Lancaster, did on Thursday and Friday, the Ist and 2d days of December, 1859 , personally, and at the same time, visit and carefully inspect said School, and after thorough examination thereof and of its by-laws, rules, and regulations, and of its general arrangement and facilities for instruction, by written report on file in this Department, ap- prove the same, and find that they fully come up to the provisions of said act, and its supplement, as far as can be done before going into operation un- der them :
Now, therefore, In pursuance of the require- ments of the Seventh Section of the Act aforesaid, I do hereby give public notice, that I have officially recognized the Lancaster County Normal School as a State Normal School for the Second Normal School District, composed of the counties of Lan- caster, York, and Lebanon, and that said School shall henceforth enjoy all the privileges and im- munities, and be subject to all the liabilities and restrictions contained in said Act and Supplement.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set
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my hand, and affixed the seal of the Department of Common Schools, at Harrisburg, this third SEAL day of December, 1859.
HENRY C. HICKOK, Superintendent of Common Schools.
The following courses of instruction, approved by the Superintendent of Common Schools, are taken from the Catalogue and Circular of the Pennsylvan- ia State Normal School, of the Second District, lo- cated at Millersville, Pa., issued in the year 1860 :-
MODEL SCHOOL COURSE
The course of instruction in the Model School embraces the Alphabet, Pronunciation, Spelling, Reading, Writing, Drawing, Arithmetic, Geogra- phy, Grammar, Vocal Music, Object Lessons ; and, also, if desired, elementary instruction in the Languages.
It is intended to make this department truly a Model School. A limited number of children from eight to fourteen years of age will be received from abroad, to whom the Institution will be made not only a School, but a home.
PREPARATORY COURSE
The Preparatory Course is designed for older pupils than those who attend the Model School ; but the studies embraced in it, except Vocal Music and Drawing, are essentially the same. Prepara- tion may be made here, as well as in the Model School, for entering the higher courses.
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Normal Course
Students with a fair knowledge of the branches of study, required by law, to be taught in Common Schools, can enter this course and graduate in three years.
The Junior year of this course is intended to be occupied in a careful review of the branches previously studied. Those who do not need this review can enter at once upon the studies of the Middle year. The studies of the respective years are as follows :
JUNIOR YEAR
FIRST TERM
Orthography and
Etymology
Reading and Elocution
Writing and Drawing
Geography
Mental Arithmetic
Written Arithmetic
Grammar
SECOND TERM
Orthography and
Etymology
Reading and Elocution
Writing and Drawing Geography Mental Arithmetic
Written Arithmetic
Grammar
MIDDLE YEAR
FIRST TERM
Reading and Elocution Drawing
Physical Geography Higher Mental Arithme- tic. Higher Written Arith- metic
Higher Grammar Vocal Music
SECOND TERM
Higher Grammar History of the United States Physiology Elements of Algebra
Book-keeping Theory of Teaching Vocal Music
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SENIOR YEAR
FIRST TERM
Algebra Elements of Natural Phi- losophy and Astronomy Rhetoric Geometry (Five Books) Theory of Teaching.
SECOND TERM Geometry (Completed) Plane Trigonometry Elements of Chemistry or Elements of Mental Philosophy Botany or Zoology Practice of Teaching
Scientific Course
Entering this course with the required prepa- ration, students can graduate in two years. Those who graduate in the Normal Course, can enter the second term of the Junior year. It is the design of this course to prepare teachers for English High Schools. The studies are as follows :
JUNIOR CLASS
FIRST TERM
Geometry (Completed) Plane Trigonometry Chemistry Botany or Zoology Rhetoric
SECOND TERM
Higher Algebra
Analytical Trigonome- try (Half Term)
Spherical Trigonometry
and Surveying (Half
Term) Ancient History English Literature
SENIOR CLASS
FIRST TERM
Conic Sections and Ana- lytical Geometry Modern History or Acoustics and Optics Mental Philosophy Geology
SECOND TERM
Differential and Integral Calculus
Astronomy
Moral Philosophy
Analytical Mechanics
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Classical Course
This course is designed to prepare teachers for Classical High Schools. To be admitted to the Freshman Class, a student must possess a thorough knowledge of Geography, English Grammar, Arith- metic, Elements of Algebra, History of the United States, Latin and Greek Grammar, Caesar (two books), Virgil (four books of the Æneid), Greek Reader, and two books of the Anabasis.
The following are the studies of the several Classes :
FRESHMAN
FIRST TERM
SECOND TERM
Anabasis
Iliad 1
Sallust and Ovid
Livy
Higher Algebra
Geometry (Five Books)
Rhetoric
Zoology or Botany
SOPHOMORE
FIRST TERM
SECOND TERM
Memorabilia
Cicero
Geometry (Completed)
General History
Herodotus
Horace
Trigonometry and Sur-
veying
1 Chemistry
JUNIOR
FIRST TERM
Select Plays of Sophocles Juvenal Conic Sections and Ana- lytical Geometry · Geology
SECOND TERM
Select Plays of Euripides Tacitus
Differential and Integral Calculus
Astronomy
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SENIOR
FIRST TERM
Select Plays of Æschylus A Play of Terence Acoustics and Optics Mental Philosophy -
SECOND TERM
A Dialogue of Plato A Play of Plautus Mechanics
Moral Philosophy
Exercises in English, Greek, and Latin Com- position will be given throughout the whole course, and, also, such incidental instruction as is essential to a full understanding of the branchas studied. Those who prefer it, may select the French and German languages instead of the Greek and Latin of the Junior and Senior years.
In special cases, other equivalent studies may be substituted for some of those mentioned in the regular course ; and ladies, unless they desire it, are not expected to study the higher mathematics.
If found qualified, students may enter an ad- vanced class in either of the courses of study. The Trustees will probably be invested with full power to bestow the usual collegiate honors, together with a professional degree to teachers.
To all except experienced and successful teach- ers, an attendance upon two courses of lectures on Teaching, and Practice in the Model School dur- · idg one term, are indispensible to graduation. A Thesis upon some professional subject must in all cases be deposited with the proper authorities be- fore graduating. -
The State will furnish Diplomas to those who graduate as teachess ; to others, they will be fur- nished by the Institution at a cost of five dollars each.
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The additional Certificate for the Practice of Teaching, for the granting of which provision is made in the law, will also be furnished by the State.
The preceding course was set forth in the cat- alogue of the Lancaster County Normal School for 1859. This is probably the course outlined by Principal Wickersham and forwarded to the Super- intendent of Public Schools, as stated in the letter found on page 47.
The catalogue of 1861 shows that the name Normal Course was changed to Elementary Course. The only change made in the course, as outlined, was the omission of Mental Philosophy. This cat- alogue shows, for the first time, a division of the students of the school into classes designated A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H, respectively.
The only change in the Elementary Course, as shown in the catalogue of 1862, relates to the limitation of Algebra by the definite statement "Algebra to Progressions." The course remained unchanged in 1863 for reasons obvious to the stu- dent of history.
In the catalogue of 1864 we find the lower courses and Elementary Course as outlined below. The Middle year of the Elementary Course is dropped, and the work extends through two years, designated respectively Junior and Senior. Stu- dents are expected to have a fair knowledge of the branches enumerated before entering upon the work of the Elementary Course.
·
[Catalogue of Millersville, 1864, J. P. Wickersham, A. M., Principal.]
MODEL SCHOOL COURSE The pupils in the Model School are generally
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from eight to fourteen years of age. A limited number can be received from abroad. The teach- ing is mainly done by the Graduating Class. of the Normal School, but subject to the constant super- vision of the Superintendent of the Model School. The school has been in operation under this ar- rangement for the past five years, with the most marked success.
The course of instruction comprises the usual branches taught in Common Schools, together with the elements of some of the higher branches. At- tention is given to Object Lessons, Vocal Music, and Drawing.
PREPARATORY COURSE
Many of our students enter the school quite deficient in a knowledge of the most elementary branches, and this fact renders necessary a Prepar- atory Course of study.
This course embraces Orthography and Ety- mology, Reading and Elocution, Writing and Drawing, Mental and Written Arithmetic, Physical and Political Geography, Grammar and Composi- tion, and Vocal Music.
ELEMENTARY COURSE
Students with a fair knowledge of the branches named in the Preparatory Course can enter this course and graduate in two years. The arrange- ment of studies for the respective years is as fol- lows :
JUNIOR YEAR
The first work for this year is to review thor- oughly and with reference to teaching them the sev-
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eral branches of study required by law to be taught in the Common Schools of Pennsylvania-essen- tially those of the Preparatory Course. This done, the remaining part of the year will be taken up in the studies of Elementary Algebra, Book-keeping, Physiology, and the Theory of Teaching.
SENIOR YEAR
The studies of the Senior Year are the Ele- ments of Rhetoric, Geometry, Elements of Botany or Geology, Elements of Natural Philosophy, His- tory and Constitution of the United States, and the Theory and Practice of Teaching. All students who graduate are required to practice teaching in the Model School for one-half of a school year.
The catalogue of 1865 specifies the extent of the study of each subject by designating text-books to be used. This is true of all the higher courses outlined in the catalogue. Following is the Ele- mentary Course :
[Catalogue of Millersville, 1865, J. P. Wickersham, A. M., Principal.]
ELEMENTARY COURSE
Students with a fair knowledge of the branches of study named in the Preparatory Course can en- ter this course and graduate in two years. The ar- rangement of studies for the respective years is as follows :
JUNIOR YEAR
D Class .- This Class will review thoroughly and with reference to teaching them the several branches of study required by law to be taught in
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the Common Schools of Pennsylvania-especially those of the Preparatory Course. The study of the Theory of Teaching will also be commenced.
C CLASS .- This Class will study Algebra (Ray's Part First), Physiology (Hitchcock), Higher Gram- mar (the analysis and construction of sentences), Book-keeping (Marsh), and the Theory of Teaching.
SENIOR YEAR
B CLASS .- Geometry (Brooks), Natural Phi- losophy (Wells), Rhetoric (Quackenbos), and the Theory of Teaching.
A CLASS. - Algebra (Ray's Part Second, through Quadratics), Elements of Botany (Gray), History and Constitution of the United States (Los- sing). This Class practice Teaching in the Model School for one-half of a school year.
The catalogue of 1866, Principal J. P. Wick- ersham, A. M. retiring and Edward Brooks, A. M. succeeding, shows few changes in the course. Men- tal Philosophy is restored, and a note on the prin- ciples of the Theory of Teaching is added :-
The Theory of Teaching embraces three things, namely :
I. A knowledge of the Mental and Moral powers, and the Methods of Training them.
II. A knowledge of the Methods of Teaching the different Branches of Study.
III. A knowledge of the Methods of Organ- izing and Managing Public Schools.
A Thesis upon some educational subject was made one of the requirements of the course.
The Scientific Course, as shown on page 54 from the catalogue of 1860, was modified some-
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what in the catalogue of 1861. Teaching during the entire Junior year was added, and Modern His- tory was combined with Ancient History under the title General History. English Literature was transferred to the Senior year, and became optional. Other changes were simply rearrangements of the studies. During 1862 and 1863 this course remained unchanged, and in 1864 was still practically un- changed, although its connection with the Ele- mentary Course became closer. In 1865 Logic was introduced, and in 1865, the Theory of Teach- ing-including Philosophy of Education and His- tory of Education.
SCIENTIFIC COURSE
Having completed the studies of the Ele- mentary Course, or their equivalents, students can enter this course and graduate in two years. The studies are as follows :
JUNIOR CLASS
FIRST TERM .- Trigonometry (Brooks), Sur- veying (Davies), Geology (Dana), Zoology (Agassiz), General History (Willson).
SECOND TERM .- Higher Algebra (Ray), Chem- istry (Wells), General History (Willson), English Literature (Shaw).
SENIOR CLASS
FIRST TERM .- Analytical Geometry (Church), Astronomy (Loomis), English Literature (Shaw), Mental Philosophy (Hickok).
SECOND TERM .- Differential and Integral Cal- culus (Loomis), Analytical Mechanics (Peck) Logic (Thompson), Moral Philosophy (Hickok).
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Theory of Teaching .- The Theory of Teach- ing in this course embraces the Philosophy of Ed- ucation and the History of Education.
The Classical Course, as outlined in full on page 55, remained practically unchanged until 1866, when all reference to the course was reduced to the following note :
This course is designed to prepare teachers for Classical High Schools. The branches studied are the same as those of the Elementary and Sci- entific Courses, together with the usual amount of Latin and Greek reading required in Colleges. To complete it will require two years in addition to the time required for the Scientific Course. Exer- cises in Latin and Greek composition will be given throughout the whole course. Those who prefer it may substitute the French and German languages for an equivalent amount of Latin and Greek read- ing. (See page 93)
Examinations
The examinations in the early days of the Normal School system of Pennsylvania were con- ducted under the provisions of the Act of April 15, 1859. The first regular statement of the general plan of the examinations is found in the catalogue for 1862. The words as therein found are as fol- lows :
EXAMINATIONS
The examinations are conducted by the fac- ulty of the School and by a Board of Examiners. The faculty first examine all candidates for
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