INTERVIEWS
Merits Of History
“History is of paramount importance in preparation for life
because it, above all other subjects, reveals the nature of man
and his relationship to reality, therefore enabling him to ad
just him-elf to reality and to derive at a philosophy of life
which is more important than making a living.”
Thefe were the words of Professor William F. Troutman,
.Jr., head of the Department of History at Gardner-Webb Col
lege, when asked how his subject rated in the overall prepara-
Mr. Troutman went on to say that history considers man
as a whole. It is not a study of man’s Ideals alone, nor of man’s
failings a'.one. Neither is it a study of physical nature nor of
spiritual nature alone, but it is a combination of these; ac
cordingly, in the preparation for life, history is the subject
which prepares the student for an understanding of man as he
faces life on earth. It is rot of special significance from a
utilitarian point of view, because it cannot well be utilized
from an economic standpoint, but it has special significance
as a study which presents a whole view of life. In a Christian
college this consideration is of paramount importance.
History teaches man even better than specific courses
in religion that there is an Absolute Power who establishes
the standards which have been set up as a guide for right
actions. These standard sources of ideals and the bases of
corrections for man’s failures and faults, “History does r;ot
supplant the Bible as a revelation of reality,” said Mr. Trout,
man, “but it certainly endorses it and establishes it; there
fore, the study of history reveals to man his relative compet
ence to attain to the standards of the creator of the universe
and the creator of a plan of life and a purpose for each indivi
dual.” History makes one humble because it shows that man
can only relatively reach absolute perfection and goodness and
power which are characteristic of God alone. “In other words,”
declared IMr. Troutman, “it reveals that man is a creature who
is dependent upon his Creator and obligated to live according
to God’s purpose for him.
According to Mr. Troutman, a Christian student should
be appreciative of history because in the field of religion man
is especially inclined to absolutism. History can serve as a cor
rective for the idolization of religious dogmas, systems, and
organizations.
“In the long run,” said Mr. Troutman, “history is an es
sential source by which the realities of life are intimated to
man. It is essentially a dialogue between God and man. The
study reveals a challenge which God has put before man and it
reveals man’s response or lack of response to God’s will. In
the ultimate analysis then, history becomes the preeminent
study by which man refines his relationship to reality.”
Suggested Changes
More tutoring in culture, poise, and grace seems to be
the main desire of Gardner-Webb students as shown in a
recent poll of opinion of five students of that college. The
students seem to feel the need of learning how to act and
how to behave gracefully and they feel that college is the place
to learn it. A preparatory course in industrial and rural edu
cation and a course in college government were also considered
as important.
“I would like to see violin lessons offered at Gardner-
Webb,” said Miss Virgrinia Huggins. “If the college did offer
these lessons it would probably help draw a much greater
student body and may bring about the probability of a school
orchestra which would add much to the culture of the school.
Then too, one would expect violin lessons to be offered in col-
“Gardner-Webb needs a discovery of creative ability,”
said Miss Gail Baucom. “An art class would be just the thing
to bring this about. Art classes would be important not only
as a means of preparation for art majors for some senior
college, but it would be practical since there are many fields
which include artistic talent.”
“A preparatory course in industrial and rural recreation
would help the school a lot,” was the opinion of Mr. Harold
Pearson. “It would tend to develop responsibility in the stu-
The Role Of Science In Life
Each instructor in the science department of Gardner-
Webb College thinks i;hat the subject which he teaches is one
of the most important ore offered in the school curriculum,
and is most necessary to the student’s preparation for life.
This was the decision reached by a reporter after interviewing
the various instructors in the science department.
The question which was proposed was “In the overall pre_
paration for life what part does your subject play?” and the
persons to whom it was directed were Mr. M. A. Moseley, pro
fessor of chemistry, and Mr. P. J. Stacy, professor of biology.
Mr. Moseley said that “chemistry is a subject of the pre
sent for the present. The past trouble has been that people
look to science as something abstract. This viewpoint must be
changed because chemistry is the deciding factor in our
modern civilization. The culture of the ancient Greeks and
Romans was built around philosophy and law. However, the
culture of our modern civilization is based upon science. A per
son of modern times must be acquainted with chemistry to be
informed about the objects and processes which form his
environment. Chemistry is basic, and is the complete differ
ence between primitive times and our modern day. Due to
this fact. I’d go so far as to say that chemistry is one of the
most important subjects taught anywhere. That’s why I teach
it!”
Mr. Stacy, the congenial biology professor, opined that all
life is biological, thus a study of biology is improtant to im
prove our lives. He stated that “everybody should have at least
a year or two of biology. The sheer enjoyment of the beauti
ful in nature is enough to make anyone want to study it. The
information gained in this course leads to the understanding
of other subjects and is beneficial in ANY endeavor. Final
ly, and especially, biology lends the opportunity for research
to’ lengthen the life span and improve the general health of
mankind.”
Values Of Foreign Languages
The study of foreign languages very definitely has linguis
tic and cultural values, according to statements related by Dr.
Thomas C. Holland and Mrs. Elma Harper Pollock, members
of the Foreign Language Department of Gardner.Webb Col
lege.
They stated also that the practical values were great and
that much pleasure would be derived from the study of foreign
languages.
Dr. Holland, profesor of Latin, to further substantiate his
statement, declared that Latin is basic to all other language
work. It is a good approach to the study of Greek. All Romance
languages are derived from Latin. About sixty percent of Eng
lish is derived from Latin.
Mrs. Pollock, teacher of French and Spanish, declared that
a knowledge of these languages help in understanding the
grammatical construction and the vocabulary of our own
language.
“Latin’s practical values as applied to law, medicine and
theology can not be estimated,” further declared Dr. Holland.
Aside from practical value of teaching foreign languages,
it is beneficial in many professions, in diplomatic circles and
in commercial fields. All importing and exporting businesses
have to employ linguists. Publishing houses employ transla
tors and even like for their representatives to know languages.
In federal service there are countless positions open to those
who are skilled interpreters and translators. The government
employs numerous secretaries capable of handling its foreign
correspondence. Mrs. Pollock concluded with the statement that
in the diplomatic and consular service there are good positions
for those who have a thorough knowledge of languages, peo
ple and diplomacy.
dent because he would have to learn to deal with children.
Then too, the field is open for recreation directors in rural
schools.”
“Every student should know the legislative, judicial, and
executive branches which govern his well being,” voiced an
other student. “Therefore, I think a course in School Gov
ernment should be taught in order to enable the student to un
derstand just how the organization of his school works and to
enable him to take a greater part in his school’s activities.”
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