Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 15.djvu/221

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THE TEACHING OF SOCIOLOGY 207

Professor Ross (Sociology), University of Wisconsin: "Sociology is now in about the stage of advancement of biology 1840-50, or of political economy previous to John Stuart Mill. It is not called upon to fit teachers for the secondary schools, as is the department of history.. It does not lead directly to bread-and-butter work as does the course in commerce pro- vided by the department of political economy. The subject attracts there- fore only a moderate number of students. At present I reach about a hun- dred students a semester. At the conclusion of my third year here (until my advent sociology was given only lectureship) certain significant tenden- cies are noticeable: (i) the taking of work in sociology by crack students in philosophy, history, political science, and economics. Only the best dare tackle the work and the courses in sociology are given a wide berth by snap-hunters, sloughers, dawdlers, and 'athletes.' (2) My graduate semi- naries are so full I have to turn applicants away as I object to more than sixteen members. Sociological investigation seems to have a great attrac- tion for mature and graduate students, especially those who have seen life. (3) The professors in the maturer sciences show every year more respect for and appreciation of the work of sociology."

Professor Scorel, University of Wooster : "I have no doubt that inter- est will grow when we can devote the whole time of even one professor to the work and engage much more in practical work. As to the science, I have always said it was the 'coming science.' Its arrival is not yet immi- nent. But its actual value is steadily accumulating and becoming visible to many who have been skeptical."

Professor Mills (Economics), Vassar College: "No prospect of estab- lishment of sociology proper here. Much question as to its value in under- graduate curriculum."

Professor Sikes (Political Economy), Wake Forest College: "Is re- garded by students as probably the most helpful course of the curriculum. With more funds the courses will be enlarged, with special emphasis on southern agricultural conditions."

Professor Fisk (Sociology), Washburn College: "About one hundred students 'elect' some sociological work each year. None is 'required.* Most students elect not less than two full 'year' courses, some more."

Professor Riley (Sociology), Washington University: ''I have both the department at Washington University and the School of Social Economy with a research department supported by Russel Sage Foundation. The two are co-ordinated and together put considerable emphasis on practical soci- ology."

Professor Weyer (Philosophy), Washington and Jefferson College: "If I had assistance in my department, it is in the direction of more soci- ology that the first increase in the courses would be made."