Page:The New International Encyclopædia 1st ed. v. 04.djvu/630

* CHAUTAUQUA. 548 CHAUTAUQUA. of the Knglish Bible (now the School of Sacred Literature) was orijanized, also under the prin- oipalship of Dr. Harper. This (icpartinent, de- signed to promote the study of the Ilil)le as a great literary masterpiece as well as an inspired volume, was received with immediate favor, and has grown rapidly. In addition to these three schools, many other subjects of study have been added, intil there are now lil'tom distinct de- partments under the princii^ialship of Prof. Oeorge K. Vincent, son of tlic founder of the institution. These various schools arc as follows: (1) School of English Language anil J^iterature: (2) School of Modem Languages; (3) School of Classical Languages : ( 4 ) Sdiool of Mathe- matics and Sciences: (5) School of Social Sci- ences; (6) School of Pedagogy: (7) School of Religious Teacliing: (8) School of Librarv Training; (11) School of Music ; (10) School of Fine Arts; (II) School of Expression: (12) School of Physical Education ; (13) School of Domestic Science: ( 14) School of Practical Arts: (151 School of Arts and Crafts. Many of these schools are imder the direction, or command the serices, of professors from the leading universi- ties and colleges of the country. In addition to the instruction given in these schools, the institution includes: (1) A variety of lecture courses on the university-extension model, in which a number of lectures are given by one professor and upon which the attendance is large; (2) public lectures and addresses by men and women prominent in various depart- ments of life; (3) recreative and npsthetic en- tertainments, such as concerts, dramatic recit- als, stereoptieon lectures, etc. The public pro- grams are divided into series each extending over a week and each emphasizing in the discussions some great movement of the time. No additional fee is charged for these lines of work, and they form a most popular and most su<'eessful part of the Assembly work. Jforc than two thousand students have been in the summer school of a single year. The Cn.^uTAiQi a Literary a.xd Scie.vtific Circle. Probably Chautauqua is best known in connection with this plan of systematic home reading. In 187H at Chautauqua this plan was proposed and explained. Tlic announcement went out to the press, and the tirst year 7000 persons were enrolled. T'rom that time, even." autvmin and winter, readers varying in number from 8000 to 25,000 have joined the circle. Dur- ing this period more than 2(50.000 persons have taken this work. .About 50 per cent, of these have done continuous work for two years, and about .lO.OOO have completed the four years' course. The system was founded in the belief that thousands of ambitious men and women were only waiting for definite suggestion and aid in reading. The plan consists 'of: (I) . four years' course of reading, including selections in English from the ancient classics^ historj-, eco- nomics, literature, and art. Each year "of the four is devoted especially to a great 'nation, and is known as 'The Greek Year.' 'The Roman Year,' 'The English Year.' or 'The .American Year.' No attempt is made to study language or niathc- niaties. The course is general, and fcdlows in a measure the subjects taught in the average col- lege; it gives what has been called the 'college outlook.' (2) Certain books, many of them specially prepared by well-known authors, are designated each year by a council of six promi- nent men. (3) A monthly magazine. The Chau- lauquan, containing supplementary articles on the subjects of the course by the leading writers of the day; general miscellaneous nuitter on cur- rent affairs; several departments designed to aid the reader, such as apportionment of the course by the week or month, notes on the bonks, outlines of reading, word studies, etc. (4). memlx'rship book, sent to eadi reader, including analyses of the required books, and question papers (meuuiranda), to be tilled out and re turned to the olTice. These pajiers are intended to aid the rciider in reviewing iinii systeuuitically arranging the facts and ))rinciples he luis learned. They are not examinations, nor are thej' regartled as such. (5) Local circles, which may be formed in any comnumity where three or more readers desire tlic benefit of conuadeship. More than 10,000 such circles have Ix^en formed. (0) . certificate, granted at the end of the course to all who state in writing that, tlicy have faith- fully read all the required literature. Such certificate has no significance beyond the fact stated, and. of course, has no relation to a degree. The readers enrolling each year are known as a 'class,' and assume the numeral of the year during which their course is completed, after the plan of .American colleges. This device, with the thought that so many people in tliis country and in foreign lands are reading the same books at the same time, creates a certain spirit of fraternity and enthusiasm that contrib- utes to the success of the plan. For those who have completed the four years' eour.se, or for others, there are many special cour.ses in his- tory, literature, science, and art, which enable a reader who has found a congenial subject in the general course to pursue a s|>ecialty. There is also a plan by which these special courses may be directed by correspondence with one or an- other college professor, ilore than seventy-five such specialized courses are now offered. The importance of continued reading is always em- phasized. In I1I02 a new charter was granted to Chautau- qua in the nature of an amendment to the former law. It states that the puri)ose and object of ('hautauijua Institution shall be to prnniote the intellectual, social, physical, moral, an<l religious welfare of the peojjle. To this end it may hold meetings and provide for recreation, instruction, health, and comfort on its grounds at Chavitau- qua; conduct schools and classes; maintain libraries, museums, reading and study clubs, and other agencies for home educiition; ])ublish books and serials, and do such other things as are need- ful or proper to further its general purpose. PuKSK.NT Statiis. Architecturally the sunuuer city of Chautauqu,a has kept pace with the prog- ress of the plan. .AH the schools and classes are provided with suitable buildings: there are public lecture halls of capacity varying from 200 to 5000. a well-equipped gymnasium, nui- seum, etc. A large organ and a chime of eight bells are the permanent property of the assem- bly. The revenue of the assembly is collected, like the customs dues of a foreign city, at the gates. Xo public 'collections' are ever taken. A tax is levied upon all who enter and become members of the conuuunily. Chautauqua car- ries the numiei|ial idea beyond mere material matters to include public instruction and enter-