Read the entire 1901 article below. Wonderful history about the early educators and the college education afforded to them. This article was transcribed and submitted by Linda Ziemann, Plymouth County IA GenWeb Coordinator.
LeMars Sentinel
LeMars, Iowa
Monday, September 2, 1901
OUR NEW SCHOOL,
WESTERN UNION COLLEGE
Opening September 17
Dear Friend:
We take great pleasure in addressing you upon a subject in which we are
interested, namely, education. There is a great demand for trained
teachers: never have good teachers been so scarce. Teachers who have had a
thorough training in an up-to-date school are never without a good position.
Your observation on these days will prove this.
Western Union College has among the regular college and special departments,
a good NORMAL DEPARTMENT, for those who expect to prepare for teaching in
the public schools. We give an outline of the studies included in this
department, and feel sure that you will see at once that our course is
practical, full and thorough.
May we not hear from you concerning your intentions as regards the
attendance at college? You will never find a more opportune time than now.
The best time to enter college is now. No time should be lost or wasted.
If you purpose to take other studies, such as instrumental or vocal music,
commercial studies, or if you intend to take college work, please let us
hear from you, for we are sure we can supply your needs. Our new catalogue,
which contains full information, will be sent free upon request.
Awaiting your early answer, we remain,
Cordially yours,
H. H. Thoren, President
THE NORMAL DEPARTMENT
The Normal Department is adapted to those desiring to become teachers in the
public schools. The requirements for teacher’s certificates are more strict
now than what they were years ago. New branches and more thorough study of
them are added by the state Board of Education. We offer a two year’s
Teacher Course: for this no entrance examination is required. The student
may enter any term and carry such branches for which he is prepared. The two
year’s Teacher’s Course is preparatory to the two year’s Normal Courses in
the English, Latin, and Scientific, respectively. The regular Normal Course
extends over a period of four years. Our courses are of the best, and
students will received every possible help within reach of the college for
the purpose of thoroughly qualifying them for the important work in the
public school.
1. TEACHER'S COURSE
FIRST YEAR:
FALL TERM
English Grammar (5)
Arithmetic (5)
Geography (5)
U.S. History (5)
Spelling (5)
WINTER TERM
English Grammar (5)
Arithmetic (5)
Geography (5)
U.S. History (5)
Reading (5)
SPRING TERM
English Grammar (5)
Vocal Music (2)
Orthography (5)
Bookkeeping (5)
Physical Culture (2)
SECOND YEAR:
FALL TERM
Algebra (5)
Ancient History (5)
Physiology (5)
Physical Culture (2)
English Composition (1)
WINTER TERM
Algebra (5)
Med. History (5)
Physiology (5)
Elocution (5)
English Composition (1)
SPRING TERM
Algebra (5)
Modern History (5)
School Management (5)
Rhetoric (5)
English Composition (1)
2. ENGLISH NORMAL COURSE
JUNIOR YEAR
FALL TERM
Zoology (5)
Geometry (5)
Physics (5)
The Bible (1)
Class Observation (2)
WINTER TERM
American Literature (5)
Geometry, P1 (5)
Physics (5)
Botany (5)
Bible (1)
SPRING TERM
Chemistry (5)
Geometry, Solid (5)
Pol. Economy (5)
Botany (5)
Bible (1)
Class Observation (2)
SENIOR YEAR
FALL TERM
Economics (5)
Chemistry (5)
Geology (5)
Teaching (5)
Orations
WINTER TERM
Trigonometry (5)
Psychology (5)
Philosophy of Teaching (5)
Orations
SPRING TERM
Astronomy
School Laws
Didactics
Teaching
Orations
Learn the subject matter of each branch more thoroughly. Master each study.
Pursue the higher branches to throw light on the subjects you teach. The
more you know in the whole realm of knowledge, the greater your power in
anything you undertake and your pleasures of life are increased many fold.
This institution is truly the work shop of both the experienced and the
prospective teacher. There is now work done at random, but all is carefully
planned beforehand, so that work begins in earnest as soon as registration
is completed. Many express themselves as amazed that so much may be gained
for so small tuition.
The school offers instruction to the following classes of persons:
1. All persons who desire to prepare for teaching.
2. Teachers who want the inspiration of skillful instructors.
3. Teachers who want to strengthen themselves in one or more subjects.
4. Teachers who up this time have been unable too attend a professional
school.
5. Teachers of limited experience who wish to get the experience of others.
6. Teachers from other states who wish to learn about our methods.
7. Teachers in Iowa who wish to learn about latest methods.
8. High School students who wish to improve their knowledge of one or more
subjects.
9. Special students who are pursuing a particular line of work.
10. Grammar school pupils who wish to make up back work, or who wish to
advance more rapidly than their class.
ll. Superintendents in small towns and cities, and principals who wish to
study school management.
What are you going to do in life? If you are above sixteen years, President
Elliott of Harvard says you ought to make up your mind and then prepare for
your chosen work. Say, have you chosen? If not, have you really thought hard
upon the matter? Life is short—you will be on your own resources early and
all through to the end. Decide what you will do, and do it. You will have
to educate for any choice. Begin that now.
“Why should women go to college? Because the college makes her more of a
person—a better woman, morally, intellectually, socially, in the broad
sense—and therefore better spiritually—better in every sense. If she were
compelled to earn her own living she would then be prepared for it.”
“Why should young persons go to college? For the same reason that crude ores
should be assayed, to discover and determine their qualities, to ascertain
what they are good for, to make them marketable and useful.”
TUITION IN THE NORMAL DEPARTMENT
Fall Term, 13 ½ weeks, opens September 17, 1901 [$13.00]
Winter Term, 12 weeks, opens January 2, 1902 [$12.00]
Spring Term, 11 weeks, opens April 1, 1902 [$11.00]
Summer Term, 6 weeks, opens July 1, 1902 [$6.00]
Registration Fee [$1.00]
For further information write to: H. H. Thoren, Pres., LeMars, Iowa
