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ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT. 121
The elementary course in Social Science begins with an effort to de
termine the social significance of the theory of evolution. In the
light of this analysis the rest of the year is given to a survey of some
important social questions (such as pauperism, crime, immigration,
and race . problems) The
aim is to present the changes and principles
of change in society and to encourage the disinterested investigation
of social questions. At least one essay embodying the results of per
sonal research is required of each student. There are two advanced
courses which are given in alternate years. The theoretical course, is
a study of the logic of the social sciences and especially of sociology.
The practical course is a detailed study of a few closely related social
questions. It will presuppose a familiarity with the simpler statistical
methods and is thus a natural continuation of the elementary course
in statistics. This last runs parallel to the elementary course in social
science and the two may be profitably taken the same year. It is oc
cupied in 1899-1900 mainly with a critical study and analysis of the
statistics of prices and of international trade. It aims to exemplify
sound methods, to point out erroneous methods of statistical investi
gation, and to prepare students for independent statistical research.
The library has recently secured a number of sets of standard statisti
cal periodicals and is now exceptionally well supplied. It has com
plete sets of the Zeitschrift des koniglichen preussischen statistischen
Bureaus, Zeitschrift des koniglichen sachischen statistischen Bureaus,
Statistische Monatschrift, Jahrbucher fur Nationalokonomie und
Statistik, Journal de la Societe de Statistique de Paris,
Journal of the
Royal Statistical Society, as well as many more recently started series.
The statistical laboratory is equipped with slide rules, a comptometer,
Hollerith's electric tabulating machine, etc., and students are trained
to with familiarity their use.
The elementary course in Anthropology aims by reading, discussion
and investigation to give a more definite idea of the significance for
the social sciences of the theory of evolution and of studies iuspired
by it.
Throughout the department, while economic and political theories
are not neglected, the effort is to make the courses of much direct,
practical value to students about to enter active life as citizens. This
purpose is kept in view not merely in the selection of subjects for the
courses, but also in the methods employed in teaching. Independent,
unprejudiced, scientific habits of on thinking even partisan questions
are aimed at rather than the inculcation of the doctrines in which the
teacher may believe.
Besides the emphasis laid on questions of the day in several of the