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ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT 173
C. Dynamic Geology and Physical Geography.
The plan of the elective courses offered in these subjects is in the
first year to give a general view of the subject of geology, placing
especial stress upon the dynamic side, but introducing the other aspects
of geology where they have a distinct bearing upon the course. This
is not primarily a professional course, but is intended to meet the
needs of those who, without meaning to specialize, wish a certain
knowledge of the earth sciences. At the same time it serves as the
basis for more advanced work. In the second year the subject of
physical geography is offered, and this presupposes the course in
geology. These two courses together will serve as a preparation for
those who expect to teach the earth sciences in secondary schools.
The physical geography, or physiography, follows the plan recently
suggested by the Committee of Ten, and other educational confer
ences. After these two years the student is able to undertake work
for himself in the library and field. In these more advanced courses
small problems are investigated and reports made upon them, and
thus a training is gained for more advanced field work upon larger
problems.
The work of the first two years consists partly of lectures and partly
of field and laboratory work ; but in the later years no lectures are
given, the work being largely individual. Therefore, from the very
first, the student is placed directly in contact with the problems of
the field, and is given training in observation and geological reason
ing. The laboratory is well equipped with models, maps, rock speci
mens and photographs illustrating geological and physiographical
phenomena. The neighborhood of Ithaca abounds in both simple
and complex illustrations of geological phenomena ; and in each class,
in the spring and fall terms, excursions are made to points within easy
reach of the University. These half-day excursions are supplemented
by others to more distant points, occupying the entire day ; and still
longer expeditions are sometimes organized. During 1898-99 excur
sions were made to Niagara and to the coal mines at Wilkes-Barre, and
probably
similar expeditions will be made each year. Now and then
vacation trips may be undertaken, particularly during the summer.
In 1896 a party of advanced students made a journey to Greenland ;
in 1899 a party went to Maine. These more extended field experiences
are planned to give training for those who intend to pursue the sub
ject of geology.
D. Economic Geology.
Instruction. The courses of instruction are both required and
elective. The former are for students in the colleges of architecture,