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Caption: Board of Trustees Minutes - 1888
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REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF INSTRUCTION. 171 pursuit of their special studies; and, by adequate and smooth English translations, to subserve the acquisition of readiness of expression in their own vernacular. The weekly translations serve the purpose of synthetical work, growing in scope and length as the course progresses. One recitation every week is given to their correction a n d criticism. As far as speaking, all is done that time allows, but at best only a fair beginning can be made. EEPORT BY JOSEPH C. PICKARD, M. A., PROFESSOR LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE. OF ENGLISH S. H. PEABODY, LL. D., Regent: I herewith present the biennial report of the department of English language and literature for the years 1886-7 and 1887-8— its work, its aims and methods. The work of instruction in this department has been substantially the same as that detailed in my previous report for the academic year of 1885-6. But one change has been made in the order of studies; instruction in rhetoric, previously given in the spring term of the freshman year, is now given in the fall term of that year, and the study of American authors and that of British authors have been carried forward to the winter and spring terms. The change was made to meet the wants of students in other schools. It proves, however, to be to the advantage of my own pupils. I t is sought to secure for the pupils a fair acquaintance with the treasures of our literature; to awaken an eager desire for constant enrichment therefrom, as they shall have opportunities for acquisition in their post-graduate years; to make the course of instruction of some special service to those who may enter on. literary or journalistic life; to cultivate a taste for that which is best in literature, and in these years of student life, to make sure of an acquaintance with the master minds of the English-speaking, race, which must prove a formative power for good. Text-book work is accompanied by lectures, more frequently given the last two years than before. Since Professor Brownlee entered on the labors of his professorship, he and myself have endeavored to work with mutual understanding, and to re-enforce each other's instruction. His work, I am glad to say, has been of much service to the students under my charge. I t has made it possible for me to lay heavier burdens on my classes, burdens which classes in previous years were not qualified to bear. I ought to add that the students who entered this department at the beginning of this current year have proved unusually well qualified for their work.
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