Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 8.djvu/553

This page needs to be proofread.

STUDY OF SOCIOLOGY IN UNITED STATES 533

classes of social dependents. Emphasis is laid upon the statistical method as an aid in the study of social groups and the measurement of social forces.

The course in elementary statistics is an introduction to statistics as a method of studying social groups and social life. Emphasis is laid upon the results reached by this method in the simplest fields where the chances of error in observation or inter- pretation are least. Special attention is given, therefore, to the simple statistics of population and the elements of vital statistics. The methods of the United States census office will be presented in detail, and a critical analysis made of the results of the twelfth census. The statistical laboratory is furnished with nearly all the elec- trical and mechanical devices to facilitate statistical work which will be found in a modern census office. Two hours a week of laboratory work will be required, in the course of which students will gain some familiarity with present methods of statistical work.

The course in advanced statistics gives greater attention to statistical theory, and aims to introduce the students to writers like Gallon and Pearson, whose work is of especial importance as laying the statistical basis for the theories of evolution.

D. POLITICAL ECONOMY AND POLITICS.

36. The modern regime. An analysis of the present industrial and social order as contrasted with that of the eighteenth century.

(a) The industrial reorganization, the centralization of wealth, the growth of cor- porations, the development of credit, speculation, etc.

(b} The effect of these changes on morality, intelligence, social and political ideals and institutions.

(c) Socialism and other plans for social reconstruction. Assistant Professor Powers.

37. Social interpretation of art. A study of the evolution of art, particularly painting and sculpture, with a special reference to the conditions, social, political, and economic, prevailing during the periods of exceptional art activity. Assistant Profes- sor Powers.

40. Seminary. The evolution of society. A study of the principles of organic evolution as manifested in the formation of groups.

(a) Causes determining the formation of groups and the conditions affecting their efficiency and permanence, social organization, the nature and function of social classes, group selection, etc.

(c) Modifications effected in individual character as the result of life in a social state, social sensibilities, social instincts, the moral sense, conscience, etc. Assistant Professor Powers.

E. POLITICAL ECONOMY AND STATISTICS.

41. Elementary social economics. An introductory course upon the relation of evolutionary theories to the social sciences, with applications to the study of the family, race relations, immigration, etc. Professor Wilcox.

48. Elementary statistics. An introductory course in statistical methods, with practical work in investigation and tabulation. Special attention is given to census statistics and vital statistics. Two laboratory hours a week. Professor Wilcox.

49. Advanced statistics. Open to those who have taken the elementary statistics or can show that they are qualified to enter the class. Readings and discussion of various books in statistical theory and results. Professor Wilcox.