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Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 4, No. 9. July 30, 1941
Arts Faculty . . .
Arts Faculty . . . .
Sociology
| 1. | Sociology: I would have thought that the need for this subject was self-evident, but, as the powers that be are apparently discontinuing the inclusion of this subject, now is the time to come to its aid. |
| 2. | Comparative Religions: Last year Kegan Paul published a magnificent work entitled "The Bible of the World," being a collection of the teachings of the eight great religions. This would be an ideal textbook. A course in comparative religions is in the curriculum of every Soviet University; most of those in free China; the four Turkish Universities and several in Switzerland and the United States, as well as at Copenhagen, Oslo and Uppsala. |
| 3. | Citizenship: This is not an oddity. Surely if democracy is to develop it is essential that the training of those who are to decide on policy and choose their Government be developed scientifically. I have no space here to enlarge on this, but the course was outlined by the great Danish educationalist Grundtvig, and his teaching forms an integral part in the educational systems of Denmark and Switzerland to-day. The future of democracy rests with its citizens and the future of its citizens rests on their education. |
Sociology.
The Senate of the New Zealand universities has decided to eliminate sociology from the degree curriculum after 1941. This seems to me a definite mistake.
Sociology is the study of society and of human affairs in the widest sense. It provides a framework into which one can fit one's knowledge of the other social sciences, such as economics, history, anthropology and psychology. It is in effect the apex of the study of mankind in relation to his environment, and integrates one's thinking on social questions.
Surely this subject is of value to any student who wishes to investigate the world in which he lives, to view society clearly, and to attain an intelligent insight into the past, present and future of man's civilisation.
Sociology is not mere theory, bearing no close relation to life. It is intensely real. What is of more importance than an understanding of one's environment and its relation to other societies.
I believe that this subject should not only be retained in the universities of New Zealand, but that it should be removed from the extramural list, and placed under the supervision of the philosophy departments, where its study could be developed by the seminar method. Under the present system the student works alone. Discussion and criticism of theories would be most useful.