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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 79

Course for Bachelor of Commerce Degree

page 10

Course for Bachelor of Commerce Degree.

Keeping these principles in view the Senate of New Zealand University laid down the following course of study:—

First Examination (six subjects)—first two years after Matriculation.

1.French or German.
2.History (1760 1890).
3.Geography (Physical and Commercial).
4.Economics.
5.

Mathematics (Algebra); or one of the following Sciences:—

Physics (Sound, Light, Heat), Magnetism, Electricity, Inorganic Chemistry, Geology.

6.Accounting.

Second Examination (six subjects)—one year after first.

1.Commercial Law.
2.Statistical Method.
3.Commercial French or German.
4.Accountancy or Algebra, or one of the Sciences above not taken.
5 and 6.Two of the following
(a)Actuarial Mathematics.
(b)Industrial Law.
(c)Economic History.
(d)Currency and Banking.

"If you will now kindly direct your attention to the course of study prescribed for the Bachelor of Commerce Degree, which I have placed in outline upon the blackboard, I think you will be convinced readily that such a plan of studies, comprising subjects of practical importance in commercial life, provides the means for obtaining an intellectual culture of an excellence comparable in almost every respect with that provided by the University for the B.A. Degree or for any of the other professional courses.

"The wide range of subjects gives abundant scope for an all-round development of the mental faculties. The knowledge oil modern languages, such as French and German, begets an acquaintance with national literatures rich in materials for the culture of the imagination, and carries with it all the advantages to be derived from translation from a foreign tongue. May I here parenthetically observe that I hope that Spanish will be shortly added to this list, for its knowledge would be of especial value to commercial men in view of possible developments in three years to come of close trade relationships between New Zealand and the Spanish-speaking peoples of the Western Coast of South America page 11 Then again, the study of Mathematics, Accountancy, and allied subjects, quickens the reasoning faculties, and makes for accuracy and clearness in thinking. Consider, too, how acquaintance with any of the sciences grouped under heading (5) of the first examination would splendidly develop the student's powers of observation. Finally, the systematic study of History, Commercial Geography, and Economics must surely evoke a sympathetic interest in the strivings and aspirations of mankind, that will bring about that humanising influence upon personal character which has been, and is still, the highest aim and loftiest ideal in the purpose and pursuit of University Education.

"Part of these subjects are taken at the first examination, two years after Matriculation, and then at the end of the third year there is the second examination. That is the course of study set down for the Degree of Bachelor of Commerce, and I think you will admit that it is a very useful course for anyone who is destined to devote himself to a business life. Of course, educationists do not claim that such training is all that is necessary for success in commercial life. There are gifts of character, integrity, industry, readiness of resource, and steady pursuit of high ideals, that all make for success in business life, but it will be admitted that, all things being equal, the man who has had the benefit of this study possesses an incalculable advantage over one not similarly educated, because he has a knowledge of the principles upon which his business is based. Besides, such knowledge gives an added zest to work. It is the same in our medical life. I can assure you and you must-all realise it, how interesting it is in our professional life to see how the laws of Physiology, Pathology, and Therapeutics, upon which everything is based, work out so wonderfully in the individual cases that come before us. The same truth, I am sure, applies to commercial life. In this course, every provision is made for a thorough acquaintance with the great principles that underlie economics, finance, and the mechanism of business, and when a man knows these it must give him an additional attraction to his business to see how they work out in everyday life. If a man is interested in his work, as a rule he will be successful in his work.

"The classes, I may say, are held after business hours, and if a man wishes to undertake the course it does not necessarily mean that he must be separated from his business life. But while this is so, to complete the course would make great demands upon him and it is primarily intended for students who intend to go to the University, say, from their 16th to 19th year, giving all their time to qualifying for the degree.