Winter 2008
Web Exclusives

Chronicle

Curriculum continually evolving at college on the Hill
With thanks to C-SC Archivist Carla Steinbeck

According to a brief history of the Culver-Stockton curriculum, written by former C-SC archivist, Colman K. Winn, in 1978, "The Founders dreamed of an institution where the Bible could be used as a textbook, and where laymen could be instructed in the Scriptures so that they could lead in developing congregations. From the beginning, this core curriculum has been followed." Winn based his history on the published academic catalog that dates back to 1867 and what was then Christian University. There were no "majors," rather a prescribed program of study in five "schools of instruction" that ranged from Sacred Literature and Moral Philosophy; to Natural Philosophy and Chemistry, Mathematics and Astronomy; and Physiology, Anatomy, Hygiene and Mental Philosophy (initiated in 1868).

The name game

Throughout its 155-year history, the labels for the academic programs have changed frequently and different programs of study have surfaced, disappeared, and re-surfaced again over the decades. Some were only tried briefly. For example, "Belles Letters" only is listed for a single academic year in the catalog, and a "Correspondence Bible School" is listed only from 1895-1900. "Elocution" began in 1886 and continued until 1915, when it became "Public Speaking" and later the "Department of Oratory."  "Instrumental and Vocal Music" appears in the earliest catalogs, is listed sporadically though 1875-95, and then recurs steadily under one name or another. "Art, Painting, and Drawing" courses are listed often. "Library Sciences" also appeared in the catalogs from 1922-78. "Home Economics" was offered in the 1950s only, and "pre-professional" programs appeared in the 1958 catalog for the first time. "Adult Education" was first tried in 1958, and the "Honors Program" was added in 1959. Some of the coursework that continues today was introduced in the 1970s, such as journalism/communication and criminal justice.

Also evolving were the college’s original five schools of instruction – Sacred Literature & Moral Philosophy; Ancient Languages and Literature; Natural Philosophy, Chemistry, Mathematics & Astronomy; English Literature & Natural History; and Physiology, Anatomy, Hygiene & Mental Philosophy. By the 1890s, the college was offering its 80 students three courses of study leading to a bachelor’s degree (classical, scientific and ministerial). Unlike the "divisions" represented at Culver-Stockton today, the college was organized into numerous departments that included elements from the original structure as well as political science and history, music, and elocution and oratory.

By the 1902-03 catalog, the curriculum was organized into four "colleges" – Arts and Sciences, College of the Bible, Commercial College, and the Conservatory of Music. By 1912, the School of Public Speaking and Dramatic Art had been added. For the first time, the college began to offer "electives" in addition to its prescribed coursework and both a BA and an MA could be earned through its College of Liberal Arts. The College of the Bible offered a bachelor of divinity (AB) degree and, as of 1916, briefly offered a doctor of divinity degree as well. Teachers Certificates were listed for the first time in the 1916 catalog. Other additions included the Art Department and the Department of Athletics, with a focus on competition rather than coursework. Physical education classes were not introduced until the 1930s.

Post-war standardization

Re-named in 1917 as Culver-Stockton, the college – like every other U.S. college – began to deal with standardization issues after World War I. For the first time, the catalog referenced "admission to a major."  It required students to choose a major by the beginning of their sophomore year or they would be assigned a major. Once a major was chosen or assigned, it could not be changed. Only five majors were offered: english, science, bible-philosophy, foreign language, and history.

By 1919, students were not allowed to select a major before the second semester of their sophomore year but had to pick a major before starting their junior year. Faculty had to approve any request to change a major. At that time, Culver-Stockton had bachelor of arts (AB) degrees in Bible/Philosophy, Education, English, Foreign Language and History; and bachelor of science (SB) degrees in Science and Mathematics. Ministerial students graduated with a bachelor’s degree (AB) and an English "Bible Diploma." The Conservatory of Music continued to offer studies in piano and voice, but students were required to have the director’s permission for any public performance. There also was a Department of Art, but no degree was offered, and a Department of Oratory, which required all graduates to earn 30 college points by taking a three-year oratory course, 12 points in English, and four in psychology.

By 1920, Culver-Stockton had been admitted to the "College Union of Missouri" and also cited membership in the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. Admission standards for freshmen were now set by accrediting organizations and included passing an examination or having a certificate of graduation from a four-year high school accredited by the Missouri State Board of Education or completing a four-year course accredited by a State University of the North Central Association. Earning a bachelor’s degree now required 20-25 hours in your major, with a maximum of 30 hours in any one department. Credit toward your degree could be earned by taking courses from the School of Fine Arts, but it did not offer a bachelors degree in fine arts.

An extra graduation requirement was that every student had to pass a swimming test to graduate, which required swimming 40 yards using two different strokes, two dives, swimming the length of the pool in street clothes, lifesaving, and resuscitation.

In 1922, Culver-Stockton’s one addition to the curriculum was to replace the Department of Oratory and the Conservatory with the School of Expression and the School of Music. Interestingly enough, the 1925 catalog no longer listed the School of Music but still offered music. A bachelor of music degree was not offered until 1938.

In 1923, C-SC became a charter member of the Missouri College Athletic Union. By 1928, the college’s bachelor’s degrees included a 10-hour foreign language requirement. In 1929, the college consolidated some of its offerings and reduced its 12 majors and 14 minors to 10 majors; however, by 1933, it had expanded back to 13 majors and 12 minors. For the first time it offered a Certificate of Associate of Arts, which required completion of only 60 hours of coursework. In 1940, the college eliminated its entrance exam requirements.

The division plan

By 1946, C-SC adopted a "division plan." Students were expected to complete both a major and a minor in the three divisions: Humanities (which included art, English, speech, foreign language, and music); Natural Sciences (which included astronomy, biology, chemistry, geography, geology, mathematics, and physics) and Social Sciences (which included business administration, economics, education, history, political science, physical education, psychology, religion, philosophy, and sociology). Seventeen majors and 20 minors were offered, with 124 hours required to earn a degree.

Over the years, some programs migrated from one division to another, but the model held. In 1956, four divisions were listed: Humanities, Natural Science, Psychology & Education, and Social Sciences.

By 1967, the structure had grown to five divisions: Education, Psychology, Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Science. Bachelor’s degrees in medical technology and nursing were offered for the first time. The number of majors now totaled 26 and continued to grow, hitting 28 majors in 1970 and 36 degree programs in 1980. The college adopted a general education program in 1971 and offered associate degrees until they were eliminated in 1989.

In 1985, the division structure shifted again to four divisions – Applied Arts and Sciences, Fine Arts, Natural and Behavioral Sciences, and Humanities. The six hours of language required for graduation, included courses in math and computers. This year also saw the first American Freedom Studies Program, which offered U.S. and foreign study and research. Only 29 majors were offered, and minors were eliminated until they were reinstated in 1991.

The division structure changed three times between 2001 and 2005. In 2001, the four divisions were identified as Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, and Fine Arts. Two years later, they were renamed Arts & Sciences, Business, Education & Applied Arts, which included the recently created athletic training major, and Fine Arts.

The current naming structure was established in 2005: Business, Education and Applied Arts, Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Natural and Mathematical Sciences. The changes included modification of the general education requirements, creation of the ACE requirements, and 29 majors. The program was further modified in 2006 to include the Culver Core, Senior Capstone, and Stockton Selectives.

Helping soldiers

Culver-Stockton College had a role in helping to prepare soldiers and to educate veterans.

- During World War I, the U.S. government installed a unit of Student’s Army Training Corps on campus, in October 1918. It was mustered out after the war ended in the summer of 1919.

- During World War II, C-SC adopted a trimester system (3, 15-week sessions that met six days a week), which meant students could complete their degree requirements in just 2½ or 3 years so they could graduate quickly and then enter the military service.

- In addition, "war service" courses were offered to prepare students to serve. Courses included: Technical Assistant, War Industry, Junior Laboratory Research Aide and other emergency defense positions.

- Inaugurated in 1969, the "Bootstrappers" program (also known as the Degree Completion Program for Military Personnel" was initiated by the U.S. Army and Air Force to help men and women in military service complete their college degrees. It was designed for those who had earned substantial college credit before their military service and paid for up to two years of additional college study. Legendary C-SC Registrar Olga Bays was in charge of recruiting the students and served as military liaison officer.  The first "bootstrapper" entered Culver-Stockton in fall 1970, followed by hundreds of soldiers and airmen who completed their bachelor’s degrees on the Hill, often in less than the allotted two years. The program ended by the 1988-89 academic year.