Origins of Composition Studies in the American College (Brereton)

Hale (Iowa)

In the elective courses, we draw the line sharply between linguistic work and literary. If it were practicable, I should like to divide further, giving courses devoted particularly to literary history and to the interpretation of literature. As it is, however, these last subjects are treated in the same courses. In linguistics we give this year a course in Old English and another on historical English grammar. But these courses (and a course in Middle English, as well, that has been given) are not favorites with the student body, and are only given in alternative years. (100)

We have two main ideas: first, to give plenty of opportunity to those who wish to gain a good English style; and second, to encourage a feeling and taste for good literature. It is a pity that we cannot develop further than we do the more scientific aspects of linguistic study and of criticism and literary history. But these are matters which of the present we have to leave almost untouched. (100-101)