 omestic Science and Domestic Art as found in the curricula of the
schools of to-day (sic) are not the resultants (sic) of accident but of an evolution, the purpose of which is
to bring the public schools into closer and more vital touch with the conditions and trend (sic) of our
present-day civilization, and to meet more fully the demands of this civilization.
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A course in Domestic Science and Domestic Art means a course which affords training for girls in those subjects
which affect home life and through the subjects included in such courses the school affiliates itself with life.
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In general terms, the subjects upon which a course in Domestic Science and Domestic Art is founded, are Food,
Shelter, and Clothing, vital factors in efficient human development.
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The necessary application of scientific laws to practical work results in awakening in the minds of students
earnest and sustained interest; it cultivates a habit of scientific observation and inquiry; while the constant
interrelation of the work and thought of the students in dealing with problems which affect living, results in a
more elevated moral tone.
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The great advance (sic) in scientific knowledge pertaining to proper sanitation and hygiene, makes it essential
that this knowledge be placed within the reach of all�.
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As the public school must meet the demands of the times, so must the normal school meet the demands of the
public school. The normal school, therefore, which trains teachers for the grades is admirably fitted to train
the special teacher.
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Stevens Point Normal School administers the work in Domestic Science and Domestic Art along two specific lines.
First, the training of teachers of these subjects in the grades and high schools. Second, the training of young
women who do not intend to teach, in the theory and practice of home making.
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COURSES FOR THOSE NOT INTENDING TO TEACH DOMESTIC SCIENCE AND DOMESTIC ART
The woman who administers the affairs of a household and is making a home has resting upon her as great
responsibility as has a person in any line of business. As the high degree of efficiency desirable in other
professions is obtained through long study in schools which teach basic principles and give opportunity for
their application, so is efficiently to be acquired in the profession of home making. Formerly a girl was
taught in the home to cook, spin, weave, sew and make her own garments, but modern life with its many
complexities has deprived the young of such occupations and so the school has gaken them up. In view of these
conditions and needs, courses of one and two years in length have been organized.
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EXTENSION WORK
In February 1912, a Farmers' and Home Makers' Conference was held at the Normal school.
Similar evening conferences are held in the neighboring rural communities, led by members of the Normal school
faculty. Problems of practical interest and importance to both the farmer and his wife are studied in these
conferences. Domestic Science teaching is also carried on in accessible rural schools, thus furnishing an
opportunity for the student teacher to study her problem in relation to the rural school, as well as to open
to the rural schools girls another avenue of interest, hereby life in the farm home may be more complete,
progressive and purposeful.
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In February 1913 a similar conference was held which was attended by over 200 farmers, their wives and
children�. This is a new movement in the Normal School work, giving substantial evidence of the progressive
ideas in education advanced by the schools.
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DOMESTIC SCIENCE AND DOMESTIC ART COURES FOR HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES (adopted by the Board of Regents
February 17, 1912)
These courses are open to any graduate of a four-year high school. The purpose of the Three Year Course is to
fit graduates for teaching either Domestic Science or Domestic Art in the larger high schools, or Domestic
Science and Domestic Art together with one or two academic subjects in the smaller high schools. The purpose
of the Two Year Course is to fit graduates for teaching Domestic Science and Domestic Art in the smaller high
schools and in the grades. High school graduates who wish to be prepared for teaching Domestic Science and
Domestic Art in the grades, together with the common branches, are recommended to enter the Five Year Domestic
Science and Domestic Art Course.
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*The Iris 1913 p.7-9
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