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A First-Year Course in Home Economics for Southern Agricultural Schools
Title
A First-Year Course in Home Economics for Southern Agricultural Schools
Creator
Date
1917
Relation
U.S. Department of Agriculture Bulletin Number 540
Subject
Excerpt
This bulletin outlines a course of study in home economics for southern high schools. It emphasizes the connection between such instruction and actual home experience and the danger arising from formal methods of presentation. It calls attention to underlying general principles and applies them in a typical course of study, which, while based on southern conditions, is applicable in other communities.
The aim of any course in home economics is to make the girl a better home maker. By teaching her how to do, and the reasons why, and as well by giving insight into the fundamental importance of home making such instruction transforms housework from drudgery into an honored profession. In the average home two industries stand out — sewing and cooking — and there has been a tendency to limit home economics instruction to them. If interpreted broadly to include their economic and hygienic relations, cooking and sewing do furnish the basis of a well-rounded course; but they should be supplemented by other subjects necessary for the home maker. Knowledge of the homes of her community will best assure to the teacher suitable subject matter and connect the school work with home duties.
The aim of any course in home economics is to make the girl a better home maker. By teaching her how to do, and the reasons why, and as well by giving insight into the fundamental importance of home making such instruction transforms housework from drudgery into an honored profession. In the average home two industries stand out — sewing and cooking — and there has been a tendency to limit home economics instruction to them. If interpreted broadly to include their economic and hygienic relations, cooking and sewing do furnish the basis of a well-rounded course; but they should be supplemented by other subjects necessary for the home maker. Knowledge of the homes of her community will best assure to the teacher suitable subject matter and connect the school work with home duties.