HOME SCIENCE

Waikato Independent, Volume XLIV, Issue 6087, 28 May 1947, Page 6

HOME SCIENCE

AT UNIVERSITY LEVEL A NEW ZEALAND EXPERIMENT Ever since women were admitted to the degrees and! diplomas in the Universities of Britain and the Dominions, the question of the inclusion of Home Science in a University curriculum has been widely discussed. Women students have been anxious always to be accepted on the same level as men, taking the same subjects at the same standard, and seeking no concessions or differentiation of any sort, states an overseas writer. When they were first admitted, and in the years during which they had to establish their right to complete equality, this status was rigidly adhered to. Before long, however, it became evident that certain subj'ects were more attractive to women than others, and that the proportion of women in certain faculties, such as engineering, was negligible. In the early days of so-called “emancipation’’ most professions were closed to women, and teaching was the only one for which a university, degree could be a preparation., Gradually other avenues opened out, but in most universities there is no course' which prepares women only for the life for which they are preeminently suited, that of organising and running a home. There are many admirable institutions which do this at a lower intellectual level for those, who do not seek a university degree, but the teachers in these schools must go abroad to obtain academic qualifications foi' their profession.

Australian universities have not yet incorporated the subject either as a degree or a diploma course, but the University of Otago in Dunedin, has successfully pioneered an experiment in this direction. Aim of School

The aim of the School of Home Science is stated to be “to provide a scientific education for women in the principles underlying the conduct and organisation of home life.” It thus sets out frankly to educate women only in a subject which is peculiarly adapted to prepare them for a life outside the recognised professions, but which is generally admitted to be one of vital importance to the community. The school provides two courses —« a degree course which emphasises the scientific side, and a diploma course in which proficiency in homecrafts is of major importance.

The administrative and teaching staff of the faculty is some indication of the scope and size of the school. The dean is a wom|an who holds the title of professor, a status not yet attained by a woman in AustraliaMembers of her board are six male professors, two doctors and four women. Another doctor attends in an advisory capacity, and there are seven women lecturers and assistant lecturers. Large and unwieldy classes are avoided and a considerable amount' of practical and laboratory work is possible. Theory and Practice

The entrance qualification for the degree of bachelor of home science (B.H.Sc.) is university entrance, as in every other subject at university level. Students are advised to remain for two years in the VI. form at school and to make a special study of mathematics and science. Graduates reaching a high standard may proceed to the degree of master of home science (M.H.Sc.). The degree course takes four years, the diploma takes three.

There are 19 subjects taught in classes, and instruction covers, besides physics and chemistry, zoology, anatomy, physiology and bacteriology, such useful studies as the composition of textiles, metals, wood, glass, china and enamel ware, cleansing and laundering agents, chemical illuminants and household disinfectants; In the house planning and administration section lectures are given on the economic use of time, labour and money in the home. Food is studied from every angle, including nutrition and dietetics, and in the clothing classes design, construction, the history of costume, and the hygi-

ene and care of dress, with special reference to a university girl’s wardrobe.

The students themselves are earnest young women with a bent for home-making combined with good intellectual equipment. Most of them live in hostels, governed by their own organisation, of which every student is automatically a member. The dean is ex-officio a member of the executive, but the administration is mainly in the hands of the student councils. House rules are few and simple, as in most student hostels, and are devised to allow reasonable freedom combined with opportunity for study and a pleasant community life. The college itself is a beautiful bui'ld|ing, and the parts allotted for the home science course are well equipped. Graduates are already making their presence felt in the community, and perhaps before long the influence of this movement for the education of women in the arts for which they are peculiarly fitted may be felt beyond the boundaries of the country where it has had such asuccessful beginning.