VOL. XV, NO. 6

By STEVE KISSLINGER

The course offerings at Maine West are probably as diverse as its students. Even underderclassmen can exercise a good deal of discretion in choosing which courses will make up their daily schedule. To aid some students in deciding which courses to take in the years to come, I feel it is my duty, as a senior, and because of that distinction, presumably one of the more educated members of the student body to offer some personal observations on one particular and very special course offering.

Early one morning, at half past two to be precise, I was happily engaged in jotting down a paragraph or two on some topic of vital concern to me Mesopotamian Art. It was in the middle of that festive occasion that I realized just how much I really enjoyed being a part of the humanities class. To a large extent, this enjoyment emanates from the teaching corps. For, where else could be found a group of teachers so dedicated that they would spend 42 minutes a day, not including countless preparation time, in attempting to, and succeeding at, opening up a whole new world to their inquisitive disciples.

Past and present humanities scholars will long remember some of the more unique features and unusual occurrences they encountered in the course of their studies such as being exposed to the work of the masters, the stimulating conversation. Conversations guided by Mr. Barnes' novel conception of democracy in the classroom where each student therefore, feels free to speak his mind. The sleep lost in writing some of the provocative papers and then found during some of the equally provocative films. Films where presumably grown men prance about the English countryside in white leotards, presented to us by the latest in audio‑visual equipment. This action all takes place in the same room that once comprised the senior lounge. "The room is all right," says chairman of the humanities teaching corps, Mr. Dewane Barnes, "except for the fact that it has no air."

It is also noteworthy that the humanities class is treated to several exciting field trips throughout the year. On a fateful day late last November we set out on an excursion to, among other things, view an arousing performance of the opera, Carmen. This performance happened to be the children's matinee, so we all felt right at home.

In attendance were most of the Chicago elementary schools, a few junior highs, and our group. A contingent from the Andy Home and Cook County Jail also made a brief appearance. Needless to say, they occupied the best seats. Few of us could make out exactly where the stage was, and fewer still could make heads or tails out of the dialogue, which was sung entirely in French - at least it sounded like French.

The best performance of the afternoon, however, did not take place at the Lyric Opera House. With near unanimity, I am sure, the class and teachers would reserve this honor for our United Motor Coach driving ace. His showing, however, was not perfect, for in an attempt to make it from the Ohio Street overpass to the Kennedy Expressway, without the aid of an entrance ramp, he managed to get only two wheels off the ground. This predicament, among others, enabled Mr. Dan Silkowski to get some practical use out of a little hobby of his, directing traffic. When the class goes to see the Chicago Symphony in a few weeks, it has been requested, that if we get the same driver, that he be accompanied by his seeing eye dog.

Finally, and by no means lastly, an acquaintance with the remaining two humanities teachers, Messrs. Ted Vargas and Mark Mattson, is in order. Mr. Vargas, who like Mr. Silkowski enjoys working with his hands, (as opposed to Mr. Barnes who considers his mouth to be his most valuable asset) so much that he has taught the entire class the art of waving a baton. So successful was he at this, rumor has it, that one of the graduating humanities students, if he survives, has an offer to study under Leonard Bernstein. The other teacher, Mr. Mattson], I feel is the one member of the team that the class can truly identify with. Mark, as many of us playfully call him, is a professional so young in spirit, as well as body, that he is compelled to wear a tie every day so as not to be stopped in the halls and asked for a pass.

So, to those of you in the dark as to what you are going to take next year may I make the following recommendation. Take humanities. Even if you have to cram your schedule to tight as to remain in school past noon, it is well worth your time. The shortcomings of the class and its instructors are tolerable only if you remember that they have to put up with yours. Being underclassmen today, believe me, you have more than your share.