SOCIAL EDUCATION.
[TO THE EDITOR OF TIIM "SPEOTA.TOR.1
Snt,—For some years a group of persons who have in different. ways been dealing with questions affecting the condition of the people has been developing plans for a branch of education which might give to social science a new position and a more real significance, and might also serve as a pre- paration for social administration and its constant demand for greater ability and efficiency. Two lines of thought meet here.
First, the thought of those who in their sympathy with want and distress have felt their way to better, and, really, more
scientific, methods of administration. These have, almost un- consciously sometimes, demanded more science in the interest of their work, as Charles Kingsley asked for a science of political economy, which shall be " synthetic " and " learn how to, use the laws which it has discovered, and counteracting them. by others when necessary, produce new forms of society." And next, the thought of those who have come to the question
chiefly from the scientific side, where a path has been made for them by the new study of psychology, ethics, economies,_
and social science. Consistent with these two lines of thought, and with the approval of a large number of persons who, differing in many things, agree in this, a School of Sociology and Social Economics has been established. On its General Committee are, amongst others, Lord Avebury, the Master of Balliol, the Bishop of Stepney, Professor Marshall, Dr. Bernard Bosanquet, Dr. Fairbairn, Miss Octavio. Hill, Mr. W. Bousfield, and Mr. Valiance. It is itself the outcome of several years of work. The need for such a School has been proven by a large attendance at courses of lectures and a general demand for education in social work. To give com- pleteness to the scheme, however, it became evident that, as regards part of the curriculum at least, lectures of a University standard should be given, combined with class- instruction and linked, as far as possible, to practical work and administration. Thus thoroughly scientific teaching in sociology, with its constant demand for completer observation,. would be endowed with new opportunities, and the study of practical methods would not be severed from the social knowledge that should underlie them. Mr. E. J. Urwick, M.A., is lecturer and tutor to the School; and no one, I think, is better qualified for the post, both from his intellectual attainments and from his knowledge of the social conditions and problems of the Metropolis. He gives- the general course of lectures on " Social Theory in Relation to Practical Work." Professor Geddes will give the sociological course on " Observation and Method in Sociological Studies." There are special lectures on " Co-partnership in Relation to Economic Competence." Mr. Vulliamy, lately clerk to the Ipswich Union, a recognised authority in Poor Law matters, will give lecture-classes in Poor Law suitable for Relieving Officers and others. A course of . lectures is also being arranged which will, it is hoped, be of special service to men who are entering the ministry. Miss Margaret Sewell, late Warden of the Women's University Settlement, will take a special class for charitable workers. The School, I need hardly say, is occupying ground covered by no existing institution;. and it will work co-operatively, seeking in no way to set on foot lectures or classes for which due provision has already been made. Towards a foundation fund for the school £1,000 has been promised. It is desired to raise £10,000. Would your readers help towards this ? The School, as we think of it, is the culmination of many years of work, work not of this generation only, but of that of Maurice and Kingsley, and in a manner of the sociologists of past days. It represents a plea for systematic training and knowledge in a sphere of work which most closely concerns . the general good of the people. Mrs. Q. F. Hill, the hon. secretary, 10 Kensington Mansions, Earl's Court, S.W., will gladly send, the prospectus to all inquirers. Donations should be paid
ito the bankers of the School, Messrs. Contts, 59 Strand, W.C.
[We Lai% no hesitation in endorsing Mr. Loch's appeal. Under proper management, which we do not doubt it will -Obtain, his School should prove of immense service. In no region of human activity more than in social work is it true that knowledge is power.—En. Spectator.]
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