University of Virginia Library

CORCORAN SCHOOL OF HISTORICAL SCIENCE.

Prof. Holmes.

In this School are two classes—one of General History, the other
of the Processes of Historical Change. Either class may be taken
separately, or either branch of the latter class.

I General History.—In this class the story of advancing civilization
is followed through the succession of the leading nations, from the
commencement of authentic and continuous history to the Age of
Revolution still in progress. An effort is made to impress the vital
connection of nation with nation, of generation with generation, and of
anterior with ensuing conditions of historical development. The rise,
the decline and the fall of States are referred to their causes. The political,
intellectual and social condition of the people in the more prominent
periods is carefully expounded; and the sources of their power
and prosperity, or of their weakness and impoverishment are noted, so
far as the necessary limitation of the subject will permit. The object
contemplated is to present the human family in History as an organic
unity, all of whose parts at all times, and through all successions, are
thoroughly interdependent.

Text-books.—Smith's History of Greece; Merivale's History of Rome (abridged by Puller);
Gibbon, History of the Decline and Fall of Rome (abridged by Smith); Lodge, Modern History;
Labberton's New History and Historical Atlas.

II. The other class embraces Political Economy and the Science of
Society, Political Economy being considered as a subordinate branch of
social investigation.

I. Political Economy.—In the treatment of this department of knowledge,
there is no rigid adherence to the school of Smith, Ricardo, and

Mill. The modification of older doctrines necessitated by the increase
of productive inventions and productive operations is steadily regarded.
Attention is paid to the inquiries and criticism of Thornton, Cairnes,
Jevons, etc.; and the altered views propounded by Laveleye, Walker,
and the school of the Cathedrists are duly considered.

Text-book.—Mill's Political Economy (abridged by McLaughlin). For consultation.—
Walker's Political Economy (advanced course).

2. Science of Society.—The latter half of the course in this class is
devoted to the Science of Society.

In this is prosecuted the investigation of the laws and movements, the
growth, decay and constitution of Societies, in the different phases and
stages of social development. The necessary organic functions of society
are studied in their several forms. They are also regarded in their reciprocal
relations and in their conjoint action in successive forms of civilization.
All systems are interpreted: no ideal constitution is contemplated.
The course is descriptive of processes by which experienced
results have been obtained: not speculative in advocacy of theoretic
dreams.

The Class is dependent on notes on the Lectures, as no text-book exists.