University of Virginia Library

CORCORAN SCHOOL OF HISTORY, GENERAL LITERATURE
AND RHETORIC.

Prof. Holmes.

This School is divided into two distinct classes—one of History and
one of Literature and Rhetoric. To each, two lectures in the week are
regularly devoted; but exercises in literary compositions are required
from the members of the Literary class. Each study may be pursued
separately.

Class of History.

In the Historical Class the successions, revolutions, and various aspects
of the principal nations of the world are considered in such a manner as
to afford a general and connected view of the progress of political and
social organizations. Institutions and laws are noted as the manifestations
of different phases of society; an attempt is made to discover and
elucidate the conditions of historical advancement, and to refer the
changes of nations and governments to the operation of regular principles.

Text-Books.—Smith's History of Greece; Merivale's Smaller History of Rome,
(Puller's Abridgment); Gibbon, abridged by Smith; Modern History, Text-Book
to be indicated hereafter.

For reference.—Kiepert's Atlas Antiquus, or Long's Ancient Atlas; Chambers'
Atlas, or other Modern Atlas.

Class of Literature and Rhetoric.

In the Class of Literature and Rhetoric, the English Language, English
Composition, Rhetoric, and the English Classics, with the History
of English Literature, are studied.

The origin, growth, and philological peculiarities of the Language are
considered; the various influences, domestic and external, by which it
has been brought to its present condition, are explained; the general

principles of Rhetoric and Criticism are taught; the lives of the most
eminent authors in the language are treated in their historical order and
connection; and the critical examination and appreciation of their chief
productions occupy much of the time of the student. The class will also
be required to practise Literary Composition.

Text-Books.—Jamieson's Grammar of Rhetoric; — History of the English Language;
Shaw's Complete Manual of English Literature, Ed. Smith and Tuckerman;
Student's Specimens of English Literature, Ed. Shaw and Smith.

Shakspeare's Complete Works; Milton's Poetical Works.

The Clarendon Press Editions of Shakspeare's Plays are strongly recommended.

For instruction in Oratory or spoken composition, those portions of
Dr. Broadus's Treatise on the Preparation and Delivery of Sermons
which are appropriate to secular purposes, are especially commended.
Angus's Handbook of the English Language will be found of great use.