UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
Contribution from the States Relations Service 
A. C. TRUE, Director 
Washington, D. C. PROFESSIONAL PAPER July 27, 1917 
A FIRST-YEAR COURSE IN HOME ECONOMICS FOR 
SOUTHERN AGRICULTURAL SCHOOLS.! 
By Louise STan.ey, Professor of Home Economics, University of Missouri. 
CONTENTS. 
x Page. Page : 
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INTRODUCTION. 
This bulletin outlines a course of study in home economics for 
southern high schools. It emphasizes the connection between such 
instruction and actual home experience and the danger arising 
from formal methods of presentation. It calls attention to under- 
‘lying general principles and applies them in a typical course of 
study, which, while based on southern conditions, is applicable in 
other communities. 
The aim of any course in home economics is to make the as a 
better home maker. By teaching her how to do, and the reasons 
why, and as well by giving insight into the fundamental importance 
of home making such instruction transforms housework from 
drudgery into an honored profession. In the average home two 
industries stand out—sewing and cooking—and there has been a 
tendency to limit home economics instruction to them. If inter- 
preted broadly to include their economic and hygienic relations, 
cooking and sewing do furnish the basis of a well-rounded course; 
but they should be supplemented by other subjects necessary for the 
home maker. Knowledge of the homes of her community will best 
assure to the teacher suitable subject matter and connect the school 
work with home duties. 
1 This bulletin has been prepared in cooperation between the author and C. H. Lane, Chief Specialist in 
Agricultural Education, as well as specialists of the Office of Home Economics, States Relations Service. 
It is designed to aid teachers in presenting a course of study in HOES economics which will connect such 
instruction and actual home experiences. 
83933°—Bull. 540—17——1 
