These images come from the college’s first published catalogue, printed in 1856. At one of their early board meetings, the college trustees gave the faculty the authority to develop and control the curriculum and enact certain rules and regulations, and these are generally contained in the catalogue.
Among the more interesting portions of the catalogue is the course of study and the requirements for admission. I’m going to quote the admission requirements, but you can look at the course of study by clicking on each thumbnail to see a larger image.
For admission to the Freshman class
A candidate is required to have studied carefully the English, Latin, and Greek grammars, including Prosody.
Ancient and Modern Geography
Arithemtic
Algebra, through equations of Second Degree
Caesar’s Commentaries, four books
Virgil’s Aeneid, six books
All of Sallust
Four of Cicero’s Orations
All of Jacobs’ Greek Reader
Xenophon’s Anabasis, six books
Candidates for a more advanced class will be examined on all the studies already pursued by the class they wish to join.
In other words, you could enter in the sophomore class if you could pass an exam on all of the freshman class’s work. It was not unusual, in the college’s early years, for students to be admitted into the sophomore class.
I like to read this list of admissions requirements to students – and alumni when I have the chance – today. I always end with the question, would you get in today? Most of us – myself included – have to shake our heads and say no.