JESUIT RATIO STUDIORUM OF 1599

RULES OF THE PREFECT OF LOWER STUDIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction
Letter of Transmission of the Ratio of 1599

Rules of the Provincial
Common Rules of Professors of the Higher Faculties
Rules of the Prefect of Lower Studies
Rules for Written Examinations
Laws for Prizes
Common Rules for the Teachers of the Lower Classes
Rules of the Scholastics of the Society
Instruction for Those Engaged in the Two-Year Review of Theology
Rules of the Academy
Notes to the Translation

He should be aware that he has been chosen to help the rector in every way possible in directing and administering our schools to the end that our students may advance in uprightness of life as well as in the liberal arts.

2 In whatever pertains to school discipline he should consult with the rector alone; for studies he should seek advice from the general prefect of studies. He is not to depart from their decisions, and he must not abolish any established custom or introduce any new one. He should submit to the general prefect for his approval declamations which the students of rhetoric or of the lower classes are to deliver publicly whether at home or in the school. Emblematic compositions and poems which are to be displayed on the greater feast days should be read by two judges appointed by the rector. They are to select the best. He should have at hand the rules of the teachers and students of the lower classes and enforce their observance with the same fidelity with which he must observe those of his own office. He should assist and direct the teachers, and take special care that nothing is done to lessen their authority and esteem in the eyes of others, especially of their pupils. He must carefully see to it that new instructors retain the methods and practices of their predecessors, provided, however, that these are in harmony with the Ratio. Thus there will be less occasion for complaint at our frequent change of teachers. He should visit every instructor at least every two weeks. He should note whether they give the proper amount of time and effort to Christian doctrine, whether they are making sufficient headway in carrying out and reviewing the assigned subject matter, and finally, whether they conduct themselves in a proper and commendable manner in all dealings with their pupils. He should note well in advance and inform the teachers of feast days and vacations, whether common to all the provinces or peculiar to his own, especially the weekly holidays, as well as the timetable of classes at the different seasons of the year. He should indicate, too, when the pupils are to be dismissed for public devotions and similar events, or are to be given orders or prohibitions out of the ordinary.

3 He must be careful that the subject matter of the five lower classes, namely, rhetoric, humanities, and the three grammar classes is kept distinct. If because of the large number of pupils the provincial orders a class to be taught in two sections, let each section keep the same subject matter, and if several levels of instruction are in the same classroom, they must correspond to the grade levels described in the rules of the masters. To keep this distinction better and more easily, all the rules of Emmanuel’s grammar should be divided into three books, one for each grammar class. The first book, for the lowest class, shall comprise the whole of Emmanuel’s first book and a brief introduction to syntax taken from the second book. The second book, for the middle grammar class, shall contain the second book of Emmanuel on the construction of the eight parts of speech down to figures of speech, with the easier appendices added. The third book, for the highest grammar class, shall include the second group of appendices from Emmanuel’s second book, the treatment of figurative construction to the end, and the third book, which is on scansion and prosody. A division of the matter into three parts, similar to this, is to be made by even those provinces which follow a method other than the Roman. The instructor of each class should finish his book, as a rule, in the first semester and repeat it in the second. But since the book for the first class takes in more matter than can be explained and reviewed in one year, it should be divided into two parts. In fact, it would be better to admit only pupils who are well grounded in the first part of the grammar, so that the second part can be explained and repeated in one year, as in the other classes. Where this cannot be done, the lowest class ought to have two divisions, one of which shall study the first part of the book, and the other the second part, until the end of the first semester. In the second semester each of the two divisions shall review the whole from the beginning.

4 Wherever this division of a class takes place, one instructor may teach the lower division, another the higher. This repetition has a double advantage. First, what is most often repeated will be more deeply impressed on the mind. Second, the more gifted boys can complete the course more rapidly than the others, since they can advance each semester. Where there are five classes, the distinct scope and subject matter provided for in the rules of the instructors are to be observed. Nor should more than one grade level be allowed in any class except the lowest. Where there are four classes, either drop the class of rhetoric and keep the other four classes as just described or, what is better, keep rhetoric as the highest class and retain its subject matter exactly as defined in the rules of the teacher of rhetoric. Then the second class will be that of humanities, which also must retain the subject matter defined for it in the rules of the teacher of humanities. The third class will have two divisions, the first corresponding to the highest grammar class, the second to the middle grammar class. Finally, the fourth class shall correspond to the lowest class of grammar, and it may be divided into two grade levels as is explained in the rules of its teacher. If in this class only one, the higher division, is admitted, then the third class shall consist of only the highest grammar class, while the fourth class will have two divisions consisting of the middle and lowest grammar classes. Where there are three classes, the two lower shall keep their grade level as just described for a school of four classes. The highest class shall be either simply humanities, or let it have two divisions, one for rhetoric, the other for humanities. But the higher division, rhetoric, should not be introduced except with the rector’s advice, when there is a sufficient number of pupils able to profit by the subject matter of this higher division, and when at the same time the instructor will be able to give due care and attention to the lower division, or humanities.

5 Where there are two classes, the lower shall have two divisions, the one corresponding to the higher level of the lowest grammar class, the other to the middle grammar class. Likewise the higher class shall have two divisions, the one corresponding to the highest grammar class, the other to the class of humanities. Even in classes which have two divisions, both will have the same review of the year’s subject matter as mentioned above. Indeed, where possible, so that each division may cover all the matter in the first semester and review it in the second, the pupils shall advance as though in two classes of a single division and shall spend two years on the subject matter. Should this prove too difficult, even more time may be spent. To secure this result in classes that have two divisions, all the subject matter, except grammar, should be taught in common to both together, the teacher asking the easier questions of the lower division, the harder of the higher. Then only one theme shall be given, but the higher division should do the whole theme, while the lower division should do only the first or the last part, which will be adapted to the precepts they have seen. Finally, the exercises and contests shall also be common to both. Only the grammar prelection is distinct, and this may be given one day to one division, another day to the other, or there may be a daily prelection and review for each division by apportioning the time between them. Wherever possible, the prefect of studies should not admit a boy to the school who is not brought by his parents or guardians. This does not apply in cases where the prefect knows the boy personally or can easily obtain references. He must not, however, refuse anyone admission because of poverty or inferior social status. The prefect should examine new pupils in more or less the following way: First, he should ask them what studies they have had and to what extent. Then he should have them write a composition on an assigned topic. He should likewise question them on some of the precepts of the subject they have studied. Finally, he should have them translate some short sentences into Latin or, if he prefers, have them interpret some passage in an author.

6 He should admit those whom he finds well instructed and of good moral character, and he should acquaint them with the rules of our students that they may know how to conduct themselves. He should record in a book their name, surname, country, age, parents or guardians, their acquaintances among our students, and the day and year of their admission. Finally, he should assign each one to that class and teacher for which he is fitted in such wise that he seem qualified rather for a higher class than unfitted for his own. He should seldom admit to the lowest class either those who are rather old or are very young, unless they are unusually capable. He is not to relax this rule even though the pupil is sent merely for the advantages of the moral training. There is to be a general and formal promotion once a year after the annual vacation. If, however, any show superior ability and give promise of making better progress in a higher class than their own (the prefect will know this by examining their records and consulting their teachers), they should not be kept back but may be promoted any time during the year after an examination. However, such promotion from the highest grammar class to humanities or from humanities to rhetoric is hardly feasible, because in the second semester of humanities Latin versification is studied and in rhetoric the compendium of Cyprian is explained. The matter of the examination should be one or, if necessary, two prose compositions for all the classes. In the highest grammar class and in humanities, verse should also be required and, if it seems advisable, a Greek composition a few days later. The prefect must see that the instructors announce the examination two or three days beforehand, and that the rules for written examinations, which immediately follow these rules of the prefect, are read in each class. The prefect or someone whom he appoints shall preside at the written examinations. When the signal is given on the examination day, he shall dictate the subject matter of the composition, which should be a short rather than a long one.

7 He must keep the examination papers in his possession, arranged in alphabetical order. If there is no reason against it, he should distribute them among the examiners. The examiners should evaluate the papers and note mistakes in the margin. There are to be three examiners. Generally the prefect of studies himself should be one. The other two, competent in the classics and, if possible, not instructors themselves, are appointed by the rector on the advice of the prefect. When the number to be examined is very large, two or more boards may be appointed. Pupils should be sent to the examination room in groups of three, or even more in the lower classes. These groups should be introduced to the examiners by their teacher in alphabetical order or in some other convenient way. The examiners should read the instructor’s record and note the grades given to each while the pupils are coming to be examined, and if need be, they should compare the present record with the earlier records of the same year to discover what progress each has made or is likely to make. The method of the examination shall be as follows. First, if the examiners wish, they shall have each pupil read a part of his composition. He should then be told to correct his mistakes and to give the reason of the correction by indicating the rule violated. After this, pupils in the grammar classes should be given something in the vernacular to be turned immediately into Latin. All should be questioned on the precepts and other matters taught them in class. Finally, if thought necessary, a short passage from one of the authors studied in class should be given for interpretation. After the examination of each group of three pupils, the examiners, while their judgment is still fresh, should give their votes on those examined, taking into account the composition, the marks given by the teacher, and the replies to their questions. To come to a decision in doubtful cases, the prefect should call for a sampling of their daily exercises; then he should consult the examiners and if it seems advisable they may have these pupils undergo another written and oral examination.

8 Further, in these doubtful cases the age of the pupil, the time spent in the same class, his talent, and his diligence should all be taken into account. After the examination, the grade given each pupil is to be kept secret. Before the public announcement of promotions, each teacher ought to be shown the list of marks of the pupils in his own class. If anyone is totally unfit to be promoted, there should be no room for intercession. If a student is scarcely qualified, but because of his age, the time he has spent in the same class, or some other reason, it seems advisable to advance him, he may be promoted on the condition that if he does not prove his industry to his instructor he shall be sent back to the lower class and his name stricken from the roll of the higher class. Finally, if any are so lacking in ability that they can neither be advanced nor kept with any profit in the same class, the prefect should consult the rector so that their parents or guardians may in a very sympathetic way be advised and these pupils dismissed from the school. The list of those to be publicly promoted should be read either in the individual classes or to all the classes in a general assembly. Those who have especially distinguished themselves should be read out first, the rest in alphabetical order or in the order of merit. Well in advance of the beginning of the school year, the prefect should confer with the rector about compiling the list of books to be studied that year in our classes so that he can discuss it with the general prefect of studies and with the teachers. It should be decided in the same way whether any of the texts or authors should be changed that year. He is to make timely arrangements with the booksellers so that there will be no lack of books which we and our pupils use daily or will need for the coming year.

9 In the beginning of each year, he should either personally or through the teachers assign each pupil his seat and seat-mates. He must see that the same is done for the seminary and boarding students by their prefects, unless perhaps in some localities seats are arranged according to scholastic merit. Nobles are given the choicer seats. Where there are Jesuit students or other religious, they should have seats separate from those occupied by extern students. The prefect should not allow any notable shifting of places without his knowledge. It is very important that in conjunction with the instructors or the school prefects he should so arrange the time schedule for the students of the Society, for the boarders and, if convenient, for the extern students, that the hours of private study may be well placed. Only for a serious reason should he exempt anyone, especially for a long time, from writing verse or learning Greek. He should see to it that the monthly declamations given publicly in the assembly hall by the class of rhetoric are attended not only by the students of the classes of rhetoric and humanities but also by those of the higher classes. Accordingly, the professors should be advised to invite their students. No Jesuit student may be absent without the rector’s permission. He should arrange the time, the method, and the place for the various classes to hold disputations with one another. He is to outline the plan of the disputation beforehand, and by his presence at the disputations see to it that everything is conducted with profit, moderation, and harmony. Likewise he should be present at the declamations which are commonly given in the school by the students of rhetoric and humanities. In order to give greater prominence to literary exercises, he should with the rector’s assent organize academies both in the classes of rhetoric and humanities and in the grammar classes. In these academies, in accord with the rules laid down at the end of this book, the students should meet together on stated days and take turns in giving prelections and in conducting other exercises appropriate to able students.

10 He should remind the rector in good time about the distribution of prizes and the declamation or dialogue which may be given on this occasion. In the distribution of prizes, the regulations given at the end of these rules are to be followed, and they should be read in each class prior to the written examinations. He should also see to it that besides the public prizes other small tokens or symbols of victory (which the rector will provide) are awarded by the instructors in their own classes to spur on their pupils when they seem to merit distinction by besting a rival in competition or interpreting an entire book of an author or reciting it from memory or some similar note-worthy performance. In keeping with local custom, he should appoint a public censor for each class--or if the term censor is unacceptable, then a decurion or praetor. To give him standing among his classmates, he should be accorded certain privileges and have the right, with the teacher’s approval, of begging them off from lesser punishments. He is to take note of anyone who leaves the class before the signal for dismissal is given, or who goes to another classroom or leaves his own class or seat. He must report daily to the prefect anyone who was absent from class or anyone not a student who entered the class and, finally, any breach of discipline in the class, whether the teacher was present or not. A corrector who is not a member of the Society should be appointed for those who fail in application or in good conduct, and for whom friendly advice and admonitions do not suffice. Where no corrector can be had, some other means of punishing delinquents, either at the hands of one of the pupils or in some other suitable way, should be found. Rarely and only for very serious reason should pupils be punished at school for faults committed at home. Any who refuse corporal punishment should be forced to accept it if it can be done safely, or if this cannot be done with propriety, as in the case of larger boys, delinquents should, with the cognizance of the rector, be expelled from school. Expulsion should likewise be the penalty for those who are frequently absent from school.

11 When neither verbal reproofs nor the services of the corrector avail and the pupil seems to be incorrigible and might be something of a scandal to others, it is better to dismiss him from the school than to keep him where he will profit himself little and harm others. This decision, however, will be left to the rector that everything may be done that will advance the glory and service of God. If a case should occur in which dismissal from the school is not enough to remedy the scandal, it shall be left to the rector to decide what further measures should be taken. However, as far as possible he should act in a spirit of leniency to maintain peace and charity with all. No one who has been expelled or who has left our school without a valid reason should be permitted to return without first consulting the rector, who is to judge what is expedient. No one shall be permitted to carry weapons either in the corridors or in the classrooms, even of the higher classes. Nor should loafing, shoving or shouting be allowed, nor profanity or insults in word or deed, nor any unbecoming or improper conduct. Should anything of this sort occur, the prefect is to settle the trouble at once, and if there is anything which disturbs the quiet of the corridors in any way, he should discuss the matter with the rector. The prefect should be constantly on hand in the corridors or in a room from which he can see the corridors during the entire time of class. He should also inspect the classrooms before the signal is given for the students to enter and should always be at the front door while they are being dismissed. He should take care that there be no noisy confusion when the pupils are entering and leaving the church, and that when they assist at Mass one or more of the instructors be always present. All the pupils are to attend Mass every day, each in his proper place. He should see that the confessors are in their places early on the days and at the hours appointed for hearing the confessions of the pupils.

12 He should visit the church occasionally during that time to see that the boys conduct themselves with propriety and reverence. Rarely should even the prefect call students out of class, especially during the time of prelection, and if others are careless in this regard the prefect should let the rector know. At no time is the prefect to use the services of students in secretarial work or for any other task, nor should he permit others to employ them. The common rules for all extern students are to be posted in a place where they can be read by all, and besides, they are to be posted prominently in every classroom. As a general rule they are to be read at the beginning of each month in the class of rhetoric and in the classes below rhetoric. When there is no prefect of higher studies, he himself shall take charge, with the rector’s approval, of supervising the declamations which are to be given in public and of distributing books to Jesuit students.