During all terms standard works on the respective subjects are available for reference both to cadets and instructors.
DEPARTMENT OF DRAWING.
THIRD AND SECOND CLASSES.
The course in drawing is carried on through the third class and second class years.
It begins in the first year course with elementary freehand work from blocks and objects for the training of the eye and hand, and is followed by instruction in the nature and use of drawing instruments, papers and material, construction of practical problems in plane geometry used in constructive and mechanical drawing. This is followed by the construction of problems in descriptive geometry covering the theoretical course in mathematics; the lower part of the class being confined to the practical problems most useful in mechanical and building construction drawing. A short course of lettering and handling of flat washes precedes the general study of topography and map making in which theoretical instruction is coupled with the execution of conventional signs, platting, the construction and lettering of a finished map, and practice in the field in the various elements of military topographical field sketching. This completes the first year’s course.
Text-book pamphlets:
- Drawing Instruments and Papers.
- The Use of Drawing Instruments, and Geometrical Problems.
- Elementary Exercises in Water-color Washes.
- Military Topography—Map Reading and Map Making.
- Book of Letters and Lettering.
- Descriptive Geometry Problems.
The work of the second year begins with freehand military landscape sketching in the field; and is followed by memory drawing for the training of the formal memory, and freehand mechanical and projective drawing. Practical projective geometry, including axonometric projection, is then resumed preparatory of the plan, section, and elevation drawing of a building construction project. In this the student learns the structural elements of a house and of building construction methods and design, and the ability to read working drawings. Following this a mechanical drawing of the plan, section, and elevation of a portion of a steam engine is constructed, in connection with instruction in the structure and function of the parts of a steam engine. Finally the class is separated into groups corresponding to the corps in the Army in which the standing of cadets indicates that they will graduate, and subjects of engineering, ordnance, and service building construction drawing are assigned in accordance therewith. The course concludes with a short series of lectures on the art and architecture of the world, and a trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, upon which a thesis is written by each member of the class.
Text-book pamphlets: