Course of Study of the Oakland High School

This early‑twentieth‑century document offers a detailed snapshot of the academic program at a California high school just before World War I. An extensive index lists everything from elementary algebra and botany to choral music and industrial drawing, revealing a surprisingly broad vision of secondary education. The layout reads like a blueprint, arranging subjects into preparatory tracks aimed at university admission and a more general curriculum for students pursuing a well‑rounded education.

The outline shows how the school balanced the sciences, humanities, and the arts, requiring two years of Latin for certain college paths while also mandating physical culture and even gender‑specific hygiene instruction. Elective choices span economics, drama, and argumentation, reflecting a progressive belief that students should cultivate both intellect and character. Listeners will hear a vivid portrait of an era when high schools sought to equip young people for a rapidly modernizing world.