JESUIT RATIO STUDIORUM OF 1599

RULES OF THE PROVINCIAL

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

RULES OF THE PROVINCIAL

It is the principal ministry of the Society of Jesus to educate youth in every branch of knowledge that is in keeping with its Institute. The aim of our educational program is to lead men to the knowledge and love of our Creator and Redeemer. The provincial should therefore make every effort to ensure that the various curricula in our schools produce the results which our vocation demands of us. He should not only strongly recommend this work to the rector, but he should assign to him as prefect of studies a man thoroughly versed in literature and possessed of the enthusiasm and good judgment which such an office requires. The function of the prefect will be to assist the rector in organizing and supervising the course of studies. He is to have jurisdiction over all professors and students. This applies not only to students who dwell in the main building but also to those who live in various residence halls. The supervisors of these residence halls are also subject to the authority of the prefect in all matters which pertain to studies. If, however, owing to the size of the school and its varied arrangement of classes, one prefect does not seem sufficient for the proper management of the school, the provincial should appoint a second, subordinate to the general prefect, to direct the lower studies. And should circumstances require it, let him appoint a third prefect to preside over discipline. Long before the opening of classes the provincial should make a careful inventory of his available teachers. He should classify them according to ability, devotedness, and interest in the progress of students, and this not only in class work but in all academic achievement.

2 Great attention should be given to promoting the study of Sacred Scripture. The provincial will do this most effectively if he chooses for this field men who are not only proficient in languages (a prerequisite), but are also well versed in theology and other sciences, in history and allied branches of learning, and as far as possible, practiced in the arts of communication. Students of theology are to attend the course in Sacred Scripture for two years, usually in the second and third year of theology. Where there are two professors of theology, the lectures are to be given daily for a forty-five minute period; where there are three professors, a shorter daily lecture may be given, or a longer lecture every other day. The class in Hebrew should if possible be taught by the professor of Holy Scripture. At least the teacher should be a good theologian. It is desirable that this man be proficient in Greek, because it is the language of the New Testament and of the Septuagint. Similarly he should have command of the Caldaic and Syriac languages because of their importance in the exegesis of many passages in the Canonical Books. Students of theology are to pursue the study of Hebrew for a year, usually in the second or third year of theology. Only someone judged to be entirely unfit for this study should be exempt from it. Moreover, as the Constitutions direct, the provincial ought to decide who are to be chosen for advanced studies in Hebrew and have them devote additional time to it during the two years prescribed for the review of theology. When possible, they should be helped by means of a special academy or seminar, at least during the vacations.

3 The provincial should see to it that the curriculum in theology is completed in four years, as prescribed by the Constitutions. It should be taught by two regular professors, or, if this is impossible, by three, depending on the practice in the several provinces. If there are three professors, the third lecture should be given on moral theology, or should explicitly and thoroughly cover moral questions which teachers of dogmatic theology are wont to touch upon only lightly if at all. Our scholastics are to attend the moral course for two years and the course in Sacred Scripture for another two years. The provincial is to be especially careful that no one be appointed to teach theology who is not well disposed to the teaching of St. Thomas. Those who do not approve of his doctrine or take little interest in it, should not be allowed to teach theology. At the beginning of the fourth year of theology, after taking counsel with the rector, the prefect of studies, the professors and his own consultors, the provincial should select some of our scholastics for a biennium of uninterrupted private study and review, as prescribed in the Constitutions. Those sellected must be solidly grounded in virtue and distinguished for their talent. During this biennium (concerning which a special instruction will be given in another place) public defenses may be held, at the superior’s discretion, and where it is the custom some may be advanced, on the authority of the general, to the doctor’s or master’s degree. Where it is customary to confer degrees publicly, the Constitutions are to be strictly adhered to. No one shall be promoted unless he has defended questions taken not only from theology but also from important parts of Sacred Scripture. The ceremonies accompanying the conferring of degrees may follow local practice so long as this does not conflict with the Constitutions. In a college where there is a scholasticate of the Society, the provincial should appoint two professors who together will explain over a two-year period the subject matter of moral theology. If only one professor is appointed, he should give two lectures daily.

4 Twice a week in professed houses and once or twice a week in the colleges, as the provincial may decide, priests of the Society are to hold a discussion of cases of conscience. This is to be done whether there are lectures on moral theology in these colleges or not. One of the priests, appointed by the provincial as well qualified, should act as moderator. He should read and follow the rules laid down for the professor of moral theology which govern the procedures of this discussion. These cases of conscience are also to be held in the major colleges, particularly for all students of theology, whether there be two professors of moral theology, or only one, or none at all. This discussion, however, is to take place only once a week. Students of moral theology and priests who regularly or occasionally hear confessions are not to be exempt from these discussions. An exception is to be made for professors of theology and philosophy and others whom the superior may see fit to excuse. The superior himself should seldom be absent and then only for serious reasons. Save in case of urgent need, professors of philosophy must have completed both the course in theology and the graduate biennium so that their teaching may have a firmer foundation and better prepare the mind for theology. Teachers of philosophy who show themselves too inclined toward new doctrines or too liberal in their views should certainly be removed from teaching. The curriculum in philosophy should be completed in three years but not in a shorter time for our scholastics. Where there are extern students only, the length of the course may be left to the provincial’s judgment, but wherever possible one group of students should complete the course and another group begin it each year. The length of time to be given to the study of humanities and rhetoric cannot be strictly determined. It belongs to the superior to decide how much time each student should devote to these subjects. Still, none of our scholastics is to be sent to philosophy before he has devoted two years to the study of rhetoric, unless he be judged excused by reason of age or aptitude or other impediment. But if any have such ability as to give promise of becoming eminent in these literary studies, it might be profitable for them to spend a third year in laying a more solid foundation. In the course of their philosophical studies our students are to be thoroughly examined toward the end of each year by appointed examiners.

5 The rector, and if possible even the provincial, should be present. No one is to be advanced from the first to the second year, nor from the second to the third, unless he has shown moderate ability in understanding the subject matter of the lectures and is able to demonstrate this understanding by proofs. To be promoted to the curriculum in scholastic theology, that is, to the four-year course, he must surpass mediocrity by being able to defend his knowledge against objections. In an exceptional case, an individual who does not measure up to this latter standard, but has given evidence of exceptional gifts for governing or for preaching, may on this account be promoted by the provincial to the course in scholastic theology; but the provincial has no authority to make an exception for any other reason. In this matter of making exceptions, which is of great moment, and so is to be determined only after careful thought for God’s greater glory, the provincial should pay special attention to rules forty- nine and fifty-six of his office, and should give greatest weight to the character and personality of the person in question. Students of theology should likewise be examined toward the end of each year. No one is to be advanced to the next year who has not in the judgment of the examiners achieved better than average success. Exception may be made for those who do not measure up to this standard but who possess outstanding talents of another kind, as noted above.

6 If in the course of studies any are found to be unsuited for philosophy or theology, they should be assigned either to the study of moral theology or to teaching, as the provincial judges best. Any who before entering our Society have completed the entire course of philosophy, or a part of it, or even a part of theology, are similarly to be tested by examination to determine their status in these studies. In the examinations which determine whether students of philosophy and theology are to advance to the next higher year, the examiners are to vote in secret. The decisions of the examiners, together with their written ballots, are to be recorded in a book designed for this purpose. The examiners are to keep the results of the examinations secret. Should a student obtain only a mediocre grade in the final philosophy examination or in the annual examinations in theology, the decision of the examiners is to stand. If, however, in the judgment of the provincial’s consultors and other experienced men (whose advice is to be sought) the student possesses special qualifications for governing or for preaching, it is for the provincial to determine what action is to be taken for the greater glory of God and the good of our Society. If he decides that the student in question is not to continue his studies, he should note it in the book of records indicated above. The provincial, together with his consultors and other competent men who are acquainted with the students and whose judgment can be relied upon, should reflect carefully on what particular ability for governing or for preaching can be expected of those who wish to enter the four-year course of theology, although they have demonstrated only passable competence in philosophy. The same procedure should be followed in regard to those who wish to remain in the four-year course of theology despite their mediocre progress. The provincial should not stretch his authority in granting concessions to those whose lack of humility, piety, and self-denial seem to mark them as poor risks.

7 Toward the end of the fourth year of theological studies a final examination of at least two hours shall be given to each student for the purpose of determining whether or not he may be advanced to the "profession." The subject matter of this examination shall consist of topics chosen from the principal divisions of philosophy and theology. To qualify for the "profession," the candidate must be judged fully capable of teaching both philosophy and theology. Should an individual fall short of this standard, but possess such a notable gift for governing or preaching that it should be taken into account, the case must be referred to the general. It is also for the general to decide when exceptions are to be made in virtue of the twenty-ninth decree of the sixth General Congregation for any who may have extraordinary talent for the humanistic studies or for the Indian languages. In the examination to determine who are qualified to receive the profession of four vows, the votes shall be cast in secret. Doubtful votes are to be disregarded. The examiners are bound by oath not only to keep their votes secret but also to base their decision impartially on the knowledge and proficiency of those being examined. Each examiner shall send his signed vote directly to the provincial and to the general. That addressed to the provincial is to be marked "Personal." The provincial is to record the votes, omitting the names of the examiners, in a book kept for that purpose. He should preserve such secrecy in this matter that not even his own assistant will know how the examiners voted, and hence he should burn the letters of the examiners as soon as he has recorded their votes. In every seminary, both for philosophy and for theology, there should be at least four examiners appointed by the general to conduct the examinations described above. Wherever it is possible these examiners should be other than the professors who taught those who are to be examined.

8 If one of the examiners dies or is prevented from being present at the examinations, the provincial is to appoint others who will be bound by the same regulations of the oath with re-pect to the final examination. In regard to those who enter the Society with the degree of Doctor of Laws and Doctor of Canon Law, the prescriptions of the Constitutions, Part V, Ch. II, no. , B, are to be observed. If any enter with the degree of Doctor of Theology and there is any doubt about their proficiency, they are to be examined like the rest. Unless they demonstrate more than ordinary ability, they are not to be admitted to the profession of the four vows. In the second year of philosophical study all students are to attend a course in mathematics for a period of about forty-five minutes daily. Those who show an aptitude and bent for this discipline should be given an opportunity to pursue it further under private instruction after completing the general course. The number of grades in the lower studies (omitting the primary grades for reasons given in the Constitutions, Fourth Part, Ch. XII, C.) is not to exceed five, one in rhetoric, one in humanities, and three in grammar. These grades are to be so precisely articulated as to preclude being combined or increased in number. Besides, to increase their number would entail an unnecessary addition of teachers and prolong the time required for completing these studies. If there are fewer than five classes, the five grades are not to be altered; rather one class may have two sections, each corresponding to one of the five grades, in the manner prescribed in the eighth rule of the Prefect of Lower Studies. Whenever there are fewer than five classes, the higher grades (rhetoric and humanities) should be retained as far as possible and the lower grades dropped.

9 When it is said that there should be only three grammar classes and not more than a total of five lower classes, this is to be understood as referring, not to the number of classes and teachers, but rather to the number of grades, as has just been described. For if the number of pupils is too large for one teacher to handle, the class may be divided (with the general’s permission) into two sections, but in such a way that each will have the same grade, lessons, method, and time schedule. This sectioning of classes, however, need not be carried out except in places where the Society’s complete course of studies is offered, or where the conditions in the founding charter of the school demand it; otherwise the Society may become unduly burdened. In order to preserve a knowledge and appreciation of the classical literatures and to provide a reserve of men for teaching them, the provincial should endeavor to have in his province at least two or three who are eminent in these literatures and in eloquence. He will accomplish this by setting aside for special studies a few who have a gift and love for these disciplines, and who have satisfactorily completed the other studies of the Society. By their devoted efforts these men will be able in turn to create a class of good teachers who will spread throughout a province. The provincial shall see to it that our teachers use the grammar of Emmanuel Alvarez. If in some of our schools it is thought that his method is too detailed and refined for the boys to master, the teachers should use the Roman grammar or, with the general’s approval, prepare a similar grammar, preserving, however, all the force and exactness of the precepts of Alvarez. Provision should be made to have as many permanent teachers of grammar and rhetoric as possible. This can be done if the provincial assigns to this work men who have completed their moral and dogmatic theology and who in his judgment are especially qualified for this type of work. He should encourage them to devote themselves entirely to this apostolate which is so beneficial in the service of God.

10 It will be advantageous to receive into the Society men who seem specially fitted for such work, and who, either on account of their age or aptitude, will not be able to make progress in more abstruse studies. The condition of their admission will be their willingness to dedicate their whole life to the service of God by teaching grammar or the humanities. The provincial should note this fact in his record book. Either prior to teaching or after having taught for some years, as seems better, they may study moral theology, be ordained priests, and then return to this same work. They are not to be removed from it without serious reason and the advice of others. Occasionally, however, the provincial may decide that because of fatigue they should have a change from this occupation for a year or two. By that same token, the provincial is not to excuse our scholastics from teaching grammar or humanities, unless on account of age or other reasons different arrangements seem more suitable. He must take care, however, that those who show exceptional talent for preaching are not kept too long in teaching literature or even philosophy and theology, lest they take up preaching only after their vitality has been sapped by years in the classroom. At the end of the philosophical curriculum, the provincial should choose one, two, or three, or more scholastics according to the size of the class, who give promise of greater competence than others, and send them on to theology. However, upon completion of their theological studies and the third year of probation, he may employ them, if it seems necessary or advisable, in teaching grammar or the humanities. Scholastics, who are destined for the study of philosophy but have not completed it, should not be sent to teach unless there is a dearth of those who have finished that course. He should also see that scholastics begin teaching with a class below that which they are prepared to teach. In this way they can advance each year to a higher grade with the greater part of their pupils.

11 In order that teachers may be well prepared for their work when they enter the classroom, it is very important that they have practice sessions under expert guidance. It is strongly recommended that the rector diligently attend to this in the manner described in his ninth rule. In the colleges, particularly the larger ones, where the student body is more numerous, a sufficient number of confessors should be appointed so that it will not be necessary for all to go to one confessor. For this reason, extraordinary confessors are to be appointed at various times in order to afford penitents greater freedom. The provincial should give the colleges, especially the smaller ones, a sufficient supply of lay brothers, so that the rector will not have to employ the professors and students in domestic work. In order to provide needed books for our teachers, the provincial shall assign an annual revenue from the college funds or from some other source for building up the library. This revenue may under no circumstances be diverted to other uses. The provincial must conscientiously take every precaution to keep out of our schools works of the poets and any other books which may be harmful to character and morals, unless everything objectionable in matter and style has been expunged. If, as in the case of Terence, this is impossible, it will be better not to read them at all than to expose our pupils to spiritual harm. In places where the time schedule of classes varies at different seasons of the year, the provincial should determine for the entire year the hours for the beginning and ending of classes. Once established, this calendar is to be faithfully observed. He should not readily allow the weekly holiday to be postponed or anticipated, and he should require that the schedule of class days and holidays be strictly followed.

12 A nice balance should be maintained between study time and recreation periods. Hence, no extra holidays should be introduced and those established by custom are to be faithfully observed. The following regulations are to be carried out regarding vacations. The annual vacation for students in higher studies should last at least a month and not longer than two months. The rhetoric class should have a month’s vacation; unless university custom decrees otherwise, the class of humanities three weeks; the higher grammar class two weeks, and the other classes only one week. Feast days (which ought to be reduced rather than increased in number) should be definitely established for each region or country according to prevailing custom, and then published officially. The higher faculties should have vacation from the vigil of the Nativity to the feast of Circumcision; the lower classes from noon of the vigil of the Nativity to the feast of the Holy Innocents. Where it is the custom no class is had from Quinquagesima till Ash Wednesday, but all the professors shall hold class on Ash Wednesday afternoon. In the higher classes there will be vacation from Palm Sunday until Low Sunday; in the lower classes from Wednesday noon of Holy Week till Easter Tuesday. In the higher classes there will be no class from the vigil of Pentecost until the following Tuesday; in the lower classes from the noon of the vigil till Tuesday. There is to be the usual Thursday holiday. On the day before the feast of Corpus Christi both lower and higher classes will be free during the afternoon only. On the feast of All Souls only the morning is free.

13 Further, on days when classes are held only in the lower schools, no lessening of the regular time schedule is to be allowed. If at times, owing to public pilgrimages, classes cannot be held in the morning, they should at least be held in the afternoon, and, where the custom permits, classes should meet even in the morning of Rogation days. At least one day of every week is to be set aside as a holiday. However, when two feast days fall within the same week, there should be no other holiday, unless this happens rather frequently and the feasts fall, one on Monday, the other on Saturday. Then another free day may be allowed. Should one feast day fall within a week, say on a Wednesday or a Thursday, that day and no other is to be free. But should the feast day fall on a Monday or a Saturday, a holiday is to be granted on Wednesday also. Finally, if a feast falls on a Tuesday or a Friday and no sermon is scheduled for that day, so that it may be given to suitable recreation, there is to be no further holiday that week; but if the day cannot be given over to recreation, then a holiday is to be allowed on Wednesday or Thursday. In the higher classes the weekly recreation day will be entirely free. In the lower classes, however, class will be held in the morning, for an hour and a half in rhetoric and for two hours in the other classes. The afternoon is free for all students. Beginning, however, in June, the entire day is free for all. In order to ensure abundant success for the Society’s teaching apostolate to the greater glory of God, the provincial must see to it that both superiors and subjects follow with perfect fidelity their own particular rules found in this Ratio Studiorum. In view of differences in places, times, and persons, there are bound to be certain variations in the order and time schedule of studies, in the holding of repetitions, disputations, and other exercises, as well as in vacations.

14 Therefore, if the provincial thinks that in his province some special arrangement will make for better progress in studies, he should refer the matter to the general so that adjustments may be approved which will satisfy his needs, but in such wise that they will conform as nearly as possible to the general plan of our studies. Finally, the provincial should consider as especially committed to his charge and care all that is laid down in the rules for the professors of the lower classes concerning piety and good conduct and the teaching of Christian doctrine, as well as what is prescribed in the rules common to all teachers concerning religious duty and moral training: for these touch directly on the good of souls and are repeatedly recommended in the Constitutions.

RULES OF THE RECTOR

15 The purpose of the Society in conducting colleges and universities is two-fold: First, she wants to equip her members with a good liberal education and with other skills required in her ministry, and secondly she wants to provide them with an opportunity to share with students in the classroom the fruits of their training. The rector’s chief concern should be the spiritual development of the young men committed to his care, but he should make every effort to achieve the goals which the Society has in mind in founding and conducting schools. He will have a prefect of studies to assist him in the administration of the curriculum, and he shall delegate to him all the authority which he considers necessary for the right conduct of that office.

16 He shall so manage and regulate his other responsibilities as to be able to encourage and promote all the forms of literary projects in the school. He must occasionally visit the classes, including the lower ones. He shall frequently attend the private and public disputations in theology and philosophy. He should observe whether these various scholastic exercises produce the desired results. If they are ineffective, he should discover the reasons. He should not excuse anyone from attending the disputations or repetitions, thus giving the students to understand that he attaches great importance to these exercises. He should likewise prevent students from engaging in pursuits which may interfere with their studies. Those who are engaged in the graduate biennium of theology are not to be assigned by the rector to preach in churches or convents of nuns except rarely and with the provincial’s approval. They may, however, substitute for the regular teachers of philosophy or theology who chance to be absent. They may likewise, if there is need, take the place of the professors in presiding over the repetitions and disputations conducted within the college. If the provincial consents, they may for a time even teach philosophy or theology. The rector shall provide for the formation of study groups (academies) in Hebrew and Greek among the scholastics. Members of such groups should meet to practice these languages two or three times a week at a stated time, possibly during the recreation periods. By thus becoming proficient in them, they will preserve the knowledge of these languages and maintain for them a position of honor in our Society and with the general public. He shall take care that at home our scholastics keep up the practice of speaking Latin. Exception may be made only on vacation days and during recreation periods, but even at these times the practice may be retained in certain places if the provincial thinks it advisable.

17 The rector shall also see to it that when our scholastics who are still in their studies write to other scholastics they shall do so in Latin. Moreover, two or three times a year, on the occasion of some special festivity, such as the beginning of a new academic year or the renewal of vows, students of philosophy and theology should compose verses and display them in public. To make sure that the teachers of the lower classes do not enter upon teaching as raw recruits, the rector of the college which supplies masters of classical literature and of grammar shall, toward the end of their studies, select an experienced professor and have those who are about to begin teaching meet with him for an hour three times a week, to acquire pedagogical technique. They shall take turns in giving the prelection, in dictating, in writing, in correcting, and in performing the other duties of a good teacher. It may happen that scholastics of the Society who are studying rhetoric and humanities do not attend public classes or, when they do, they may find that the instructor is too overburdened to do justice to both lay students and scholastics. In such circumstances the rector shall assign some other capable teacher to give our scholastics private instruction and exercises at home according to the directions given in the rules for the professor of rhetoric. It is likewise for the rector to see that our students of rhetoric occasionally write and deliver at dinner or in the school auditorium Latin or Greek orations or verses on some subject which will be of spiritual benefit and inspiration to students of the college and to externs. He shall be careful that other academic exercises recommended in the Constitutions be not neglected. Wherever possible, our boarding students should study rhetoric for a year before they take up the study of philosophy. Their parents should be shown how advantageous this is. Day students should be urged to do the same, but are not to be compelled if they cannot be persuaded to follow this advice.

18 Nevertheless, should very young students, from whom disturbance more than progress may be expected, wish to study philosophy, they may be treated as the Constitutions (Part IV, ch. , D) provide in the case of those who are unwilling to bind themselves with a promise to observe the Constitutions or to enter their names for matriculation. Tragedies and comedies, which are to be produced only rarely and in Latin, must have a spiritual and edifying theme. Whatever is introduced as an interlude must be in Latin and observe propriety. No female makeup or costume is to be permitted. Prizes may be distributed publicly once a year provided their cost is borne by prominent persons and is kept moderate in proportion to the number of students and the status of the college. The donors of prizes should receive recognition at the distribution ceremony. It is the rector’s duty to see that in preparing for the com-petition the students do not fall behind in their studies or develop undesirable attitudes. The rector shall see to it that the convocation address at the beginning of the new school year is delivered by one of the more distinguished members of the faculty. He shall see to the observance of the rule of the librarian which directs that copies of literary work written and displayed within the college and outside by members of the Society--dialogues, addresses, verses, and works of a similar nature--be preserved in the archives. It is for the prefect of studies or other competent judges to select the papers to be thus preserved. He shall instruct the librarian not to depart from the directions of the prefect of studies in regard to the circulation of books. Every month, or at least every other month, the rector shall call a meeting of the teachers of all classes below logic, at which both prefects of studies should be present; and from time to time he shall call a meeting of the other professors, at which the prefect of higher studies should be present.

19 At these conferences some of the rules for the teachers of the lower studies should be read, and also some that are common to all teachers, especially those pertaining to discipline and piety, and then some of the rules that are special to the teachers of the individual classes. He shall make it clear to the teachers that they are free to propose problems that may have arisen in following the rules or any lapse in their observance. The lower classes must have a weekly holiday, either for an entire day or at least for the afternoon, depending on the custom of the region. The rector should strive, with religious charity, to stimulate enthusiasm in the teachers for their work, and should see to it that they be not overburdened with non-academic chores. He should pay particular attention in their regard to what is prescribed in the twenty-fifth rule of his office. He should consider whether, in addition to the weekly spiritual talk given by the teachers, another should be given every month or two by some older priest, using for the purpose a large classroom or hall, where the lower classes can all be accommodated. He should likewise consider whether it would be useful for the prefect of studies or some one else to visit the classes periodically in order to give the students practical advice suited to their needs. When the provincial appoints an assistant to the prefect of lower studies, he may be called prefect of the hall. His responsibilities are set down in the Rules of the Prefect of Lower Studies, in rule and in rules to the end, which concern discipline. It may also be thought well to have him perform the duties outlined in rules which have to do with the examination of new students. The rector shall see to the establishment in his college of the Sodality of the Annunciation affiliated to that of the Roman College. Students who are not enrolled in the Sodality are not eligible for admission to the various literary academies, unless the rector sees fit to make an exception. Exercises of the Sodality or of an academy are not to be scheduled at a time when sermons or lectures are being given in the college church. Finally, the rector shall consult the provincial and diligently carry out what he shall prescribe concerning vacations, degrees, those who are to be selected for a biennium in theology, and similar matters.

RULES OF THE PREFECT OF STUDIES

20 The function of the prefect of studies is to act as general assistant to the rector in properly organizing and directing our schools according to the amount of authority delegated to him by the rector, so that those who attend our schools will, to the greater glory of God, make the greatest possible progress in development of character, literary skills, and learning. Where the office of Chancellor in a college is distinct from that of the prefect of studies, it is for the provincial (keeping in mind the customs and statutes of the college in question) to determine which of the following rules apply to both alike and which are peculiar to one or the other. The prefect of studies shall neither change nor dispense from the directives and regulations contained in the system of studies, but if need for a change should arise, he shall have recourse to the superior. It is the duty of the prefect of studies to familiarize himself with the Ratio Studiorum and see that students and teachers observe its prescriptions, particularly those which have to do with the teaching of St. Thomas in theology and the rules which govern the selection of views to be held in philosophy.

21 In this latter he should be doubly vigilant where there is question of a defense of philosophical theses and above all when the theses are to be printed. He shall remind the professors of theology, of philosophy, and of moral, especially those who tend to delay over their subject matter, that they should keep advancing steadily so as to cover the matter as- signed them each year. He shall preside at all disputations which the professors of theology or philosophy attend. He shall signal the end of the disputation and shall so proportion the time that each will have an opportunity to take part. He shall not allow any problem which comes up for discussion to be so hashed and rehashed that it will be no better understood in the end than at the start. After allowing for debate, he shall ask the presiding officer to give a succinct and final explanation. He himself should not give *the solution, but rather should direct the give-and-take of the disputation. He will do this with greater dignity by not joining in the argument, though this is sometimes proper, but by asking questions to bring out the precise point at issue. He shall remind the superior in good time to consult with the professors and choose the students who are to defend theses, either on the whole of theology or on any part of it. These comprehensive disputations, usually called “acts,” will be presented, not by those engaged in the two-year review of theology, but by theology students of the fourth-year class. Third-year students may be chosen if the fourth-year class is very small. The "acts" are to be held even when members of the Society study theology in one of their own houses. Outsiders are to be invited and the defense should be conducted with some pomp and circumstance. Disputants in the "acts" on the whole of theology need not be chosen from among those who have already defended some part of theology; rather let those who show greater skill and ability be chosen.

22 Those who are destined to have the graduate biennium in theology shall hold their "acts" during that time, as will be explained later. In consultation with the theology professors, the prefect shall draw up from the four divisions of theology the subject matter for the particular disputations which individuals will have. These disputations are not to be held too frequently but only from time to time. They shall last at least two and a half hours, either in the morning or the afternoon. There shall be not fewer than three objectors, one of whom should as a rule be a doctor of theology. The comprehensive disputations or "acts" embrace all of theology and occupy both morning and afternoon. Where it is customary to hold disputations only in the morning or the afternoon, they shall be held for a period of at least four or five hours. If it is thought advisable, the theses for the "acts" may be the same for all who are to take part in them that year, and may be printed if it is the acceptable practice to do so. When convenient, one of the "acts" should be scheduled for the last week of the school year and an- other one for the week of the reopening of classes. Each year some former students not of the Society, who have completed their theological course in our college with more than ordinary distinction, should be invited to present an "act." Such "acts" should be conducted with unusual ceremony and should be attended by as many members of the Society as possible, by extern doctors, and also by princes of the realm. The professors of theology, either in turn or both together, shall preside at all the "acts" so that each may answer questions pertaining to his subject. Others of the Society who are doctors may also preside. In the "acts" the theses must not be too long, nor more than fifty in number, and less than fifty if it is the accepted custom of the college. In a particular defense there should be no more than twenty theses, in the monthly disputations not more than twelve or fifteen, and in the weekly disputations not more than eight or nine.

23 Before the disputation begins, the defendant shall briefly explain one or other thesis in theological form but with a certain elegance of style. The prefect shall see to it that the rules of the professors of theology and of philosophy be observed in the conduct of the monthly and weekly disputations. From time to time, that is, at least once a month, the prefect shall attend the lectures of the professors and occasionally look over the notes taken down in class by the students. Should he observe anything worthy of critical comment or hear anything from others which he knows is well founded, he should call it to the attention of the professor with great tact and gentleness. If it seems necessary he may report the matter to the rector. He shall do the same when any point of difference between himself and a professor arises in reviewing the theses. He must not strike out or change any thesis without the knowledge of the professor, but the change should be made, and no one else besides the rector should know of it. Disputations on the entire course of philosophy shall be held at the end of the third year. For these disputations only a few shall be selected who are outstanding (i.e. who are more than average in ability) and capable of upholding the dignity of the occasion. These defendants are to be chosen by three or more examiners, one of whom shall always be the prefect of studies and another the defendant’s professor. The rector shall assign a third, either another professor or someone else whom he judges to be competent. To these three the rector shall add two more teachers who may be changed or substituted for; but if teachers are not available, he may appoint any two capable examiners who are to cast their votes in writing with the other three examiners.

24 Thus there will be a minimum of five votes, which are to be cast in secret and kept in strictest confidence. It shall suffice for the day or boarding students to be examined by their prefect and two students who are reviewing philosophy, or, lacking these, by two of the abler Jesuit students of theology selected by the prefect of studies. However, students judged worthy of a defense by these examiners shall not prepare for it until they have been approved by their own professor and the prefect of studies. No Jesuit student, nor, as far as possible, any boarding student is to be excused from this examination. Unless something interferes, it is to be held in public, that is, when a Jesuit student is examined, all other Jesuit students shall be present; when a boarding student is examined, it shall be before all the philosophy students of his college; and when a day student is examined (who, however, shall not be forced to undergo the examination), day students of philosophy, at least of his class, shall attend. The examinations shall begin immediately after the Easter holidays, or sooner if the number to be examined is very large. After consulting with the prefect of studies and the professor of the class, the rector shall draw up a calendar of examination days which he considers most suitable. The examination of each student shall last at least an hour and cover all the important subject matter, which the prefect of studies shall assign to the examiners in good season and in secret. Disputations in philosophy shall take up the same amount of time as the regular classes, either in the morning or the afternoon. Generally there shall be three objectors, one of whom, when possible, shall be a Jesuit professor of philosophy or of theology, or else a doctor, either from another religious order or an ex- tern. The number and nature of the theses shall be the same as prescribed in rules and for general disputations in theology. The prefect shall take care that not only the students but also the professors attend the "acts" in theology and also in philosophy, and that students and professors of philosophy attend the "acts" in philosophy. The professors will give life as well as dignity to the disputation by joining in the argument. All must likewise be present when a master’s or a doctor’s degree is to be conferred. The rector shall let the prefect of studies know what his responsibilities are on such an occasion.

25 When members of the Society are invited to a disputation by externs, either in public academies or houses of religious, those should be sent who are engaged in the two-year review of theology. With the aid of the teachers, the prefect shall prescribe an orderly plan of study, repetition, and disputation not only for the Jesuit students but also for the boarding and day students. He shall so arrange their timetable that suitable hours be reserved for private study. He shall not permit any address to be delivered publicly either in the college or outside, whether by students who are to be granted degrees, by disputants engaged in general or particular "acts," or by students of rhetoric, unless he has previously examined and approved it. He shall make sure that the students have enough useful books at their disposal and a minimum of unprofitable ones. He should therefore remind the rector in good time to make provision for a supply of books to meet the present and future needs of both Jesuit and extern students. He shall not give permission to students of theology and philosophy to have books of any and every nature. They should be allowed only those which have been recommended by their instructors and approved by the rector. The theologians should have the Summa of St. Thomas, the philosophers Aristotle, and in addition some selected commentary which they may consult in their private study. All theologians should have the decrees of the Council of Trent and the Bible, and they should become familiar with them. The prefect should discuss with the rector the suitability of readings in Patristic literature. He shall likewise give both theologians and philosophers Some work of classical literature and suggest that they set themselves a definite, though not too rigid a schedule for such reading.