German was offered in the University's first year of operation in 1909 with the Department of Germanic Languages being created in 1930. The Department was amalgamated with three other College of Arts and Science language units (Russian, Ukranian, and Spanish) into the new Department of Modern Languages in 1989. At the time the Departments of German and Slavic Studies were small, independent units in the College, and Spanish was part of the Department of French and Spanish.

The Department of History was one of the original four departments of the University. E.H. Oliver gave the first lecture on the first day of classes, set the first examination, and did the first research--collecting and editing documents concerning the history of Western Canada. The first MA awarded by the University was in History (1912). The History Department also played an important role in the founding of the Departments of Economics. Political Science, and Anthropology and Archaeology. Classes were original offered in Ancient, Medieval, Modern European and British History. As time progressed classes were added in Canadian, American, Slavic, and World History. The following have served as head of the department: E.H. Oliver (1909-1914); F.H. Underhill (1914-1915); A.S. Morton (1915-1940); G. Simspson (1940-1958); H. Neatby (1958-1969); I.N. Lambi (1969-1974); P.G. Bietenholz (1974-1978); T.D. Regher (1978-1982); H.C. Johnson (1982-1984); J.M. Hayden (1984-1988); C.A. Kent (1988-1990); D. Miquelon (1990-1995); W.A. (Bill) Waiser (1995-1998); Larry Stewart (1998-2003); Dave DeBrou (2003-March 2004); Martha Smith-Norris (Acting head) April-June 2004; Brett Fairbairn (2004-2006); Chris Kent (2006-2007); Brett Fairbairn (2007-2008); Valerie Korinek (2008- ).

The Department of Classics was one of the original four departments of the University. With Latin and classical studies playing a central role in the secondary school system, students entered their university studies well grounded in ancient language skills. Programs were directed toward advanced language studies, literary studies of the classical authors in the original languages, and ancient history. As Latin and Greek disappeared from the secondary school system, the department had to adapt to students entering the program without prior language training. The abolition of the Arts second language requirement in 1967 forced the department to adjust its programs further. The 1970s saw the introduction of translation classes and the Classics in English program. In 1976 the responsibility for teaching ancient history was given to the history department and the Department of Classics was renamed the Department of Greek and Roman Studies. The department changed its name back to Classics in 1986. The following have served as head of the department: A Moxon (1909-1911); W.G. Sullivan (1911-1945); J.F. Leddy (1945-1965); R.M. Ferguson (1965-1967); C.D. Pritchet (1967-1976); P.M. Swan (1976-1982); N. McClosky (1982-1993); P. Burnell (1993- ).

The Department of Mathematics was one of the original four departments of the University. From the beginning the department was charged with the responsibility of teaching classes in mathematics to students in all colleges of the University. This is still true, with the exception of a few specialized classes in areas such as statistics and applications of differential equations taught by other departments. The department teaches classes in pure and applied mathematics and statistics. The following have served as head of the department: G.H. Ling (1909-1938); R.D. James (1940-1943); W.H. Watson (1944-1946); H.H. Ferns (1946-1962); A.P. Guinand (1962-1964); C.E. Miller (1964-1970); G.H.M. Thomas (1970-1978); B.S. Lalli (1978-1979); R. Servranckx (1980-1982); M.A. Marshall (1982-1983); R. Manohar (1983-1988); R.V. Moody (1988-1990); T.R. Martin (1990- ).

Mining Engineering was initially offered in 1962 as an option in fourth year Geological Engineering. A completely separate two-year course was offered the following year and operated as a sub-department in the Department of Geological Sciences. In addition to classroom study in mineral processing, rock mechanics, mine environmental controls, mine design and mine materials handling, the course included a series of field trips to various Saskatchewan mines and required at least one summer of practical experience. In 1971 the College of Engineering agreed to create the Department of Mining Engineering. It was closed in 1976. R.F. Palmer (1972-1974) served as head of the Department.

In 1931 the Carnegie Corporation awarded the University a three year grant to establish a school of music. In 1936 it became a College but remained a one person operation and was reduced to an Arts and Sciences elective in 1947. The Department of Music was formed in 1952 and expanded steadily adding classes in music education, literature, history and theory. With the amalgamation of the Teacher's College with the College of Education all music studies on campus were conducted by the Department of Music. The department has been involved in the community by sponsoring recitals and acting as consultants and directors for provincial and community ventures. The following have served as head of the department: A. Collingwood (1931-1947); J.M. Macrea (1947-1951); M. Adaskin (1952-1966); D. Kaplan (1966-1982); D. Nelson (1982-1984); R. Wedgewood (1984-1990); C.L. House (1990- ).

The first complete year of operation for the Department of Ophthalmology was 1956. While undergraduate teaching plays a relatively minor role, postgraduate instruction, service to the community (both patient and doctor), and research have figured strongly in the development of the Department. In addition to refresher courses and clinics, faculty are involved with the Orthoptic Clinic, Low Vision Clinic, Glaucoma Clinic, a pathology service, and a northern Saskatchewan eye examination program. In research the department is probably best known for its work on glaucoma. Its primary emphasis has always been the improvement of eye care in Saskatchewan. The following have served as department head: R.G. Murray (1955-1974); C.C. Ewing (1974-1980); R.J. Schneider (1980-1985); I.A. Chisolm (Acting 1985-1986); C.C. Ewing (Acting 1986-1989); H.L. Goldberg (1989-1992); K.G. Romanchuk (1992 ).

The Department of Philosophy first appeared in the University Calendar of 1910, listing President Murray as a lecturer. In addition to the traditional classes on ethics, logic and religion the department offered classes in political science and psychology before those disciplines became separate departments. During the 1960s and 1970s the Department of Philosophy expanded its faculty to keep pace with the demand for both undergraduate and graduate courses. The department is known for its work in logic and act-utilitarianism. The following have served as head of the department: I.A. Mackay (1910-1912); L. Brehaut (1912-1918); J.A. Sharrard (1919-1946); J.V. Bateman (1947-1961); L.G. Millar (1961-1980); D.J. Crossley (1980-1983); T.Y. Henderson (1983-1985); P.T. Mackenzie (1985-1988); E. Dayton (1988-1995); D.J. Crossley (1995- ).

The first class in physics was offered during the 1910-1911 session. The department was charged with the task of developing classes designed to meet the physical science needs of all University colleges. The purchase of seismic instruments, the establishment of a campus weather station, and the planning and construction of the Physics Building were achieved during the department's first decade. Faculty interests in the 1920s and 1930s served as the foundation for much of the department's future research. Expertise in meteorology, climatology, and the physics of the aurora led to the creation of the Institute of Upper Atmospheric Physics (1956), the Institute of Space and Atmospheric Studies (1965), and the Space Engineering Division (SED Ltd) in 1965. Interest in nuclear physics led to the purchase of the Betatron (1948), the first non-commercial cobalt-60 unit for cancer treatment (1952), and the linear accelerator (1964). The following have served as head of the department: J.L. Hogg (1911-1919); A.G. McGougan (1919-1924); E.L. Harrington (1924-1952); B.W. Currie (1952-1961); R.N.H. Haslam (1961-1964); L. Katz (1956-1976); R. Montalbetti (9176-1991); E.J. Llewellyn (1991-1993); H.S. Caplan (1993- ).

Topics in human physiology first appeared at the University of Saskatchewan in 1914. They were initially presented in Pharmacy and Chemistry classes. The Department of Physiology was created in 1926 to meet the needs of the pre-medical students enrolled in the newly created School of Medical Sciences. With the opening of the College of Medicine the department took on the additional task of teaching Pharmacology, and from 1951 to 1969 was known as the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology. Although students in the health-related professions claim the bulk of teaching efforts, the Department prepares undergraduate students for graduation with General, Advanced, and Honours B.SC. degrees. The department maintains an active research program through which it offers training in physiology at the Master's, Doctoral, and Postdoctoral levels. Faculty also provides refresher courses for groups such as Physical Therapists, Optometrists, Pharmacists and hospital residents. The following have served as department head: J.M.D. Scott (1927-1930); J. Fiddles (1930-1946); L.B. Jaques (1946-1972); G.J. Millar (1972-1973); J.W. Phillis (1973-1982); M.M. McDuffie (Acting 1982-1984); M.M. McDuffie (1984-1989); J.A. Thornhill (1989- ).

Beginning in 1910, courses in educational theory and history, as well as summer courses for practising teachers, were offered through the College of Arts and Science. The failure to coordinate its efforts with those of the Normal School (teacher's college, established in Saskatoon in 1913), prompted the University to create a School of Education to prepare students to teach in the secondary school system. After one year's operation, the School became the College of Education in 1928. The College offered a one-year certificate programme as well as a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degree for students completing additional course work. In 1947 a 4-year degree programme was introduced. In 1964 the College, on behalf of the University, assumed the responsibilities and absorbed the personnel of the province's Normal Schools. The following individuals have served as Dean: F.M. Quance (1928-1947); S.R. Laycock (1947-1953); C.E. Smith (1953-1955); A.C. McEown [Acting] (1955-1956); J.B. Kirkpatrick (1956-1976); R.H. Farquhar (1976-1981); Naomi L. Hersom (1981-1986); M.P. Scharf (1986- ).

The College of Engineering began with a small Department of Agricultural Engineering within the College of Agriculture in 1910. Civil Engineering classes were taught within the College of Arts and Science in 1912; a School of Engineering was established within the College one year later. The School "closed for the duration" in 1916 when the professor and all six students enlisted for war service. The School reopened in 1920 and obtained College status the following year. The Department of Agricultural Engineering became part of the College in 1924. In addition to offering a 4-year professional degree (Bachelor of Engineering), the College offers a graduate program and operates joint programs with several other departments. The following individuals have served as Dean: C.J. Mackenzie (1921-1943); R.A. Spencer [Acting] (1943-1944); R.A. Spencer (1944-1953); I.M. Fraser (1953-1958); A. Porter (1958-1961); J.B. Mawdsley (1961-1963); A.B. Booth (1963-1972); W.R. Staples [Acting] (1972-1974); P. Nikiforuk (1974- ).

The University awarded its first post-graduate degree--a Master of Arts--to Father A.G. Morrice, o.m.i. for previous work in Canadian history. Archibald Weir received the first MA for work completed at the U of S. Over time, other Master's degrees were awarded in Science in Agriculture (1920), Science in Engineering (1927), and Education (1932). In 1922 a Committee on Master's degrees was established to coordinate post-graduate work on the campus. This Committee became the Council Committee on Graduate Studies in 1926; a Graduate School was formed under the aegis of the Graduate School Committee by 1932. The School became the College of Graduate Studies in 1946 and two years later was authorized to grant PhDs in select departments. The establishment of a graduate programme at Regina resulted in the formation of a Graduate Studies Faculty (or School) there, a College of Graduate Studies at Saskatoon, and a University College of Graduate Studies to coordinate post-graduate work on both campuses. The latter unit closed in 1974 with the division into two separate universities. The following individuals have served as Dean: [G.H. Ling] (1922-1928); G.H. Ling (1928-1938); J.S. Thomson (1938-1939); T. Thorvaldson (1939-1949); J.W.T. Spinks (1949-1959); B.W. Currie (1959-1970); K.J. McCallum (1970-1984); H.E. Tennant (1984-1987); J.G. Manns (1987-1991); Louise Forsyth (1992- ). Director: A.B. Van Cleave (1959-1974).

Following passage of the Saskatchewan Pharmacy Act in 1911, the newly incorporated Saskatchewan Pharmaceutical Association requested the University of Saskatchewan undertake the training and examination of pharmacists. A School within the College of Arts and Science was established in 1913 and the following year, 22 students enrolled in a one-year certificate program following a three-year apprenticeship. In 1921 the School became a College offering a four-year course leading to a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. Three years later the certificate program was extended to two years. In 1946 the four-year BSP was a requirement for license in Saskatchewan. In 1987 a Division of Nutrition and Dietetics was established in the College of Pharmacy. Prior to this, Nutrition and Dietetics had been offered in the College of Home Economics. In 1994, the College was renamed the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition. The following individuals have served as Dean: A. Campbell [Director], (1913-1921); A. Campbell (1921-1926); E.L. Woods [Acting] (1926-1928); E.L. Woods (1928-1946); W.C. MacAulay (1946-1976); B.R. Schnell (1976-1982); J.L. Blackburn (1983-1997); E.M. Hawes [Acting] (1997-1998); D.J.K. Gordecki (1998- ).

Field Husbandry was one of the original departments of the College of Agriculture. During the first decade horticulture, soils, and farm management were taught as subjects in Field Husbandry before becoming separate departments. Plant ecology also originated as a subject in Field Husbandry before becoming a separate department in 1949. The department became known for its contributions to plant breeding and work in the distribution and improvement of seed. In 1982 the departments of Crop Science (the former Department of Field Husbandry, renamed in 1962) and Plant Ecology were amalgamated; the new department was named Crop Science and Plant Ecology. In 1998 this department amalgamated with the Department of Horticulture Science to form the Department of Plant Sciences. The following have served as head of the departments relating to Plant Ecology: Department of Plant Ecology R.T. Coupland (1948-1981) Department of Crop Science and Plant Ecology H.M. Austenson (1982-1983) B.L. Harvey (1983-1995) M.D. Devine (1995-1998) Department of Plant Sciences G.L. Scoles (1998- )