Sensation of the moment is the black book with the gaudy scarlet label, the new Government 1 syllabus. Completely overshadowing its dull-brown History 1 prototype, this flashy volume is tangible evidence of extensive reorganization in one of Harvard's most important courses. There were no recalcitrant conservatives or betrayers of democracy to block this measure of government reorganization, for the department's survey course has, in the past, been a black sheep of the social sciences. Popularly criticized by undergraduates, it has been found wanting generally in organization and integration, in cooperation between lecturer, reading matter, and section men. Favorite plaint was its inflation of Harvard Square bookseller's stocks at the expense of student pocket-books.

The present reorganization points toward the abolition of many of these faults and failings. The most obvious step is the syllabus, which, a la History 1, contains a full outline of the year's work. With a complete picture painted in advance, the course need no longer blunder and stumble from one point to the next, and students, as well as section men, can comprehend the purpose and place of each component part as they could not in the past. Another syllabus-baby, pretty enough to be carefully nurtured in Government 1 and adopted elsewhere, is the reprinting of excerpts from books which would otherwise have to be purchased. Less spectacular but of equal importance are other reorganizational steps concerning a change in reading material and a new order in the consideration of subject matter.

Approbation, not to say gratitude, is due to the staff of Government 1 for bringing new life to a tottering and untidy giant. Because it enrolls half of Harvard's undergraduates, because it affords many of them their only glimpse into the mysteries of the realm politic, since it deals with vital subject matter, Government 1 must possess exemplary efficiency and value. It is only to be hoped that realization fulfills anticipation.