Concentrators must take a minimum of four courses in the department and two in related fields. Just about everybody takes Math 1, 2 and 105. A surprisingly large number of students pursue graduuate courses in their special interests.

Since there is a rather wide gap in difficulty between Math 1 and 2 and the middle group courses, students who don't garner honor grades in the introductory courses should think twice before choosing math for their concentration.

Thesis No Bugbear

Tutorial in the department is flexible. Any concentrator who wants to do outside work under the guidance of a faculty member can do so. Although the honors thesis can be begun as early as the sophomore year, decisions on whether to write the thesis (the main requirement for an honors degree) can be put off till the beginning of the senior year. Thesis work is not the bugbear some concentrators think, for the purpose of the thesis is not to make an original contribution to mathematics, but to get experience in self expression, and in individual working.

Instructors in the department are generally well liked but reflect in microcosm a tendency of Harvard faculty members in general: they rarely go out of their way to help students, but are willing to give aid when they are asked. A little initiative, then, can make Mathematics a most profitable concentration.

Music

Number of Concentrators: 46.

1951 Commencement Honors: cum, 6; magna, 1; summa, 1.

Music is one of the colleges's smaller departments, and according to Chairman A. Tillman Merritt, it will probably stay that way. The idea is to maintain close personal contact with each student. Only honors seniors receive tutorial, but intelligent and sympathetic advising is available to all.

All concentrators must take six music courses, and honors candidates have to write a thesis. Four specified theory courses are still required, but beginning next fall, candidates may choose their other two courses from anywhere in the department. Another innovation is that Music I--previously considered too elementary--will be acceptable for concentration credit.

Aaron Copland and his popular "Music of the Twenties" will be gone next year, but several new courses have been announced. G. Wallace Woodworth, long noted for his chatty, untechnical musical appreciation classes, will offer a half-course on Beethoven in the fall, and one on the Concerto in the spring. He plays records, tells anecdotes, and is well liked by practically everybody.

The perennial Archibald Davison will give, in addition to Music I, a new course in Choral History. He is an expert on the subject and his lectures are always informative.

Theory Stressed

Still, the emphasis remains on theory instead of history. Merritt justifies this by maintaining that a thorough grounding in the fundamentals of musical technique is necessary before the student can appreciate the importance of great music.

Even with the absence of Copland and Randall Thompson, the Department can still boast of a top-flight composer--Walter Piston. His course in orchestration (Music 153) was omitted this year, but will again be offered to advanced students next term. And Otto Gombosi, who made a very favorable impression in his first year here, will be back to give three graduate courses.