Concentrators must take a minimum of four courses in the Department, and two other courses which have mathematical prerequisites. Especially recommended are courses in Physics, Applied Science, and Astronomy. Only one of these courses may be of freshman level. Physics 1, a freshman courses with no math prerequisites, may be included if passed with an honor grade.

Freshmen planning concentration in this field who are now taking Math 1 should take Math 2 next year, while those currently enrolled in Math. 2 should take Math. 105 and 106.

With Math. 105 and 106 under his belt, the student is then prepared to take most of the courses in the Department. This is perhaps unfortunate, since many in the field, especially those out for honors, tend to over concentrate. The faculty has attempted to discourage this, urging students to get as wide a liberal arts background as possible before they go on to graduate school, as most concentrators do. The Department especially recommends a reading knowledge of French or German, preferably both.

Honors Program

Requirements for an honors degree are hardly more stringent than for non-honors. The honors candidate must take an additional course in math and write a thesis.

The thesis requirement is not the bugaboo that popular opinion has it, since new results are not expected. Rather, it represents an assimilation of reading in a branch of mathematics, with some theorems derived from the reading. And while no generals are required, honors candidates must take a special examination in the subject of their thesis.

Tutorial in mathematics is not obligatory, though honors concentrators usually take advantage of the opportunity of studying under the Department's outstanding mathematicians. Sophomores may also pursue some topic of special interest in individual tutorial.

Music

Number of Concentrators in 1952: 45 (30 Harvard, 15 Radcliffe).

1952 Commencement Honors: Magna, 1; Cum, 4.

Concentration requirements have been eased, but Music still remains one of the smallest and toughest fields open to the undergraduate.

Assignments, especially in the elementary courses, are long, exacting, and regular. But whatever temptation the department may offer the lazy student to concentrate elsewhere is made up by its informal atmosphere. Students have the opportunity to work actively with some of the top composers and musicologists in the country.

Today the field is no longer oriented to the professional musician and specialist. Under department head Randall Thompson, a concerted effort is being made to attract students who are still unsure of their field of concentration. Much of the technical barbed-wire once felt to surround the field has been removed.

To concentrate, a student must show instrumental ability, but not necessarily on the piano. A basic piano ability is required of all concentrators, but the department no longer considers itself to be a haven for future Paderewskis.

Music History