More Core Options

All interviewed students praised the proposal that would mandate a minimum of 6 classes in each subject area of the Core every semester.

Students said this measure would offer them more academic flexibility in terms of meeting both scheduling needs and intellectual desires.

"Offering six classes in each area is key because I don't want to get stuck taking a Core I'm not interested in due to lack of selection," said Michael J. Ewart '00.

Smaller Classes

Students had mixed reactions to the proposal for more small classes taught by professors.

Many felt that under the current system, professors seem distant. They welcomed the chance to interact with Faculty.

"I need a higher-quality education which would be provided by smaller faculty-taught classes," said Alper Afya '00. "I don't want Harvard to be number three again."

But some students praised large lecture classes, and some students were concerned that demanding professors to teach smaller classes in the Core would be a disincentive to teach at Harvard.

AP Tests

Students strongly and unanimously opposed ending Core exemptions based on high Advanced Placement (AP) test scores.

"Refusing to give credit for APs is ridiculous because if you have already demostrated your knowledge in the subject, there is no point in taking it again," said Deborah A. Abeles '00.

Students also disliked the proposal for pre-requisites for some Core classes, because it seemed contrary the Core's mission.

"Prerequisites completely contradict the idea behind the Core because it limits your choice of classes in areas that you are interested in because you have no background," said Sarah H. Brierley '00.

Whither Reform?

Many students said the addition of a QRR class was not how they had envisioned the direction of Core reform.

"When [students] said, 'Reform the Core,' I don't think they meant this," said Joseph J. (J.J.) Kardwell '98.

Most upperclass students said they expected Core reform to allow them to substitute appropriate departmental courses for Core requirements.

"The most important issue that continues to be ignored is the counting of departmental classes for Core requirements," said Tom J. Roberts '99