His class relies heavily on reserve readings, which will be cut back in his new class simply because reserve readings become less readily available with large classes.

This is the second year that Michael I. Blake, assistant professor of philosophy, is teaching Moral Reasoning 62: "Reasoning In and About the Law." It was taught two years ago as Philosophy 12, but the intention was for it to become a Core.

Philosophy 12 had 45 students; in contrast, there are over 800 students enrolled at present in Moral Reasoning 62.

"It was a particularly hairy teaching assignment," he said, " [but] I like teaching the Core a lot. I really enjoy it. I'm trying to entice people into philosophy."

The enrollment may have skyrocketed, but the course is essentially the same. "It's had two years of refinement, but it's really has the same structure and much of the same material."

Though teaching a large class can be intimidating, some professors say they enjoy the opportunity to share their knowledge.

Peabody Professor of Music Lewis Lockwood has taught Literature and Arts B-55: "Opera: Perspectives on Music and Drama" since the early 1980's.