THE CONCENTRATION PETRI DISH
Many special concentrators at Harvard are pursuing majors that are mainstream at other schools. Theater and urban studies—typical course catalog fare at many universities—are popular choices for special fields at Harvard.
By contrast, the introduction of secondary fields of study has dampened demand for special concentrations that blend two existing disciplines, Foster says.
Some students say they look to other schools’ curricula when drafting their own concentration plans. Surprise or consternation that Harvard lacks a similar program often leads these students to the special concentrations office.
“I was distressed that Harvard didn’t have a theater department,” Kerr says. “There are many people who would be interested in concentrating in theater. It makes sense to have its own department and support system.”
Cosgrove likewise believes other students would pursue urban studies if it were an official concentration. Harvard administrators, she says, “have recognized a desire for an urban studies concentration, but I feel like there’s been slow progress.”
Foster says that the special concentrations program has historically been used as “a testing ground” to gauge interest in burgeoning disciplines like environmental science and global health. Some of these subjects eventually find official homes at Harvard.
“There has been a consistent trickle of students interested in theater arts, performance, and drama,” Foster notes, adding that health policy and entrepreneurship are also trending topics of study.
MORE CHOICES, MORE CHALLENGES
Special concentrators praise the close relationships they develop with their faculty advisors, and they speak enthusiastically about the one-on-one tutorials. Liberated from departmental requirements, they celebrate the prospect of never having to take a course they will not enjoy.
“Every class I’ve taken is one I want to take,” says Cosgrove, who planned her urban studies curriculum after taking the General Education class “Designing the American City.”
Another perk is the opportunity to develop a creative thesis. Though special concentrators are not required to complete a thesis, many do, and they often choose unconventional media, like performance, for their capstone project. For example, Sanyee Yuan ’12, a special concentrator in Narrative in Rhetoric and Performance, is currently working on a play telling the story of her life, which she will perform in the spring.
But this attractive freedom poses its challenges, and special concentrators warn that discipline is required to pursue an independent course of study. The relative lack of institutional support also presents unique hurdles.
“I’ve been able to explore things that I wouldn’t be able to with requirements,” says Elizabeth Y. Y. Mak ’12. “But it’s harder when we don’t have departmental support.”
Getting into a class can be problematic, too. If departmental courses give preference to concentrators, special concentrators must be proactive and explain to professors that they need a spot too.
“It’s become especially evident as a senior, writing my thesis, that I don’t have all of the programs available in other departments,” Cosgrove says. “I think the support of a department is undervalued until you don’t have it.”
And Foster says that though the special concentrations program hosts social events, it lacks the sense of unity found in other departments.
“I don’t think there is a community among special concentrators like there is among other concentrators,” says Foster, who also serves as director of undergraduate studies in the close-knit Folklore and Mythology concentration.
Given the challenges of pursuing an alternative plan of study, Foster stresses that students should think carefully before applying for a special concentration.
“There are 40 fields with dedicated professors and faculty,” she says. “Special concentrations should be kept for students who cannot find the right combination of interests.”