THE NEW SCHOLASTICISM

Harvard has always been acknowledged as being one of the few universities in this country where the majority of the men had a more or less serious view of their scholastic work. The conversations of Harvard men have always been tinged with a generous amount of talk about their studies. For this reason they have often been characterized by some as "grinds", by others as dilletantes. But, unconcerned with comments, they have consistently maintained this attitude.

The metamorphosis that this view has undergone has undoubtedly been analyzed before by educators but its most recent trend, in fact its present trend, is one of its most interesting changes. There has been at Harvard within the last five years a definite swing toward a greater scholastic seriousness. Proofs, other than mere observations, are furnished by the Dean's Office. The number of men on the dean's list is steadily increasing. More men are at the present trying for honors in their fields than at any other time before. Last year the greatest number of degrees summa cum laude was awarded to members of the Senior class. Not only is there an increase in honor men but men not on the dean's list are showing a more vital interest in their subjects.

A foil to prove the raising scholastic standards is the decline of interest in extra-curricular activities. Men are not competing for sport managerships in as great numbers as formerly. Changes in the system have to be made and the work has to be lessened in order to draw men out. Extra-curricular offices are less enticing because of the greater interest in the regular college work. The increasing sane attitude towards athletics is also evidence of this reawakened scholastic endeavor.

An analysis of what has brought about this change is more difficult. It is a complete turnabout from the immediate post-war attitude to college education. It is a registering of disgust toward the "collegiatism" of the twenties. The idea that a college education is a key to social life is also passing. It has rather become for many the key to a successful business life. In this respect the depression of the past two years undoubtedly has had a chastening effect on the student ambitious of a business life and has strengthened his seriousness of purpose.

At Harvard the tutorial system and its accompanying general and divisional examinations has perhaps been the greatest factor in effecting this trend toward a greater scholasticism. If a man takes his tutorial work seriously he can hardly have a greater intellectual interest awakened in him. The general examinations have necessitated a more careful and through studying of the particular field in which the student is interested.

That there is a definite change in the attitude of the student is evident. It can hardly lead to anything but good. It is certainly one which is in keeping with the best traditions of Harvard.