SOLE SURVIVOR

The system of "Honors in General Studies" at Harvard can only be described as antiquated, surviving relie of the pre-Lowell regime. Since it was a product of the former elective course plan, its utility has long since been abrogated by the institution of the tutorial system and the present requirements for concentration and distribution. Today its existence is regarded merely as the easy way out, an automatic method of obtaining a degree "cum laude" simply by sliding through with the necessary nine B's, without the laborious and inconvenient effort of writing a thesis.

A plan such as this is open to just condemnation by those idealistic individuals who denounce any system of honors, or even of grading, on the grounds that it obscures the true objects of education in a search for glory. General honors are obviously sought by those priggish souls who value a "cum" solely for vanity's sake, rather than for any real initiative and genuine scholarship which such recognition ought certainly to represent. Moreover, the similar terminology of the degree "cum laude" in General Studies, and of that in Special Studies does not offer an adequate or equitable initiative requisite for each. Under the present system of course selection, emphasis clearly should be placed on the field of concentration. Thus a system of honors which does not take into account the candidate's broader grasp of his field as evidenced by his general examination, his interest as manifested in tutorial work, and his originality and initiative as demonstrated by his honors' thesis, must be considered obsolescent.

While the abolition of general honors would work a hardship on those young hopefuls who harbor a secret desire to startle father and mother with a degree "cum laude," it would certainly be a welcome measure to tutors, and to those few intellectually honest scholars who want credit only where credit is due. The new regime would do well to overthrow this tottering, tradition-supported anachronism.