A BREATHING SPELL

In any of the advanced courses the upperclassmen are given reading periods that extend from after the Christmas vacation until the examination period, and from some time in May until the finals begin. This time is set aside for assigned reading, and is used in part for preparing for an examination that may come immediately after the conclusion of the reading period. Freshmen, on the other hand, often find themselves confronted with having to attend classes until the day before an examination, which naturally makes preparation more difficult. This arrangement should be changed by giving reading periods to Freshmen in those courses in which such a period is suitable, and by granting a three day study period, in order courses, before examinations.

Government 1 and History 1, for examples, would lend themselves just as well to reading periods as more advanced courses. This would not entail the slightest reduction in material given in lectures. One extra lecture a month in Government 1, which has two section meetings a week, would suffice to cover information handled in January. In History I--where there are two lectures a week, two additional lectures in October and November, and one in December, would give ample time to replace January lecture hours. Since there is a section meeting once a week for 'C' men and "dumb-bunnies", the supplementary lectures would necessitate several bi-weekly tests for these sections. Ordinarily they have one quizz a week, except in the latter part of the year when bi-weekly tests are instituted anyway.

In such courses as Mathematics A, in various sciences, and in Geology 1, where three periods a week are used for lectures, a reading period is both unnecessary and impracticable. But it takes time to attend classes and even greater time to prepare for recitations. A student should be relieved of these routine duties, and be given a few days in which to study for an examination.

Mid-years and finals are high hurdles and a student should be permitted a good running start. Elementary courses take as much preparation for Freshmen as advanced courses for upperclassmen, and there is no justification for discriminating against the latter. Either a reading period or a three day study period should be granted Freshmen.