English Might Ease Honors Requirements

The Department of English is reportedly considering drastic revision of the existing requirement that honors candidates have a background of Latin.

Under the proposed change, English honors students could substitute a modern language for Latin. Although final plans have not yet been formulated, the department will probably require a greater level of proficiency if a student chooses a modern language instead of Latin.

After the revisions are definitely formulated, they must be passed by the Committee on Educational Policy before going into effect.

If the honors requirements are eased, it is believed that many students, now dissuaded by having to achieve the equivalent of a second-year college course in Latin for honors in English, would decide to major in the department.

More Honors Candidates

In addition, many qualified non-honors candidates in English, relieved of the burden of two years of Latin, would probably switch to honors.

Although English now ranks as the most popular field of concentration in the college, the relative number of honors candidates is much smaller than most other departments.

Other minor changes in the department's overall curriculum, such as revisions of the bibliography, and the general examinations, are also under consideration. Final decisions and the exact wording of all changes for next year are expected soon.