Ec 10 Passes Justice, Tops Fall Class Charts

Reversing last year's rankings, Ec 10 beat out Justice by almost 100 students to become this semester's most popular class at Harvard.

The introductory survey of neo-classical economics, which is officially called Social Analysis 10, drew 936 students to Sanders Theatre this term. Students said they enrolled in the course because it provides not only core credit but also practical information.

The chance to study under Baker Professor of Economics Martin S. Feldstein '60, the former chair of President Reagan's Council of Economic Advisers, also attracted undergraduates to the course.

Professor of Government Michael J. Sandel's Moral Reasoning 22, "Justice," which discusses such diverse issues as John Stuart Mill's views on utility and the ethics of pushing over-weight men off bridges, drew 838 students this year.

"It doesn't really bother me that the classes are big, because Professor Sandel is able to encourage class participation," said course member John Orsini '98.

Other established courses offered by big-name professors ranked high on the list.

Professor of English Marjoric Garber's Literature and Arts A-40, "Shakespeare: The Early Plays," came in third.

"Shakespeare can be confusing, and Professor Garber cleans things up," said Erin E. O'Malley '98, who is enrolled in the course. "She gets

applause after every lecture."

General Education 105, "The Literature of Social Reflection," which is taught by Professor of Psychiatry and Medical Humanities Dr. Robert Coles '50, was fourth with 544 students.

One course was new to the Top Ten. Professor of Music Robert D. Levin earned raves for his lectures in Literature and Arts B-54, "Chamber Music from Mozart to Ravel," which he is offering for the first time this semester. The course has the seventh largest number of students.

David L. Miller '98, who is in the class, said he was particularly impressed with Levin's ability to stop talking in the middle of a sentence and complete his thought with music as he lectures from his piano bench.

Classes Seem Smaller

Professors said that despite the large size of these courses, instructors make a conscious effort to personalize their students' experiences.

Chemistry Head Tutor James E. Davis said he encourages students in Chemistry 5, which came in ninth, to take advantage of the teaching fellows and sections, which can make their classes seem smaller. "The teaching fellow is an ally to the student," he said.

Higgins Professor of Mathematics David B. Mumford, who is responsible for the 380 students signed up for Math 21a, said that while the size of his class can be "daunting," the average number of students per section is actually decreasing. Unlike the other classes with high enrollments, Math 21a is taught entirely in section.

Some first-years said they're a little intimidated by such large classes.

"I've never been in a class that big," said Langdon Fielding '98, a student in Ec 10. "But it's good to have one or two big classes for the experience.

applause after every lecture."

General Education 105, "The Literature of Social Reflection," which is taught by Professor of Psychiatry and Medical Humanities Dr. Robert Coles '50, was fourth with 544 students.

One course was new to the Top Ten. Professor of Music Robert D. Levin earned raves for his lectures in Literature and Arts B-54, "Chamber Music from Mozart to Ravel," which he is offering for the first time this semester. The course has the seventh largest number of students.

David L. Miller '98, who is in the class, said he was particularly impressed with Levin's ability to stop talking in the middle of a sentence and complete his thought with music as he lectures from his piano bench.

Classes Seem Smaller

Professors said that despite the large size of these courses, instructors make a conscious effort to personalize their students' experiences.

Chemistry Head Tutor James E. Davis said he encourages students in Chemistry 5, which came in ninth, to take advantage of the teaching fellows and sections, which can make their classes seem smaller. "The teaching fellow is an ally to the student," he said.

Higgins Professor of Mathematics David B. Mumford, who is responsible for the 380 students signed up for Math 21a, said that while the size of his class can be "daunting," the average number of students per section is actually decreasing. Unlike the other classes with high enrollments, Math 21a is taught entirely in section.

Some first-years said they're a little intimidated by such large classes.

"I've never been in a class that big," said Langdon Fielding '98, a student in Ec 10. "But it's good to have one or two big classes for the experience.