Build-A-Concentration

Sophomores must declare their concentrations by today, so they have probably scrolled at least once or twice through the list of 46 official Harvard College concentrations. But they won’t see on that list a host of subjects their peers have studied—concentrations like Understanding Terrorism, Neuroeconomics, Silk Road Studies, and even the esoteric field of Esoteric Studies.

Those are all special concentrations, and they help accommodate students with trouble choosing one of Harvard’s existing programs of study.

Some special concentrators combine two distinct fields, like Biology and International Policy, to create an integrated plan of study. But most use the special concentration program as a route to a more conventional major not offered at Harvard, like theater, urban planning, or architecture.

PERMISSION TO BE DIFFERENT

It takes a special kind of student to pick a special concentration.

“We’re looking for an independence of spirit,” says Deborah D. Foster, the director of studies of the special concentrations program. “It takes a fairly mature and clear-minded student.”

To select those students, the program relies on a rigorous application process, which includes a statement of purpose, a proposed plan of study, and a departmental back-up plan in case the special concentration falls through. Applicants must also seek out a faculty advisor and tutorial instructor to endorse their program.

“It takes a lot of persistence, and figuring out how to inspire confidence in your advisors,” says Margaret C. Kerr ’13, a special concentrator in Dramatic Theory and Practice. “When you’re first going through the process, there’s a bit of resistance” from administrators, she says.

Each year, Foster meets with 40 to 50 students who express interest in a special concentration, many of whom eventually choose a pre-existing concentration. Though there is no limit on the number of special concentrators each year, the admissions process is highly selective. Proposals are reviewed by a committee of thirteen professors and lecturers from a variety of disciplines.

“The student must show how their courses relate to each other,” says Foster, who adds that special concentrations must not be pre-professional, in keeping with Harvard’s focus on a liberal arts education.

For better or worse, the institutional hurdles likely lead some students to talk themselves out of crafting their own majors before they even consult with potential advisors. But many find the rigorous process and stringent requirements useful, causing them to more thoughtfully craft their concentrations.

“I think that being a special concentrator can be really difficult, and rightly so, the administration wants to funnel you into one of their mainstream channels,” says Lilla D. Cosgrove ’12, who is concentrating in Urban Studies. “It’s easier for everyone.”

Khin-Kyemon Aung ’14 plans to apply next semester for a special concentration on the role of faith in medical treatment and recovery, despite efforts by some to discourage her from doing so.

“There are those who recommended it and very many people who have dissuaded me, saying that I won’t have the best support system and could easily get lost,” Aung says.

“Is there something special about special concentrators?” Foster asks. “Not necessarily, except that they’re willing to search their mind, go through a rigorous application process, and be their own structure.”

THE CONCENTRATION PETRI DISH

Many special concentrators at Harvard are pursuing majors that are mainstream at other schools. Theater and urban studies—typical course catalog fare at many universities—are popular choices for special fields at Harvard.

By contrast, the introduction of secondary fields of study has dampened demand for special concentrations that blend two existing disciplines, Foster says.

Some students say they look to other schools’ curricula when drafting their own concentration plans. Surprise or consternation that Harvard lacks a similar program often leads these students to the special concentrations office.

“I was distressed that Harvard didn’t have a theater department,” Kerr says. “There are many people who would be interested in concentrating in theater. It makes sense to have its own department and support system.”

Cosgrove likewise believes other students would pursue urban studies if it were an official concentration. Harvard administrators, she says, “have recognized a desire for an urban studies concentration, but I feel like there’s been slow progress.”

Foster says that the special concentrations program has historically been used as “a testing ground” to gauge interest in burgeoning disciplines like environmental science and global health. Some of these subjects eventually find official homes at Harvard.

“There has been a consistent trickle of students interested in theater arts, performance, and drama,” Foster notes, adding that health policy and entrepreneurship are also trending topics of study.

MORE CHOICES, MORE CHALLENGES

Special concentrators praise the close relationships they develop with their faculty advisors, and they speak enthusiastically about the one-on-one tutorials. Liberated from departmental requirements, they celebrate the prospect of never having to take a course they will not enjoy.

“Every class I’ve taken is one I want to take,” says Cosgrove, who planned her urban studies curriculum after taking the General Education class “Designing the American City.”

Another perk is the opportunity to develop a creative thesis. Though special concentrators are not required to complete a thesis, many do, and they often choose unconventional media, like performance, for their capstone project. For example, Sanyee Yuan ’12, a special concentrator in Narrative in Rhetoric and Performance, is currently working on a play telling the story of her life, which she will perform in the spring.

But this attractive freedom poses its challenges, and special concentrators warn that discipline is required to pursue an independent course of study. The relative lack of institutional support also presents unique hurdles.

“I’ve been able to explore things that I wouldn’t be able to with requirements,” says Elizabeth Y. Y. Mak ’12. “But it’s harder when we don’t have departmental support.”

Getting into a class can be problematic, too. If departmental courses give preference to concentrators, special concentrators must be proactive and explain to professors that they need a spot too.

“It’s become especially evident as a senior, writing my thesis, that I don’t have all of the programs available in other departments,” Cosgrove says. “I think the support of a department is undervalued until you don’t have it.”

And Foster says that though the special concentrations program hosts social events, it lacks the sense of unity found in other departments.

“I don’t think there is a community among special concentrators like there is among other concentrators,” says Foster, who also serves as director of undergraduate studies in the close-knit Folklore and Mythology concentration.

Given the challenges of pursuing an alternative plan of study, Foster stresses that students should think carefully before applying for a special concentration.

“There are 40 fields with dedicated professors and faculty,” she says. “Special concentrations should be kept for students who cannot find the right combination of interests.”