Reactions

To the Editor of the CRIMSON:

There is one week of the Reading Period before it will be criticized and judged. And I think it will be called a success although I doubt if it is.

During the two or three weeks before examinations one can loaf or cram probably a little of both. It is true there is work assigned for courses and other work for the tutors. However, if I am not mistaken, the purpose of this freedom is to encourage individual study. It may attempt to produce scholars.

But I do not believe it will, to a reasonable extent. The period isn't long enough for a fellow to tire of loafing. And it isn't long enough to discourage cramming, during most of the two weeks. Certain courses before Christmas suggest reading to cover twenty years of history after the vacation and before mid-years even though that may not be the more interesting period. Of course, that doesn't mean it is impossible to do what one may want to do. Also, some days are broken up by a class or two as much as when classes were regular.

Undoubtedly a reading period promises more in the future than it will accomplish this year. It is only necessary to compare it to the tutorial system to see its weakness. Yet, it will be called a success in 1928. E. G. Manchester.