Discussion of Social Science Fields Begins

Probably the reason why there are more concentrators in economics than in any other field is the fundamental importance of economic forces in appreciating not only the main problems which the United States has been forced to confront in the last ten years, but also in understanding the present war. Economics touches on almost every field of human activity, and most people are in direct contact with the economic structure of the country between 9 and 5 o'clock every day. Economics is inseparable from government, and the various courses offered in the Department tend to place correct emphasis on this relationship.

Ec concentrators who seek practical training in the techniques of conducting a business will be disappointed. Undergraduate Economics offers a thorough theoretical survey of the subject necessary for a business career, but leaves the vocational side to the Business School.

Six Special Fields

Within the department, students must choose one of six special fields of concentration--economic theory, economic history before 1750, economic history after 1750, money and finance, market organization and control, or labor economics and social reform. There are two divisional examinations at the end of the Junior year, the first covering the general knowledge that the student has gleaned from all the Economics courses he has taken, and the second devoted to testing the student's knowledge on his special field. A candidate for Honors--cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude--must submit a thesis to the Department in his Senior year.

The staff of tutors in the Department adds up to 41, which is larger by ten than any other field. Members of the field found the tutors excellent, interested in their subject, and, on the whole, generous with their time. Some found that the younger tutors could not spare enough time, since they were busy with PhD theses and other papers, and were only teaching in order to finance their graduate work. Full professors and other teachers are usually willing to grant their tutees as much time as desired.

Ec. A corresponds to History 1 and Government 1 as a heavy beginner's course. For concentrators it is best to take the course during a Freshman year, but there is no penalty for taking it as a Sophomore.

Some students have made the same criticism of the whole field, and propose deeper study of existing trends and conditions to verify theories. Also, the members felt that there was some unnecessary repetition between courses, such as Ec. 45a on Business Cycles and Ec. 41 on Money, Banking and Commercial Crises. Members gave their hearty approval to the staff of teachers, most of whom are deeply absorbed in economics and are active in research. Consequently, the stagnant drill-master is a rare specimen in the Economics Department. Many members hope that Schumpeter can find time for an undergraduate course next year.

Chamberlin Good

Chamberlin was well liked in Ec. 1a on Economic Theory, although some felt the class discussion was confined too much to the reading. One of the few courses on non-capitalist economic activity is Sweezy's course on Socialism, (Ec. 11b.) He stresses Marxian theories and, in the latter part of the course, touches on Socialist thinkers. Most students liked the lectures and thought the material well organized, particularly in view of the scarcity, of Socialist literature in translation. Some thought the course should be extended from a half to a full year. Economic History from 1750 to 1914 (Ec. 36) was thought to be interesting and well worth a year's time, Ec. 81 on Labor Problems was considered one of the best courses, especially for its diverse reading and factual backing up of theory with statistics. Since C or worse is flunking in the graduate school, most wary students taking graduate courses make sure they hit B, and A's are not at all unusual. This factor seems to draw many members of the department into the graduate school, where excellent men like Schumpeter, Leontieff, and Chamberlin teach.

Not one Senior in the field expressed regret in his choice of concentration. Most found Economics a stimulating study of existing Conditions and present-day problems of he utmost importance.