The Sophomore Issue

11

Inside: Concentrations A-Z

11.10.11 vol. xlii, no. 33

2 [email protected] 11.10.11 The Harvard Independent

The Indy is riding the Sophomore Strugglebus.

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Staff Writersarthur bartolozzi '12 Cindy Hsu '14 yuying Luo '12

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gary gerbrandt '14Whitney Lee '14Meghan brooks '14 Miranda Shugars '14

#OccupyHarvard

FOruM3 3

SPeCIaL45678

arTS91010

SPOrTS11

mankiw Or mOnEy?i did iT my way

af-am STudiES - cLaSSicScOmParaTivE rELiGiOn - GOvErnmEnTHiSTOry - nELcnEurObiOLOGy - wGSSOLELy SEcOndariES

SOckSSwEPT awayLikE JEkyLL & HydE

bLEEdinG bLuE

It is pretty unusual for Harvard Yard to be completely locked down. It is pretty unusual for Harvard to respond desperately and embarrassingly when a few dozen students take over one of its spaces well, maybe not. But it has been quite a long time since SLAM #Occupyd Mass Hall in 2001, and even longer since the Students for a Democratic Society #Occupyd University Hall in 1969 (the same year this lovely publication was founded). Yet were right back where we started. A major social protest movement is coming to our university. Its here, its heated, its #OccupyHarvard.

Its too early to say what the broader effects of the movement will be. We might see tents setting up all over the yard, but the demands are less than clear, the protests are clearly separate, and the agitation might not serve to accomplish much of anything in the end. Nevertheless, it is exciting to be at such an important place when something notable and long-lasting is taking place. The Indy wishes all the best to the protestors, especially those braving their nights on the Yard well be waiting and watching to see what transpires in these coming days.

- The Indy Exec Board

[email protected] 3The Harvard Independent 11.10.11

indyForum

By CARLOS SCHMIDT

Working for Big Capital To choose Economics or not?

Last week, the Dems-talk mailing list was the epicenter of a heated discussion on the planned walkout from Gregory Mankiws legendary Economics 10 (Ec10) class. Numerous students, both supporters and objectors to the protests, participated in this open and divisive discussion. At the end, however, it seemed that the debate ended up gearing away from an open dialogue about the potentials and fallacies of the walkout to a more candid exchange about students thoughts on one of Harvards most famous and most popular concentrations: economics. In general, there were a wide range of viewpoints represented, but a few students did have rather scathing remarks about the economics concentration and the presumption that a great majority of the economics graduates takes jobs in the financial sector.

In a 2008 Senior Lecturer and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Economics, Jeffrey A. Miron, wrote an op-ed in the Crimson entitled, Why Does Everyone at Harvard Concentrate in Economics? He outlined five reasons: it is a passing fad, it is the path of least resistance, it is taught by well-known faculty, it is a practical field and marketable degree, and it is useful for answering fundamental questions. Reflecting on the reasons, Miron stated, My conversations with hundreds of undergraduates at Harvard

indicate that these final two reasons are the key factors behind economics popularity. Students often say that, in contrast to most settings, choosing this concentration does not involve a tradeoff: economics is both practical and interesting. Economics majors can have their cake and eat it too. I plan to revisit these last two reasons and investigate why economics is one of the most popular and most polarizing concentrations at Harvard.

Economics is a practical field and marketable degree that allows concentrators to have the fundamental knowledge to answer the big questions. It is an extremely pragmatic choice as a concentration, since it provides a holistic way of understanding and applying choices, trade-offs, and monetary and fiscal policy, among other things. We believe an economic understanding of the world is essential to civic engagement, productivity in the work place, and good personal financial management, noted Miron. More importantly, nothing will impress a future employer more than a Harvard degree in economics. Throughout sophomore, junior, and senior year, companies harass undergraduates with e-mails and invitations to their lucrative job fairs that are presumably tailored for future Harvard graduates. Tout ensemble, I do not see why not anyone in their right mind would not want to concentrate in economics; it provides

fundamental and applicable knowledge and, in most cases, ensures job security after graduation.

Taking into account its practicality, there still remains a stigma associated with economics. No one protests its applicability: economics can be used in a variety of sectors, from financial markets to the development of impoverished nations in Africa and Latin America. The negative reputation of economics stems from the fact that a significant portion of economics concentrators end up working for the Wall Street, a metonymy for big capital. Depending on whom you ask, Wall Street exemplifies either the triumph of American determinism or the greed and exploitation inherent to human nature. There are many students, school critics, and observers that consider concentrating in economics a waste of a Harvard education: after investing so much in a liberal arts education that is meant to prepare its students to solve tomorrows problems, they are selling themselves short to big capital for the hopes of a lucrative career.

Let us say that people that end up working for Wall Street are selling themselves short and are contributing to a brain drainso what? Have not the majority of Harvard students literally tortured themselves

through so many years of academia to not deserve a well paying and stable job? Do we not need better and more competent minds leading our financial sector to avoid future meltdowns and recessions? At the end, society is not the best judge of your future: they do not know your whole life story or ambitions. Whether an individual should work for Wall Street should be determined by his or her own judgment. Only that person can determine whether his or her potential could serve more altruistic ends. Moreover, is it impossible for big capital to serve to fund altruistic endeavors?

So, after trying to top our arts columnist, William, with a rather incoherent rant of my own, I conclude: GO FOR IT! Concentrate in economics, worship Mankiw, and work for Wall Street. There is nothing wrong with it (and who says that altruismwhich is the presumptuous alternative use for your economics degreeisnt a form of personal egoism anyway?). However, do not forget and do not be caught stating, Let them eat cake, when the people do not have anything to eat. We all know how that story ends.

Carlos Schmidt 15 (cschmidt@college) is glad that hes a freshman and doesnt have to worry about the implications of concentrating in Ecor anything elsejust yet.

The year is 2008. i sit Down in front of my computer and attempt to fill out the Harvard Advising Questionnaire before my freshman year. According to Harvard, I need to list my top three extracurricular activities, number my top three possible fields of study, and answer a question about where I want to be in ten years.

The drop-down list of concentrations grabs my attention. During my college applications process, I had listed Communications and Broadcast Journalism as my proposed major, holding tight to my dream of becoming a news reporter. Looking at Harvards many options, I browse the web sites of the departments for English, Literature, and Visual & Environmental Studies. An FAQ section on the Harvard academics page about creating ones own major on campus leads me to click on the Special Concentrations department. The more I probe through the site and read through the creative names and thesis projects of previous concentrations, the more I want to pursue one. I imagine taking classes from the English and VES department to make my own study for Communications.

However, when I arrive on campus during Opening Days in September, I meet with my academic adviser over lunch in Loker Commons and she discourages me from pursuing a Special Concentration. Feeling somewhat defeated, I decide to hide my intentions of pursuing a Special Concentration.

The following spring, I enroll in a freshman seminar called The Art of Storytelling, in which I study various forms of narrative. For my final project, I write a short screenplay about my transition from high school to Harvard. When I go in for a meeting with my seminar professor to talk about the project, we begin to discuss the creative projects that students undertake in her department, Folklore & Mythologyand I

leave her office contemplating a concentration in F&M.

By the time sophomore fall begins, I spend my spare hours sifting through the Registrars web site. There, I browse classessearching for ones that focus on storytelling, journalism, media studies, and the arts. I find that I can study the personal narratives of people and their social interactions in Psychology and change my mind from F&M to Psych. However, I am still wavering between Psych, Sociology, VES, and Social Anthropology. Finally, on the night before study cards are due, I write an article for the Indy about how happy I am to be an official Psych concentrator.

However, when I chart out my classes for sophomore spring during winter break, my happiness fades away. I realize that I do not want to spend hours in statistics classes, labs, and MCB 80. Its just not my passion. I decide to switch to English so I can take creative writing classes and tell my own stories. Before I start applying for a change of concentration, one other department on the Registrars site catches my eyethe Dramatic Arts secondary field. I meet with my freshman seminar professor, who knows about my love for storytelling and ask her if there is any way for me to pursue Dramatic Arts as a concentration instead of as a secondary field. She tells me that the only way to do that is to apply through await for itSpecial Concentration.

Realizing that Ive come full-circle since my discovery of the Special Concentrations department pre-freshman-year, I decide to go for it. At the end of April, I find an adviser in the English department. Knowing that the SC committee meets twice a year to read over applications, I am intent on making the fall deadline for October of my junior year. When

I return to campus after the summer, I take a gamble on choosing my classessigning up for a schedule composed of five classes for a concentration that has not been officially approved yet. At this point, I am still registered in the Psych department and the Director of Undergraduate Studies glances nervously at me as I ask for her signature and tells me that I am taking a big risk. If my concentration does not get approved, I will need to spend the rest of my three semesters cramming in courses for Psych or whichever department I fall into.

On Yom Kippur that month, I decide to fast in solidarity as I have done the past two years with my blockmate and I stay inside, working all day on honing my proposal for my Special Concentration in Narrative in Film & Performance. I turn it in the next week and hold my breath until I get a response.

It is rejected. As my eyes look over the email from

the committee, I realize the reason for the rejection is not my concentration; its my adviser. She is not going to be on campus my senior year. This means that if I can find a new adviser, my concentration can still get approved. My adviser, apologetic that she has not mentioned her forthcoming absence from Harvard, directs me to another professor in the English department who specializes in rhetoric and regularly pushes for public speaking initiatives on campus. I get in touch with him and make one more permutation of my proposal. He agrees to advise me and on October 25, 2010, I receive a letter approving my Special Concentration in Narrative in Rhetoric & Performance.

Through my Special Concentration, I have been able to take some of the coolest classes at Harvard.

I create dances about my life through

Introduction to Choreography. I study the formulas of great American speeches with a visiting professor from Northwesterns Rhetoric department. I cross-register at the Kennedy School and learn how to weave together effective stories in public narrative from a professor who participated in the Cesar Chavez campaign. I delve into the study of the human voice and its variety in Vocal Production for the Stage. I craft my power of persuasion through a course on the Elements of Rhetoric. I design a one-on-one tutorial with a former Good Morning America producer to study talk show hosts and Ryan Seacrests on-camera interviewing techniques.

Every class that Ive taken for my concentration has emphasized the content of presenting myself in public, whether it is through speech or performance. Not only have I had incredible amounts of fun in each class and gotten to know the stories of each of my individual classmates and professors, I have also received an immeasurable preparation for my future career in broadcast journalism and the performing arts.

My concentration will culminate in my senior thesis, an autoethnography about my life, a script for a play based on the autoethnography, and a live one-woman performance of the play.

I cannot describe how thankful I am for the chance to have pursued my real-world passions in the academic realm here. When I wave my diploma in the air this spring, I will be happy knowing that that rectangular piece of paper represents the truly once-in-a-lifetime education that I have received.

Sanyee Yuan12 (syuan@fas) wants you to create a Special Concentration in Autoethnographic Studies. Or anything else that stimulates your interests.

By SANYEE YUAN

Anatomy of a Senior Thesis Part V: Roots and Seeds, Coming to a Concentration


Special

African and African American StudiesBoasting such notable names as Skip Gates,

Evelyn Hammonds, and Lawrence Bobo, as well as a ten-to-one faculty to student ratio in the African studies wing of the department, Af-Am, as its affectionately known, may be one of the best-kept secrets at Harvard. Af-Am is one of the most interdisciplinary concentrations at Harvard. Because African and African-American Studies encompasses so many disciplineshistory, film, literature, politics, music, art, languages, sociology, anthropology, religion, you name itconcentrators can take classes in a surprisingly broad range of departments in order to fulfill their requirements. In one semester a concentrator might take a class on R&B and neo-soul, protest literature, the American education system, and black religion and economic thought, and in the next fill up his or her entire schedule with classes on Black American film.

In addition to the breadth of classes offered, as a small department African and African American studies has a fantastic advising system where professors know students and their interests personally. The department encourages joint concentrations and is willing to work with students to develop plans of study that allow them to examine their academic interests in as much depth as they chose. While theses are not required, students in the African track especially have outstanding thesis resources, as there is a wealth of funding available for travel and research. African and African American Studies concentrators at Harvard have the added benefit of the Hip-Hop Archive and the Du Bois Institute, as well as one of the most comprehensive offerings of African language classes in the country. - INDY STAFF

AnthropologyAnthropology at Harvard is split into two fields

archaeology and social anthropology. The department is filled with some of the top scholars within both of these sub-disciplines. Concentrating in archaeology allows you to establish a strong theoretical and methodological approach to a number of social sciences, and there is a wide potential for overlap with other departments, such as history and human evolutionary biology. Social anthropology is a social science that allows us to examine the world from a critical and reflexive perspective. Its value lies in its demand to engage with both individuals and broader social structures to create meaningful qualitative analysis. This is done in order to understand broader social contexts and cultural practices, all with the goal of de-familiarizing the familiar and making connections among seemingly disparate societies around the globe. The anthropology department is welcoming and very personal, and there are countless opportunities for undergraduates to engage personally and consistently with their professors and graduate students, whose global academic interests have taken them all around the world.- KENNY WHITESCARVER 13

Applied MathematicsLove Math? Love something other than just

math, too? Then Applied Mathematics might be the concentration for you. According to concentrators and to the departments own website, Applied Math at Harvard is a concentration wherein combining applied mathematics with a particular subject can lead to a program of study that is quite similar to studying that subject itself. In fact, as the departments description goes on to say, sometimes the only real difference between applied math and the subject concentrators are applying it to is that their

version of it is slightly more math-y. When Applied Mathematics concentrators enter the department, they enter with an Area of Application in mind, and this subject areawhether it be Economics, Music, Biology, Physics, Decision and Control, Electrical Engineering, or almost any other concentration field Harvard offersdetermines the course their studies and research will take. The Computer Science and Economics Areas of Application, for example, allow concentrators to take almost all of their classes in each of those departments, whereas a less conventionally mathematical discipline, such as Linguistics or History, requires a careful balancing of math courses and focus courses.

If the differences between Applied Mathematics and other concentrations can be almost negligible, then why concentrate in it at all? The answer has something to do with the outstanding advising the department offers, especially when compared to larger departments (Economics *cough cough*), as well as the opportunity to engage in some really cool math. Senior theses and projects are often the culmination of four years of original mathematical inquiry, and anything from analyses of the practices of effective CEOs to building mathematical models for Semitic grammars is possible. If youre looking for an eminently practical and employable concentration and youve always loved numbers, Applied Mathematics is probably the concentration for you. - INDY STAFF

Astrophysics Youll be a massive, luminous ball of plasma

in one of the smallest concentrations Harvard has to offer (only 8 primary concentrators in 2010)! Students participate in the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, one of the preeminent astrophysics research institutes in the world. Opportunities for research range from optical and infrared astronomy to solar, stellar, and planetary sciences. Calculus, physics, and astronomy are all required for non-honors concentrators, while higher level applied math, physics, astronomy, and earth and planetary sciences are required for the honors track. Exoplanets never get old, and you know youll have a steady career until the sun burns out (which, clearly, youll be prepared for). If youve a quantitative mind but prefer the massive draws of black holes to the microscopic movements of quarks, astrophysics might be the right track for you. Moreover, some of the most beloved scientific figures of all time come from astronomy and astrophysicstheres no doubt that Neil deGrasse Tyson is the best Colbert Report guest of all time, and people may actually worship Carl Sagan. And youre probably one of the only people who could actually go through with your childhood dreams and become an astronaut. I would argue that astrophysics is the most badass physical scienceit might even be worth a class that sounds as horrifyingly high-level as Physics 181. -INDY STAFF

Biomedical EngineeringHarvards newest concentration is Biomedical

Engineering (BME), which is different from the Biomedical Sciences and Engineering option under the Engineering Sciences (ES) concentration. Whereas ES offers either an AB or an SB, BME only offers an AB. BME requires 14 half-courses, 2 fewer than ES because you would have to take 2 more math classes as an ES concentrator. There are a plethora of options for research, from a casual ES 91r project taken on with a faculty member to an Honors Thesis completed as part of ES100hf senior year. Particularly exciting research is going on at the recently formed

Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering. BME courses are challenging, but professors and TFs hold office hours so that students can solve every problem and understand every concept.

My favorite aspect of BME is its collaborative ethos; classes are generally small (50 or fewer students), and we all work together on problem sets, projects, and midterm studying. Although there are many premeds in BME (I am one myself!) because BME satisfies nearly all of the premed requirements, the atmosphere is collegial, not competitive. This concentration is great for anyone considering a career in biomedical engineering, or a field that would be enhanced by a BME background, such as business, law, journalism, and of course, medicine.

Learn useful skills in teams of bright peers, do research that has practical applications to improving quality of life, and join the ranks of those at the frontier of biotechnology. Concentrate in Biomedical Engineering! - JAKE WEATHERLY 12

Chemical and Physical BiologyChemical and Physical Biology (CPB) is one of

the nine concentrations in the life sciences. This concentration in particular emphasizes developing quantitative, physical, and chemical tools to help understand the dynamic nature of complex biological systems. 16 half-courses are required to complete the concentration, one of which should provide significant independent laboratory research. This can be met with a lab course like LS100r or a personal faculty-sponsored project (CPB 91r). It should be noted that CPB differs from the other life sciences concentrations in that it requires two half-courses in math at or above Mathematics 19a, as well as a course in physical chemistry. It also requires physics at or above Physics 11a. There is also an honors track that requires a thesis in addition to the above requirements. CPB also requires a non-credit tutorial that gives concentrators a unique opportunity to engage with assigned faculty members and professionals in areas ranging from lab research to biotechnology entrepreneurship. Students arrange to meet with these tutors regularly to discuss papers of interest, career aspirations, etc.

Perhaps the biggest drawing point of CPB to me is the true flexibility in course selection. For the upper-level requirements, one can take any 100-level chemistry, molecular and cellular biology, or physics course as well as many courses in the stem cell and regenerative biology, mathematics, engineering and computer science departments. In short, the concentration is perfect for those who love the quantitative and technical aspects of studying biology. With its flexibility, CPB has allowed me to explore fields such as computer science, biomedical entrepreneurship (SCRB 130), and physics. Furthermore, there is also great flexibility and support for delving into research. For example, neurodegenerative diseases especially interest me and as such, I will be conducting Alzheimers research for my CPB thesis. In sum, if you love biology but would still like to explore your interests in other math/science related fields, CPB will not disappoint. - SAVAGNA PATEL 13

Chemistry There are chem concentrators and there are

Chem concentrators. The former have other interests and navigate the less rigorous Chem 17/27 with exceptional skill; the latter have precisely one interest and survive Chem 20/30 with enough sanity to wrestle infamous grad school orgo, 206. I am a Chem concentrator, a 206er and a lab fiend, who, three months ago, was not a happy camper. Now, I

can say that I like my classes but only after two years of struggle against a demanding concentration. My story goes something like this.

I took Chem 20 in the second semester of my freshman year. My advisor warned me it would be hard, but that didnt faze me; I quickly learned that a cocky freshman will always get her comeuppance. Approximately the same thing happened to me with Chem 30 the following year. By the end of that semester, I had a collection of terrible test scores, no social life, and a growing voice in my head telling me to jump ship.

But out of spirit, stubbornness, or sheer stupidity, I decided to give Chemistry one more go and dipped my trembling toes into research. After ten weeks, three dud projects, and one ex-lab mentor who said I neither had the brains nor hands for chemistry, I started junior year fully cognizant of the imperfections haunting all brilliant chemists. That nugget of wisdom unloaded a mountain: thanks but no thanks, almighty Chemistry gods, Id rather not trade in personality for brilliance.

Last year I took 206 a consequence of friendly lab pressures and working longer hours in lab; oddly enough, I was still sober and happy. The philosophy that a life led less seriously is a life better led took me out of the war zone and into reasonable dialogue with a prickly concentration that is not so prickly after all.

My story fast-forwards through some dark moments, but the kernel of it is meant to inspire burgeoning chemists: if I can do it, so can you. Chemistry here is unquestionably hard, but at some point, everything will fall into place, and that is a better feeling than you can imagine.

Not all Chem concentrators go through what I went through. There are many ways to put together a chemistry concentration, and Dr. Tucci, concentrator advisor from Planet Awesome, will help you create your own, whether you want wiggle room for other activities or less wiggle and more punches. Perks of valued members include the optional thesis for honors, two pass/ fail concentration classes, and a beaker of Hershey kisses upon initiation, not to mention general camaraderie, solid friendships and everlasting love. So please join the family!- WEIKE WANG 11

Chemistry and PhysicsAn honors-only program geared towards students

who want an exceptionally strong background in both chemistry and physics, this concentration is not for the faint of brain. The concentration requirements establish firm knowledge in inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry; mechanics, electromagnetism, and quantum theory; and calculus, applied math, and statistics. Graduates go most often to graduate study in quantitative sciences, but are also well prepared for medical school. The concentration isnt very large, with about 37 students concentrating/joint concentrating in 2010. A student is assigned an adviser from either the chemistry or physics department at the time of declaration. A true community of peers can be found in Chemistry and Physicsthe specificity of the concentration and the dedication that it necessitates creates an interesting and challenge-ready group of students. Research opportunities are available in both chemistry and physics, thus facilitating finding a position as an undergraduate research assistant. Our hats are off to you, good ladies and gentleman, for braving the deep and icy waters of not one, but two extremely challenging sciences. Well see you on the other side.- INDY STAFF

concentrationS a-ZThe Indy's guide to the rest of your life.


indySpecial Classics Semper ubi sub ubi! If you didnt just chuckle

a little bit at every Classics students favorite Latin joke, you either have no sense of humor or you dont read Latin. Both are sad prospects, but the sadder of the two is your Latin illiteracy. To not know the language that created one of the most powerful and influential empires in world history, that sustained the Catholic Church for centuries, and that is still considered classy enough to inscribe on buildings and currency one and a half millennia after its practical demise, is a travesty. Actually, that brings us to another favorite joke: Wait, you dont read ancient Greek either? Two hundred years ago, you would have been laughed out of Harvard before you even sat for your admissions interview. Luckily for you, you can remedy your situation. Concentrate in Classics, and watch your cultural capital increase exponentially before your eyes.

The Classics concentration at Harvard comprises two distinct tracks. Concentrators can pursue the Classical Languages and Literatures track, which focuses on the reading and analysis of classical Greek and/or Latin texts in context, or the Classical Civilizations track, which also requires a working knowledge of either Greek or Latin, but focuses on history and the intersections of the classical world with other academic disciplines. In either case, pursuing a degree in Classics not only provides for a stimulating academic experience as an undergraduate, but also prepares students to enter almost any field upon graduation. The department is small and close, and the critical thinking and writing skills concentrators develop are formidable. Veni. Vidi. Vici, Caesar said at his conquering of an ally of Pompey. If you concentrate in Classics, you will be able to say the sameto the world. - INDY STAFF

The Comparative Study of Religion The Comparative Study of Religion, or the Study

of Religion, or simply Religion (its listed under any one of these names in various Harvard and departmental publications), is a small department with big resources and even bigger opportunities for its concentrators. With the full power of the Divinity School behind it, Concentrators can take classes in any religion imaginable and create plans of study that reflect their interests in Ancient Near Eastern and Israelite religions, Buddhism, Christianity, East Asian religions, Greek, Hellenistic, and Roman religions, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Modern Western religions, or South Asian religions. The department also allows its concentrators to study two religions in comparison, or to study the religions of a particular area of the world in context of the region and each other. Whatever religion or religions students chose to study, however, they are assured access to some of the best scholars in the world in each field. Diana Ecks work in South Asian religions and with the Pluralism Project here at Harvard inspires all her students, Ali Asani, a professor of Islam, consistently receives fives in his Q guide ratings, Leila Ahmed is a seminal thinker in Feminism and Islambut these are only three of the fantastic professors that students of religion are on a first-name basis with.

Although this is said of all small departments, because an average of fourteen students concentrate in the Comparative Study of Religion yearly, the relationships developed among concentrators and among students and faculty are quite strong, especially because all of the sophomores share the same sophomore tutorial. Upon graduation concentrators go on to every career imaginable with a greater understanding of the mysteries an beliefs that motivate and govern individuals and societies the world over. - INDY STAFF

Computer ScienceThe best part about CS is that the field of study is

very adaptable. What you learn as a CS concentrator is applicable to practically anything you might want to pursue later in life, be it economics, medicine, or architecture. Among the skills that you learn, some of the most important are coming up with algorithms, building and testing models, and very

fundamentally, thinking in a systematic and logical manner. In the Mind, Brain and Behavior track, you can apply the CS knowledge directly through course work in the field of neuroscience. Above all, if you make it through all three years of this lovely discipline, you can make cool shirts that dont only read I survived CS 50, but the much cooler I survived CS! - INDY STAFF

Dramatic ArtsDramatic Arts is offered as a secondary where

students can choose to focus on any of the major elements of drama including acting, direction, and design. A mixture of both theory and hands-on (studio) classes, the secondary gives the students a great chance to hone their craft under the guidance of professionals, while also immersing them in the historical or theoretical background of their focus. Furthermore, it is a great way to meet other students who are actively involved in the Harvard theater scene, and a great stepping-stone to becoming involved with theater in any capacity. So whether you are just dabbling in theater and want a taste of what its all about, or are looking to mold yourself and pursue thater professionally, this is a great place to start! - INDY STAFF

Earth and Planetary SciencesWhen we were kids, in the simplified, hardly-

Harvard-level way our elementary teachers would tell us, the world was an exciting place. Forces of unimaginable scale and strength were constantly pulling apart and smashing together the planet we lived on! Loud noises! Fire! Explosions! And, as ever, there was the inner Earths corollary all around us: the heavens, the atmosphere, full of wonder and beauty the wonder and beauty that we humans were slowly spoiling.

Earth and Planetary Sciences is a fantastic concentration that balances its relatively small size with a substantial base of funding and research opportunities. While the fields of geology, meteorology, and climate science might not be as glamourous as some of Harvards other scientific concentrations, they are hugely important to the world we live in not to mention that the concentration is a ton of fun. Studying the ways that the Earth works might mean travelling to Hawaii to study an active volcano, venturing to the Amazon to track the way our climate is changing, or analyzing fresh research data. Plus, of course, being in a smaller concentration means you get to interact with influential faculty and have access to prime opportunities for travel and research - INDY STAFF

East Asian StudiesThe East Asian Studies concentration focuses

on the study of East Asian languages, cultures and history. The concentration is very flexible in its focus, so one can choose to focus on the language aspect of it by taking six half-courses in language choosing among Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Tibetan, Mongolian, and Vietnamese. On the other hand, if the cultural or the historical aspect is what excites you, you can take 4 language courses, and take 2 extra cultural or historical courses on top of the required 4. Furthermore, the department is smaller, so it allows for a great opportunity to interact with the faculty and really get to know them. Study abroad is encouraged in the department to immerse in the culture of the area you are studying, and so you can get to know an area of the world not only through textbooks, but also by actually living there! - INDY STAFF

EconomicsEconomics is the most popular concentration and

its easy to see why. Students study not only markets and prices, but also the way in which economics affects society. Still, potential concentrators should realize that economics is neither business nor policy. Although economics plays a role in both, the fields purpose is to objectively study human interactions and how people achieve their goals. As such, those who are choosing economics as a substitute for business are warned that they may not be satisfied

by the nature of the concentration. For those who are intimidated by the size and potentially impersonal nature of the economics department, have no fear. The departments size also means that there are numerous professors and faculty members eager to help you get the most out of the concentration and, by extension, your time at Harvard. For a social science, economics is very quantitative so concentrators are also required to take at least calculus and many choose to take higher-level math. Contrary to popular belief, economics is not just for finance people with many concentrators going on to pursue higher education, law degrees and more. - INDY STAFF

Engineering SciencesFor Engineering Sciences concentrators,

sophomore year is when you begin learning how to think like an engineerthis means thinking from the viewpoint of making things work, and not just understanding how they work. It can be a challenging transition, even for students with strong backgrounds in science because professors begin testing your understanding of systems (physiological, electrical, mechanical, et.) through asking you to explain what happens when a given system is perturbed. However, this emphasis on functionality is incredibly useful for any research, and developing this skill is an important milestone in your initiation as an engineering student.

Sophomores concentrating in ES dont have much freedom when picking classes. Most sophomores use the year to complete two semesters of physics and an introductory ES class. Meeting the fairly strict pre-requisites of the ES concentration while following other academic goals (such as being pre-med) can result in being in class and section for over 30 hours per week and not returning to your room each weeknight until 11 PM, only to be greeted by the pset thats due in the morning. My advice is to reaffirm your priorities and do what you think is most important for having a successful semester. Finally, its helpful to realize that the students sitting next to you in your sophomore engineering classes are the same students you will be seeing several times a week, and often at odd hours, until you graduate. With this in mind, becoming friends with this cohort is a good ideaespecially because group projects are very common in more advanced ES classes. - GEORGE HUANG 12

EnglishAt this liberal arts college we call Harvard,

there is no concentration more sophisticated, more entrenched, more Harvard than English. The mere mention of the department evokes images of grey-haired old men in leather elbow patches and tweed, pipe between the teeth as they sort through term papers in their dark wood, book-lined studies. Although this stereotype is perhaps better applied to the department of yore than the department of today, there is something essential to English in it that remains: English is a timeless concentration, forever applicable and forever engaging. It is essentially Harvard because it is the essential liberal art. Some might say that liberal arts degree is just another word for unemployable, but as the success of English graduates shows, Harvard liberal arts degree means law school, book deals, business, medicine, academia, and more.

The Harvard English department is consistently ranked highest in satisfaction among large departments, and for a good reason. Advising is excellent, course offerings offer both breadth and depth, and professors are, in short, brilliant. Olivia Ball, a sophomore who declared her intention to concentrate in English in the first month of the semester, said of the department, You can do whatever you want with a concentration in English. There are relatively few requirements within the concentration, so you can pursue whatever it is you find most interesting and be guaranteed there is some magnificent professor who specializes in that topic. As the department of brains, Byron, and especially books, why wouldnt you concentrate in English? - INDY STAFF

Environmental Science and Public PolicyEnvironmental Science and Public Policy is an

interdisciplinary concentration that combines a scientific understanding of the environment with the social dimensions needed to analyze public policy. Requirements are drawn from a variety of concentrations, which give you baseline knowledge of the natural and social sciences. Concentrators are then free to specialize in a specific area of interest by taking more advanced classes, most of which count towards concentration requirements.

The breadth of class choices is one of the main draws of ESPP, but it should be noted that you will be taking slightly more introductory level classes than those with a narrower focus. Required classes allow you to understand the underlying concepts of many subjects, but it is up to you to pick additional classes to develop an expertise in their area of interest. The faculty advisers offer great help in this process. The ESPP committee draws distinguished professors from a variety of fields so you will always be able to find an ESPP faculty member specializing in your specific interests.

Regardless of specialization area, all concentrators develop useful analytical and policy design skills through required ESPP classes and junior tutorials. These courses specifically address relevant and often unsolved problems at the intersection of policy and science. Some of these topics may even lead to a more in-depth thesis, should you chose to write one.

A degree in ESPP allows you to keep your options open after graduation. The analytical skills you cultivate will prove useful in many fields, not just the environmental sciences. Graduates have gone on to law, business, government, field-specific graduation school, and have found jobs in all areas of the private, public, and non-profit sectors. - ERIC LIU 12

Folklore and MythologyThe concentration prides itself in embodying the

spirit of liberal education. You can really create your own focus, drawing from either the humanities, or the social sciences and the basic required courses are there to give you a framework and the tools to further your study. The concentration is also fairly self-selecting, which makes the people in the concentration part of a small family who want to know each other and each other's interests as they all really want to be in the department in the first place. The concentrations flexibility also leaves scope for a lot of interdisciplinary studies. Folklore and Mythology is a discipline where you can combine your interest in the discipline itself with anything from sports, to gender, to social movements. - INDY STAFF

Germanic Languages and LiteraturesGermanic Languages and Literatures offers an

interdisciplinary approach to the study of Germanic and Scandinavian cultures, two historically influential Western societies. The concentration requirements can be pulled from a variety of disciplines, including English, philosophy, WGS, Folklore and Mythology, Film Studies, History, and of course, German and Scandinavian studies. Within the department, concentrators choose between specific study of language or literature and culture. Due to the small size of the department, the student to faculty ratio is very high and guarantees in depth interaction with the senior members of the department. The department strongly encourages study abroad and allows for international study time within the requirements and plan of study. The honors track culminates in a 40 to 50 page thesis analyzing a piece of literature or cultural phenomenon within the Germanic/Scandinavian world. Fun fact: the Germanic studies department at Harvard began with Henry Wadsworth Longfellows class on Goethe: Listen my children and you shall hear the midnight ride of that guy who wrote Faust.- INDY STAFF

GovernmentGovernment is the second largest concentration

at Harvard, but don't let that intimidate you. The department's size means that there are numerous resources to help concentrators focus on what


Special

interests them. Government combines elements of law, history, economics, philosophy, and ethics in order to develop unique and relevant methods of analyzing society and politics. Although it carries the unfortunate stereotype of being the home of those who bring more brawn than brain to the student body, Harvard's Department of Government turns out the politicians, political analysts, security experts, diplomats, academics, and lawyers who go on to bring about change in the world's political systems. Government concentrators have the phenomenal resource of the Kennedy School of Government and the Institute of Politics, as well as regular access to the politicians and members of governments around the world who come to speak at or participate in programs at Harvard. Any way you paint it, Government is a good bet for students who plan to change the worl, or, at the very least, to rule it. - INDY STAFF

History The goal of the History concentration is three-

fold: to build critical-thinking and research skills, to provide students with exposure to various lifestyles and worldviews, and to create a community surrounding historical thought. The History concentration requires 10 half-courses for the non-honors track, and two additional half-courses, which focus on the creation of a thesis, are required for the honors track. To get started in the History concentration, students can take a variety of courses, including lecture courses, reading seminars, and Gen Eds. What makes History great is its flexibility. Students can focus on politics, diplomacy, religion, finance, social and cultural changesall of which are anchored in history. Also, History concentrators have only one course which they are required to take: History 97, the sophomore tutorial. Offering an average of 159 courses per year, with each course having on average fewer than 20 students, the History department gives students both variety and an intimate learning environment. About half of History concentrators ultimately attend either law or business school, and a sizeable minority go into academia. - INDY STAFF

History and LiteratureHistory and Literature is the oldest concentration

at Harvard and is considered an honors-only concentration: tutorials span three years, and all concentrators must complete an oral exam and a thesis prior to graduation. Sophomores must also complete an application and interview before they are admitted into the concentration. Ive really enjoyed being a Hist. and Lit. concentrator. Hist. and Lit. appealed to me because it seemed so all encompassingand it is. The concentration is interdisciplinary: concentrators select courses from departments such as English, History, HAA, Literature, Religion, Government, Sociology, VES, and WGS for concentration credit. The concentration also allows great flexibility for self-directed study. My junior tutorial, for instance, paired three students with one tutor. We designed our own syllabus and chose our own paper topics. That claustrophobic feeling you get when youre in a giant lecture hall and the material doesnt interest you doesnt happen in Hist. and Lit.

Hist. and Lit. is really anything youd like it to be. Concentrators have six fields to choose from: America, Latin America, Postcolonial Studies, Modern Europe, Early Modern Europe, and Medieval Europe. They must also meet a foreign literature requirement, but within these guidelines there is enormous space for exploration. Furthermore, there are many opportunities for original research within the tutorial setting. Concentrators produce sophomore papers, junior papers, and senior thesesall of which are the products of original research. When Barrett Wendell created the concentration in 1906, he wanted a course of study in which everything would be related, and while Hist. and Lit. has changed significantly as a concentration over the years, this much remains true. - MENGRUO YANG 12

History and ScienceCurious and esoteric though the pairing of

history and science may seem, the discipline affords concentrators a rigorous examination of sciences impact on society, and humankinds conception of science as a dynamic and puzzling force. The department offers an incredible degree of attention and flexibility to students by providing unique courses, engaging faculty, and an emphasis on critical thinking and effective research methods and results. The concentration is not for the wishy washy its for dedicated students with a passion to learn not just real science, but also the history of science, how science interacts with society, the philosophical basis for scientific thought and what it all means for scientists and society moving forward.

A very tight-knit but ever-expanding department, the concentration offers two tracks of study: History of Science and Science and Society, which also includes a special sub-track called Medicine and Society that allows students to fulfill several pre-medical requirements. Although I am writing my thesis on modern dentistry, students can focus their studies on any field of science that most invigorates their interest from animal behavior to prosthetic use to lithium in modern psychiatry. This flexibility tends to attract a group of concentrators with a diverse palette of interests, and never fails to catalyze intimate and edifying discussions among peers. - HELEN YANG 12

History of Art and ArchitectureIts easy to praise Harvards History of Art

and Architecture department. Relatively small, students get to know most of the faculty and the other concentrators in their year. Community is strong and warm, helped along by the Sophomore Excursion Course, a class open only to sophomore HAA concentrators. This class sends the students and a group of faculty somewhere around the globe to do field work and view the works they studied during the semester (past years have included Japan, Peru, and Turkey this years concentrators will go to Italy). Course offerings are at once exciting and frustrating. The quality of classes and topic variety is without parallel; professors teach different classes each year, creating a department that is constantly evolving. At the same time, the size of the department can be limiting there is no true basic art history course, putting students new to the discipline at a disadvantage. If the professor specializing in a particular area is away for a couple of semesters, it can be challenging to fulfill requirements in that area. Despite these challenges, being a part of the department is rewarding and illuminating, providing opportunity to travel and engage critically with the world around you. The discipline teaches far more than just how to analyze a painting we learn to examine art as a product of cultural development, making HAA interdisciplinary and constantly evolving. The people are wonderful, the classes are fascinating, and the department provides opportunity for student growth. - KRISTINA LATINO 13

Human Development and Regenerative Biology I was originally attracted to the Human

Development and Regenerative Biology (HDRB) concentration because the field holds vast potential for revolutionizing medicine. What I really like about the concentration here at Harvard is that the courses are not only focused on training you to think like scientists, but also give you multiple opportunities to take part in hands-on experiences to specifically exercise such skills. There are many courses offered to specifically train students and provide them with tangible laboratory experiencese.g. SCRB 165. SCRB 165, which I enrolled in the spring of my sophomore year, is a course focusing on the directed differentiation of stem cells. As a part of this class, we were able to run experiments in the lab, but still do so within the context of a classroom setting. The class was only comprised of about 16 students so we not only had ample resources at our disposal, but we received keen attention and support from the professor (Chad Cowan) and the Teaching Fellows throughout the semester. In addition to opportunities in class, the faculty dedicated to research in stem cell and regenerative biology are eager to take on undergraduate students

into their research facilities. I have worked in the Rubin lab since the summer following sophomore year and am now working on a thesis related to the disease Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). It is such a fulfilling experience to work under the mentorship of an individual in the field, receive the individual attention to facilitate scientific thinking, and work on an independent project. HDRB, in general, tries to enable its students to gain exposure into this scientific discipline and directly apply it to real-life, research settings.- NEDA SHARHRIARI 12

Linguistics The Handbook for Students describes Linguistics

as perhaps the ultimate interdisciplinary enterprise. It is defined as the scientific study of language, but is a social science at its heart, encompassing the study of literature, anthropology, human development and evolution, and history all in one department. Many students who find pleasure in empirical and logical endeavors but also enjoy the humanities find themselves quite at home in the Linguistics department: many classes are problem set-based, but rather than integrating differential equations or drawing bonds, students are examining syntax and grammar for structures that will trace cultural evolution and interactions over many generations. The department gives courses (and sets requirements) in various fields of linguistic study, including linguistic theory, historical linguistics, and classes from the Mind, Brain, and Behavior initiative (Linguistics offers a track in MBB for interested students). Students must learn at least one language during their time here to cement the principles they are learning within a vivid context. The department is relatively small, and it encourages taking advantage of study abroad opportunities to deepen the students engagement in the world of language. - INDY STAFF

LiteratureOn its website, Literature characterizes itself

as being designed to meet the needs of students interested in the study of literature, literary and cultural theory, and other forms of representation in more than one culture or language. In essence, if you can characterize it as a form of text and you can read it in another language, you can study anything you want in this concentration. Its a much smaller concentration than many of the other humanities concentrations, but theres a lot of personal attention for the fifteen or so undergrads who study it each year. Because every concentrator studies the literature of another language, there is a huge mix of ideas, languages studied, and theoretical interests, which makes for wonderful conversations. Theres also a one-on-one tutorial for both semesters of junior year in which you work with your tutor to create your own syllabus for the year. Literature lets you work with texts of any sortbooks, films, musicas seen through any number of lenses (theory, philosophy, history, ethnic studies, WGS). Its a tremendously flexible concentration both in terms of requirements and allowing its undergrads to direct their own studies. - SARAH ROSENGERG-WOHL 12

MathematicsTwo words: Matt Damon. Three extra words:

Good Will Hunting. Put those words together and you have five words. (Now thats some math!) If youve ever seen the film, you might recall that Matt Damon plays a reclusive, occasionally angry hardscrabble Bostonian who begins working under the wing of an influential mathematician here at Harvard. (He also gets with a really hot British premed. And eats at an ABP which is definitely not the ABP at Harvard Square, but that doesnt really matter.) So, lets be honest, depending on how interesting you are right now, Matt Damon might play a much older version of you who went to Harvard and concentrated in Math, because hes done it before. Seriously, though, Mathematics is a fantastic concentration with one of the worlds best programs Math 55 wouldnt have the worldwide renown that it does if it werent a class specifically designed for the planets strongest mathematical minds. Concentrating in Mathematics means brushing shoulders with IMO winners, people

who Bill Gates found too smart (when he dropped Math 55 for a less strenuous class!), and forever getting to say that you studied math at Harvard.

To be completely honest, though, the concentration is fantastic students have close contact with influential minds in mathematics and get to play with numbers far beyond the comprehension of virtually anyone in the world. Imagine concentrating in Mathematics and then solving one of the great unanswered math problems that furrow the brows of intellectuals worldwide you never know; it could happen to you! - INDY STAFF

Molecular and Cellular Biology The Molecular and Cellular Biology

(MCB) concentration is one of nine life sciences concentrations. MCB integrates many different methodologies ranging from chemistry and genetics to computer science and engineering to give concentrators a solid foundation in biology. First, the basics: a minimum of fourteen half-courses is required for the concentration, one of which must have a significant component of independent laboratory research which can be fulfilled through a laboratory course such as LS100r or through self-directed research on a faculty-sponsored project (MCB 91r). There is also both a written thesis or a non-thesis option (in which concentrators can submit a honors essay that integrates their research experiences) for honors candidates. There are also (a non-credit) tutorials which begin junior year. Students are assigned faculty members (some of whom are quite prominent) and arrange to meet with them regularly (can be weekly, bi-monthly, monthly) to discuss papers of interest. But what I have truly valued most about being a MCB concentrator is the flexibility of my course options. I have taken some classes at the grad school that have been the best classes I have taken as an undergrad (such as MCB 235: Physiology and Pharmacology and MCB 234: Cellular Metabolism). These classes integrated clinical case studies led by MDs and simulation sessions. In addition, any upper-level SCRB courses count towards your advanced MCB course requirements, and it gives you the opportunity to dabble in more specialized fields. There is also a strong research community within MCB concentrators so if you are thinking of delving into research or eventually writing a thesis, you will find plenty of support in the department and among your peers. If you want a flexible but rigorous grounding in the life sciences, MCB is definitely for you. - YUYING LUO 12

MusicI had been playing the piano and violin since age

six, but I never imagined attending a conservatory or concentrating in Music. Performing and competing was not fulfilling enough at the time, and I wanted to have a more well-rounded education. After trying Chemistry and History and Science, I took a music class as an elective, and was immediately intrigued by that little building behind the Science Center that no one realizes is the Music Department. I realized that despite my extensive performance background, my music professor still had so much to teach me about concepts and composers that I did not know existed. The music concentration is, after all, not centered on performance, but on musicology the scholarly study of music theory and history. I began to see how, if music was a constantly moving entity, it spun differently in every generational cycle throughout history--affected by social class arrangements, political affiliations, cultural movements, and technological innovations. My classwork, which mainly consisted of compositional exercises and various forms of analytical papers, was challenging, but surprisingly rewarding. Also, in my science lectures, I had thought I was not bothered by lectures with hundreds of students, but lets face it, being in a classroom with twenty people makes you feel like a real person rather than a number. Finally, the professors, more than anything, are incredibly friendly, funny, and knowledgeable. My music concentration allows me to exercise my analytical skills and creativity, not unlike other humanities


indySpecialconcentrations, and as for a job, Im not worried... we humanities concentrators will always have consulting. - HANNA CHOI 12

Near Eastern Languages and CivilizationsNear Eastern Languages and Civilizations is

intended to give concentrators an understanding of the cultures, languages, peoples, and history of the Near East. NELC is a highly varied department, offering tracks in a variety of areas including anthropology, archaeology, Jewish studies, Islamic studies, Biblical studies, and Middle Eastern studies. Each concentrator is assigned a faculty mentor that will help guide his or her studies throughout their years as undergraduates. Concentrators must take four classes in a relevant language before graduating, chosen from such diverse offerings as Sumerian, Arabic, Persian, Hebrew, and Aramaic. Harvard has a wide variety of consortiums and centers for students interested in the Near East including the Semitic Museum, the Center for Middle Eastern Studies, and the Center for Jewish Studies. For students interested in archaeology, travelling to the Near East for digs is encouraged and often organized through the department itself. Due to the small size of the department, students receive much personalized attention and guidance in molding their studies to their interests. There is so much potential for both ancient study and modern study of this region that has for much of human history remained of primary importance to the religious, the international trade markets, and humankind itself. - INDY STAFF

NeurobiologyThe Neurobiology concentration is a great

opportunity to delve into a world of questions about how we develop, what exactly goes on when we think, and ultimately why are we the way we are? If you are at all interested in learning about what controls how we function on the basic human level, this concentration may be for you.

The introductory course, MCB 80, provides an overlook over the ever-expanding neurobiology field, from the electrical signals that are stimulated by the movement of neurotransmitters, to the applications of using textural feeling to visually see our world. After this introductory course, you may go on to take advanced courses, including MCB 115 if you would like to understand the molecular specifics of the electrical signaling in the nervous system, to the junior tutorial of Interactive Case-Based Online Network, which allows you to learn about the nervous system through diseases.

As neurobiology is still a relatively new area, many mysteries still remain. But select this concentration to learn about this fascinating and hot field! - YINGNA LIU 12

Organismic and Evolutionary BiologyAdvised by celebrity lecturer Andrew Berry,

who you may recognize from Harvard Thinks Big, concentrators in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology investigate the functions, evolution, and interactions of organisms from both molecular and ecological perspectives. Concentration courses range from OEB 10: Foundations of Biological Diversity, to OEB 139: Evolution of the Vertebrates (5.0 Q scores, anyone?) and cover everything in between. Even classes in Applied Math, Chemistry, Physics, Statistics, and Computer Science count towards the extremely manageable 13 required half-courses.

If youre looking into OEB, make sure you keep a spring break or two free! Several courses in invertebrate biology, plant systematics, and bird diversity include tropical retreats to exotic locations as far as the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic, and Brazilmainly to study local wildlife, though some relaxation on the beach is permitted. The student group OEBug is constantly organizing trips to check out local wildlife at the Arnold Arboretum or Harvard Forest. Although a thesis isnt required for graduation, research opportunities within the department are widely available and the professors are more than happy to host undergrads to their labs. - KEVIN LIN 12

PhilosophyWhy not? - INDY STAFF

PhysicsPhysics is one of the physical science

concentrations offered at Harvard for undergraduates and because of the flexibility that it offers it is often a good choice for a person that has interest in physical sciences but has not narrowed down the choice more specifically. With only 12 requirements (for basic and 13-15 requirements for honors), it is easy to switch to physics well into sophomore year. Since the introductory courses for physics are to a large extent shared between many physical sciences and engineering it is also possible to switch to one of these concentrations from physics. The low requirement also provides room for double concentration and joint concentrations. Some of the most popular joint concentrations are physics and mathematics, mathematics and physics, physics and chemistry and some of the easily achievable secondary fields are astronomy and statistics.

It is hard to overemphasize the diversity of the courses that satisfy physics concentration requirement but aside from the flexibility and the diversity of courses accepted for physics concentration, I wanted to talk about the department for a bit. The physics department is comparatively small and many of the professors get to know their students by name. There is the possibility of working in one of the faculties lab or do independent study through physics 90,91r. There are weekly lectures by faculties from Harvard and other universities about their recent research. And last but not least, the department (along with SPS) administers interesting events such as the Halloween pumpkin drop. - ARMIN POURSHAFEIE 13

PsychologyPsychology is one of the most popular

concentrations at Harvard, and for good reason. Psychology on its own has long drawn huge audiences ready and willing to learn the basis of human nature and the inner workings of our most mysterious organthe brain. However, psychology is taken to the next level here at Harvard. We have some of the most influential psychologists in the world on our faculty (Steven Pinker is probably quoted in every single thing relating to people ever), and we continue to forge pioneering research in this timeless discipline. No one will ever lose interest in why people behave the way they doconcentrators are certainly guaranteed a life-long profession! There are three tracks within the concentration: the general track, the Mind, Brain, and Behavior track, and the Social and Cognitive Neurosciences track (all three have interdisciplinary options, and the latter has the strongest anchor in the life sciences). Another great thing about psych is its universal applicability: no matter what field you may choose to continue in after graduation, an understanding of the inner workings of others is vital to every profession from business to law. Psychology also prepares its students well for medical and graduate studies in psychology or related fields. We just ask you one thing: dont become Freud. That man had some issues. - INDY STAFF

Romance Languages and Literatures Romance Languages and Literatures is meant to

engross its students in the language and culture of the Italian, Francophone, Hispanic, and Portuguese worlds (Catalan studies are also offered within the department). Students have the availability to choose between an outstanding diversity of cultures to focus on, including Latin America, continental Europe, and the Caribbean. The requirements can be fulfilled through a variety of departments, from History, History of Art and Architecture, Anthropology, and of course, the languages themselves. While theres a good amount of freedom within the department, students are strongly encouraged to pursue depth within their chosen area to fully engross themselves in the culture. RLL prides itself on high faculty-student interactions and the opportunities for engagement outside of class through visiting scholars and language tables. One of the most exciting aspects of concentrating in RLL is the ability to study abroad

in one of the many countries that have birthed or been influenced by any of these four hugely influential cultures. - INDY STAFF

Slavic Languages and LiteraturesStudents who choose to concentrate in Slavic

Languages and Literatures have the opportunity to study the culture of Russia and other Slavic countries. They learn about history, culture, and modes of self-representation for one or more of these countries. Students must take five half-courses in a Russian language, three tutorial courses, a survey course, and two elective courses. For the non-honors track, the concentration culminates in a capstone project, and for the honors track, it ends with a thesis. Something great about this concentration is that students have flexibility in their language of focus; they can choose Russian, Polish, Czech, or Ukrainian, among others. Also, the department heavily encourages students to study and work abroad, so if students are interested in learning a language in another country, this concentration could be a great fit. Many students in this concentration go to graduate school for Slavic, Comparative Literature, or History, but the majority end up in medicine, law, business, or government. - INDY STAFF

Social StudiesSocial Studies is a great concentration for those

who want to learn foundational social theory, take classes in several different social science disciplines, and write a senior thesis. The keystone yearlong sophomore tutorial, Social Studies 10, introduces students to foundational thinkers in social theory, from Hobbes and Rousseau to Fanon and de Beauvoir. With its weekly two-hour lecture and two-hour tutorial limited to eight students typically living in the same house, Social Studies 10 is a challenging but manageable and worthwhile course that teaches students to think critically about social issues. In junior year, concentrators lottery into two semester-long, topic-specific tutorials on issues from Latin American development and ethnic conflict in South Asia to human rights and freedom. Capped at ten students and limited to Social Studies concentrators, these tutorials universally receive top Q Guide scores, typically in the high 4s with a few that are rated 5.0. Seniors are required to write a thesis, receiving guidance through the yearlong senior thesis tutorial. The thesis is based on the students individually created focus field, a series of 4-6 classes taken in the social sciences that form a cohesive area of study. In addition to defending their theses, seniors take an oral exam testing their knowledge of social theory. Additional concentration requirements are courses in economics, statistics, and philosophy. The concentration has a good advising system. Social Studies epitomizes the liberal arts educationit allows concentrators great latitude in course selection while also instilling in students the critical thinking skills needed for academic and professional success. - NIHARIKA JAIN 12

SociologySociology is one of those Oh! concentrations:

before coming to college, many students probably dont know much about it, but as soon as they look at the registrars class offerings, they realize sociology is exactly what theyve been looking for. Concentrators have the ability to deconstruct and analyze various social structures, often in the hopes of improving them, whether they be educational, health care, or civilizational social models. Sociology encompasses philosophy, government, history, ethnic studies, gender studies, economics, and psychology, and as such, their class offerings are quite diverse. Many students go into non-profits after graduation, while others go into law, teaching, business, health care, and policy. The concentration has 12 basic requirements, which range from theory to research methods to cultural studies. The sociology department prides itself on dedication to undergraduate studies and advising. From what Ive heard, David Ager (the director of undergraduate studies) is the man, and people fight for years to get into his Social Entrepreneurship class. Sociological issues are continuously important in our society

concentrators can be sure they will be given the resources and opportunities to make a difference.- INDY STAFF

South Asian StudiesThe South Asian Studies concentration has

two different tracks that one can choose from the Sanskrit and Indian studies track is more focused on learning Sanskrit and the cultural and historical context of the language. The South Asian Studies track focuses more on the civilization as a whole, and how all of the different cultures and languages of the region is, ultimately also the reason that they are united. The South Asian Studies department is quite intimate, thus giving the students a chance to have one-on-one interaction with some world-class professors, and the best part is that the concentration is very flexible, and thus is able to become what the student wants to get out of their study. - INDY STAFF

Statistics Statistics concentrators learn the computational

and mathematical tools for quantifying uncertainty. They learn the best ways to design experiments, make rational decisions., and model variability. The Statistics concentration requires 12 half-courses for the non-honors track and 14 (a thesis included) for the honors track. One of the best things about Statistics is its widespread application: Concentrators can ultimately work in fields as diverse as finance and biology, depending on the specific track of choice. Some students end up working for Goldman Sachs, Google, IBM, and other hedge funds, investment banks, and technology companies. Other students end up in academia, law, and business. Students start by taking an introductory course in either statistics or probability and continue by taking courses in designing statistical experiments. The introductory course in statistics can take many forms: 100, 101, or 104. Each of these has a different focussocial sciences, behavioral sciences, or economicsso students can become introduced to statistics in the realm that most interests them. - INDY STAFF

Visual and Environmental StudiesVES is the umbrella concentration that includes

studio arts, photography, filmmaking, film studies, environmental studies, video art and performance, and critical theory. The best part about the department is that you gain a full understanding of your focus through both studio and theory classes. At the same time, there is a lot of interaction between the artists, the art critics, and the theorists. It thus gives the students a full understanding of the creative process and thus develops a more comprehensive view of their craft. As a relatively small concentration, especially within a particular focus, students can develop a lasting relationship with their professors and also gain insight into their later field of study or careers in art. - INDY STAFF

Women, Gender, and SexualityWGS offers a very relevant field of study

with a great potential for interdisciplinary work. Throughout their time in the department, the students concentrating in this field are also expected to develop a deep understanding of LGBT issues. Through small group tutorials, starting sophomore year, the concentration encourages a close interaction between faculty and students. The best part of the concentration is that you can make it what you are most interested in----sciences, social sciences, or the humanities---as long as you apply them to WGS in the end. - INDY STAFF


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Solely SecondarieSWhen you can't quite concentrate.

ArchaeologyWhile the concentration, housed within the

anthropology department, is perhaps best known for its occasional sojourns to the world below the Yards topsoiland for Anthropology 1010, one of the best classes available to those who want an Empirical and Mathematical Reasoning credit without all the numbersit is an exciting and substantive place for anyone interested in the world of the past. By exhuming and examining the relics of those who came before us, we can begin to understand the things at the base of their culture, of their identity, of themselves. When one considers the importance of material goods in todays society, it is clear why Archaeology is such a relevant and engaging intellectual field.

Concentrators are given the opportunity to engage with the story of the past, and to analyze and synthesize new ideas from very old things. Because Harvards program is focused globally while it does offer some interesting ways to get involved with archaeological explorations here there are numerous opportunities for students to travel and learn about the big, wide world. Its a great concentration with plenty of opportunities for intellectual engagement one might not otherwise have. INDY STAFF

Celtic Languages and Literatures Although Celtic Languages and Literatures is

only offered as a secondary field, it offers students the opportunity to study the Celtic language through a variety of contexts, from the medieval to modern era. Celtic languages today are mostly spoken in Ireland and Britain, and were once spoken across the European continent. Students not only study the languages themselves, but also how Celtic languages have influenced European literary tradition and culture. The department is small and thus is conducive to the development of a close-knit community among students. The field requires five courses from the department, and a summer school or study abroad course may count with the departments approval. INDY STAFF

Dramatic Arts Dramatic Arts is offered as a secondary, where

students can choose to focus on any of the major elements of drama including acting, direction, and design. A mixture of both theory and hands-on (studio) classes, the secondary filled gives the students a great chance to hone their craft under the guidance of professionals, while also immersing

them in the historical or theoretical background of their focus. Furthermore, it is a great way to meet other students who are actively involved in the Harvard theater scene, and a great stepping-stone to becoming involved with theater in any capacity. So whether you are just dabbling in theater and want a taste of what its all about, or are looking to mold yourself and pursue theater professionally, this is a great place to start! INDY STAFF

Ethnic Studies Unlike many secondary fields that focus

on specific fields of study, the Ethnic Studies secondary field involves a broad range of focus. Students examine issues related to ethnic identity, race, migration and human rights. The field is comparative in nature so those who choose ethnic studies will study multiple ethnic groups. Though the field is largely focused on the United States, the comparative and transnational aspects of ethnic studies will have students studying peoples from around the world. Courses are historical in nature and thus focus on how ethnic groups have developed and changed over time. INDY STAFF

Global Health and Health Policy On a campus where Paul Farmer is considered

a rock star, it is no surprise that the number of students who choose Global Health and Health Policy (GHHP) as their secondary climbs each year. The secondary was originally just Health Policy, but the name change reflects the burgeoning interest in international health among Harvard students. GHHP has a doable 5 half-course requirement, 2 of which are mandatory. One is a foundational course requirement (chosen from 4 courses, of which Paul Farmers SW25 is one) and one is a research requirement (which can be satisfied a rigorous advanced course in health policy or an independent research project sponsored by a faculty member or an additional chapter to your existing thesis, provided that the two are somewhat related). The remaining 3 courses can be chosen from a diverse range of courses in eight categories (there are literally dozens of courses that can satisfy these requirements, from freshman seminars to science courses to economic classes). Best of all, there are no limits on the number of courses that may double count for a secondary field and your Gen Ed requirements. Some of the most interesting courses I have taken at college have been GHHP classes, but I have chosen them simply because of my interest in the subject, not because they

fulfilled a requirement. If you have any interest in health, policy, international development, and/or medicine, this is the secondary for you. YUYING LUO 12

Mathematical Sciences Mathematical Sciences is a secondary field that

is jointly offered by the Mathematics Department and the Applied Mathematics concentration. Unlike most other secondary fields, the secondary field in Mathematical Sciences requires students to take only four half-courses. These courses can be in mathematics, applied math, or statistics. The courses in mathematics must be labeled 104 or higher, and only two of the courses can be in statistics, which must be labeled 110 or higher. Students can also take the opportunity of studying abroad if they find a course that is equivalent to an approved Harvard course. Like the Applied Mathematics concentration, this secondary field allows students to apply mathematics to a specific field of interest, such as science, economics, or engineering. Graduates go into a variety of different fields such as law, medicine, and academia. INDY STAFF

Medieval Studies The secondary field in Medieval Studies allows

students to analyze the 1000-year period from 500 C.E. to 1500 C.E. Students in this field will not only study the complex history and development of the Middle Ages but also break down stereotypes and generalizations made about the period. The field is not strictly historical as it borrows from numerous disciplines including the arts, literature and language. With the requirement of just five half-courses involving many different fields, this secondary field is a good choice for those interested in European and Near Eastern history and would like to delve deeper into a key period of their development. INDY STAFF

Microbial Sciences The secondary field in Microbial Sciences

aims to create an interdisciplinary approach to studying the world of microbes from various scientific perspectives. Courses counted towards the secondary are drawn from Molecular and Cellular Biology, Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Chemistry and Chemical Biology, the Engineering Sciences, and courses from Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health. The secondary

is run through the Microbial Sciences Initiative, whose mission is to foster greater study of this infinitely diverse group of organisms that can add greatly to our understanding of global health, genetics, and the environment. Research seminars are encouraged to interested students, and range in topic from the origins of life to biogeochemical cycles. (For all of you who are wondering, a microbe is a microscopic organism that is typically unicellular or a cellular, such as bacteria, fungi, and things that live in hot springs.) INDY STAFF

Mind, Brain, and Behavior The MBB secondary field or track is just one

of many things that makes Harvard special. Run through the Mind, Brain, and Behavior Initiative, MBB intends to bring together the many fields that compromise a full understanding of the mind and its products. MBB has strong ties to Neuroscience, Psychology, and Philosophy, but also accepts course credit in Human Evolutionary Biology, Linguistics, Computer Science, and even Economics! The secondary field is open to any interested student who wants to pursue the study of mind, brain, and/or behavior, and a track is available in Computer Science, History of Science, Human Evolutionary Biology, Linguistics, Neurobiology, Philosophy, and Psychology for students who want to specify their interests in those areas. For those pursuing an MBB track within their concentration, a thesis is required with a focus on an area fit to the subsets of MBB. INDY STAFF

Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia Students who choose a secondary field in

Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia are able to study the history and culture of this region of the world. Students need a total of five courses, and they have a great deal of flexibility in their choices. Three of the courses need to be in the social sciences, three need to be taught by Davis Center Faculty Associates, three must be departmental courses, all the courses must be spread out over at least two disciplines, and one language course can be counted. One of the best things about this secondary field is that students can create a plan of study that is focused on the region and field of study that interests them. Also, this secondary field works well with study abroad; students are encouraged to earn one of their half credits by studying an approved course in a relevant country. INDY STAFF


By WILL SIMMONS

Certain Death/Masterworks in the Harvard Art Museums

Well, I guess I have to say something about being a sophomore. Sophomore isnt even a theme. This makes no sense at all. Why do I have to do this? Anyway, I think a story is the best way to explain my sophomore state of mind.

The other day, I went all the way to the MFA to see Monets La Japonaise, a portrait of the artists wife in Japanese costume, complete with a strange little samurai that resides in her kimono. The painting now hangs

The Sophomore Issue

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Transcript of The Sophomore Issue