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Harvard Economics. Courses, Degree Requirements 1897-98

For a Ph.D. in Political Science (that was awarded for government and economics) candidates to demonstrate a “good knowledge” in examination on seven subjects of twelve listed, only three of which economics. Only sections directly bearing on economics included here. Entire document can be downloaded here.

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Harvard University

FACULTY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
DIVISION OF HISTORY AND POLITICAL SCIENCE
COMPRISING THE DEPARTMENTS OF HISTORY AND GOVERNMENT[,]
AND ECONOMICS

1897-98

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DIVISION OF HISTORY AND POLITICAL SCIENCE.

The Division of History and Political Science is one of the twelve Divisions of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. It comprises the departments of History and Government, and Economics. The administrative officers of the Division and Departments are : —

Professor F. W. Taussig, Chairman of the Division, 2 Scott St.

Professor Charles Gross, Chairman of the Department of History and Government, 11 Putnam Ave.

 Professor W. J. Ashley, Chairman of the Department of Economics, 6 Acacia St.

 

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INSTRUCTORS.

History and Government.

James Bradley Thayer, LL.B., LL.D., Weld Professor of Law, 5 Phillips Place.

Ephraim Emerton, Ph.D., Winn Professor of Ecclesiastical History, 19 Chauncy St.

Silas Marcus Macvane, Ph.D., McLean Professor of Ancient and Modern History, 34 Kirkland St,

Abbot Lawrence Lowell, A.B., LL.B., Lecturer on Existing Political Systems, 709 Exchange Building, Boston.

Edward Channing, Ph.D., Professor of History, 1 Brewster St.

Charles Gross, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of History, and Chairman of the Department of History and Government, 11 Putnam Ave.

Albert Bushnell Hart, Ph.D., Professor of History, 15 Appian Way.

Joseph Henry Beale, Jr., A.M., LL.B., Professor of Law, 13 Chauncy St.

John Winthrop Platner, A.B., Assistant Professor of Ecclesiastical History, 14 Avon St.

Archibald Cary Coolidge, Ph.D., Instructor in History, 15 Ware Hall.

George Willis Botsford, Ph.D., Instructor in the History of Greece and Rome, 45 Walker St.

Frank Beverly Williams, A.M., Assistant Professor of Law, 29 Thayer Hall.

James Sullivan, Jr., A.M., Instructor in History and Palaeography .

 

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Economics.

 Charles Franklin Dunbar, LL.D., Professor of Political Economy, 64 Highland St.

Frank William Taussig, LL.B., Ph.D., Professor of Political Economy, and Chairman of the Division, 2 Scott St.

William James Ashley, A.M., Professor of Economic History, and Chairman of the Department of Economics, 6 Acacia St.

Edward Cummings, A.M., Assistant Professor of Sociology, Corner of Irving St. and Scott St.

John Cummings, Ph.D., Instructor in Political Economy, 7 Thayer Hall.

Hugo Richard Meyer, A.M., Instructor in Political Economy, 53 Weld Hall.

Guy Stevens Callender, A.M., Instructor in Political Economy.

 

ASSISTANTS.

Joseph Dana Allen, A.B., in History 1.

John Charles States Andrew, A.B., in History 1.

Sidney Bradshaw Fay, A.B., in History 1.

———— in History 10.

———— in History 12.

Henry Barrett Learned, A.M., in History 13.

Edward Henry Warren, A.M., in History 13.

Charles Edward Seaman, A.M., in Government 1 and 7.

Harry Augustus Bigelow, A.B., in Government 4.

Charles Sumner Griffin, A.M., in Economics 1.

Edward Henry Warren, A.M., in Economics 1.

———— in Economics 1.

———— in Economics 3 and 14.

 

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COURSES IN HISTORY AND POLITICAL SCIENCE.

An asterisk (*) prefixed to the title of a course indicates that it can be taken only with the previous consent of the instructor.

The courses primarily for Graduates are also open to Undergraduates of adequate training. Whether taken by Graduates or Undergraduates, the instructor must first be consulted.

Knowledge of German will be of advantage in any of the courses; and ability to make use of French books will be assumed.

[…]

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ECONOMICS.

 

GENERAL STATEMENT.

Course 1 is introductory to the other courses. It is intended to give a general survey of the subject for those who take but one course in Economics, and also to prepare for the further study of the subject in advanced courses. It is usually taken with most profit by undergraduates in the second or third year of their college career. It may be taken with advantage in the second year by those who are attracted to political and social subjects. A knowledge of general history (such as is given in Course 1 in History) is a useful preparation.

The advanced courses divide themselves into two groups. The first group contains Courses 2, 3, 13, 14, 15, which are concerned chiefly with economic and social theory. Courses 2 and 15 follow the development of economic theory from its beginnings to the present time, with critical examination of the conclusions reached by economists of the past and the present. Course 13, on scope and method in economic investigation, continues the same subjects; it is taken to best advantage after either 2 or 15. Course 3 considers the wider aspects of economic and social study, and reviews the progress of sociological inquiry. Course 14 takes up the history and literature of socialistic and communistic proposals, and leads to a discussion of the foundations of existing institutions.

The second group contains the remaining courses, which are of a more descriptive and historical character. In all of them, however, attention is given to principles as well as to facts, and some acquaintance with the outlines of economic theory is called for.

Before taking any of the advanced courses, students are strongly advised to consult with the instructors. Courses 2, 3, 4, 7, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 may not be taken without the previous consent of the instructors. It is advised that Course 1 be taken in all cases as a preparation for the advanced courses; and such students only as have passed satisfactorily in Course 1 will be admitted to Courses 2, 3, 4, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16. But Courses 5, 7, and 9, may also be

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taken by Juniors and Seniors of good rank who are taking Course 1 at the same time; Course 6 is open to students who have taken or are taking cither History 13 or Economies 1; and Courses 10 and 11 are open to students who have passed satisfactorily either in History 1 or in Economics 1.

The Seminary in Economics is intended primarily for Graduate Students; but Seniors in Harvard College, who have had adequate training in the subject, may be admitted to it.

 

 

  1. Outlines of Economics. —Principles of Political Economy.— Lectures on Social Questions and Monetary Legislation. Mon., Wed., Fri., at 9. Professor Taussig, Asst. Professor Edward Cummings, Dr. John Cummings, assisted by Messrs. Griffin, Warren, and ——.   (I)

Course 1 gives a general introduction to economic study, and a general view of Economics sufficient for those who have not further time to give to the subject. It begins with a consideration of the principles of production, distribution, exchange, money, and international trade, which is continued through the first half-year. In the second half-year, some of the applications of economic principles and some wider aspects of economic study are taken up. Social questions and the relations of labor and capital, the theory and practice of banking, and the recent currency legislation of the United States, will be successively treated in outline.

Course 1 will be conducted mainly by lectures. A course of reading will be laid down, and weekly written exercises will test the work of students in following systematically and continuously the lectures and the prescribed reading. Large parts of Mill’s Principles of Political Economy will be read, as well as parts of other general books; while detailed references will be given for the reading on the application and illustration of economic principles.

 

 

[*10. The Mediaeval Economic History of Europe. Tu., Th., (and at the pleasure of the instructor) Sat., at 12. Professor Ashley.]     (X)

Omitted in 1897-98.

The object of this course is to give a general view of the economic development of society during the Middle Ages. It will deal, among others, with the following topics: — the manorial system in its relation to mediaeval agriculture and serfdom ; the merchant gilds and the beginnings of town life and of trade ; the craft gild and the gild-system of

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industry, compared with earlier and later forms; the commercial supremacy of the Hanseatic and Italian merchants ; the trade routes of the Middle Ages and of the sixteenth century ; the merchant adventurers and the great trading companies ; the agrarian changes of the fifteenth nd sixteenth centuries and the break-up of the mediaeval organization of social classes ; the appearance of new manufactures and of the domestic industry.

Special attention will be devoted to England, but that country will be treated as illustrating the broader features of the economic evolution of the whole of western Europe; and attention will be called to the chief peculiarities of the economic history of France, Germany, and Italy.

Students will be introduced in this course to the use of the original sources, and they will need to be able to translate easy Latin.

It is desirable that they should already possess some general acquaintance with mediaeval history, and those who are deficient in this respect will be expected to read one or two supplementary books, to be suggested by the instructor. The course is conveniently taken after, before, or in conjunction with History 9; and it will be of especial use to those who intend to study the law of Real Property.

 

 

  1. The Modern Economic History of Europe and America (from 1500). Tu., Th., (and at the pleasure of the instructor) Sat., at 12. Professor Ashley. (X)

This course, — which will usually alternate with Course 10 in successive years, — while intended to form a sequel to Course 10, will nevertheless be independent, and may usefully be taken by those who have not followed the history of the earlier period. The main thread of connection will be found in the history of trade; but the outlines of the history of agriculture and industry will also be set forth, and the forms of social organization dependent upon them. England, as the first home of the “great industry,” will demand a large share of attention; but the parallel or divergent economic history of the United States, and of the great countries of western Europe, will be considered side by side with it.

 

 

  1. The Economic History of the United States. Tu., Th., at 2.30, and a third hour at the pleasure of the instructors. Mr. Callender. (XI)

Course 6 gives a general survey of the economic history of the United States from the formation of the Union to the present time, and considers also the mode in which economic principles are illustrated by the experience so surveyed. A review is made of the financial history of the United

 

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States, including Hamilton’s financial system, the second Bank of the United States and the banking systems of the period preceding the Civil War, coinage history, the finances of the Civil War, and the banking and currency history of the period since the Civil War. The history of manufacturing industries is taken up in connection with the course of international trade and of tariff legislation, the successive tariffs being followed and their economic effects considered. The land policy of the United States is examined partly in its relation to the growth of population and the inflow of immigrants, and partly in its relation to the history of transportation, including the movement for internal improvements, the beginnings of the railway system, the land grants and subsidies, and the successive bursts of activity in railway building. Comparison will be made from time to time with the contemporary economic history of European countries.

Written work will be required of all students, and a course of reading will be prescribed, and tested by examination. The course is taken advantageously with or after History 13. While an acquaintance with economic principles is not indispensable, students are strongly advised to take the course after having taken Economics 1, or, if this be not easy to arrange, at the same time with that course.

 

 

*15. The History and Literature of Economics to the Close of the Eighteenth Century. Mon., Wed., (and at the pleasure of the instructor) Fri., at 12.     Professor Ashley. (IV)

The course of economic speculation will here be followed, in its relation alike to the general movement of contemporary thought and to contemporary social conditions. The lectures will consider the economic theories of Plato and Aristotle; the economic ideas underlying Roman law; the mediaeval church and the canonist doctrine; mercantilism in its diverse forms; “political arithmetic;” the origin of the belief in natural rights and its influence on economic thought; the physiocratic doctrine; the work and influence of Adam Smith; the doctrine of population as presented by Malthus; Say and the Erench school; and the beginnings of academic instruction in economics.

The lectures will be interrupted from time to time for the examination of selected portions of particular authors; and careful study will be given to portions of Plato’s Republic and Aristotle’s Politics (in translation) to Mun’s England’s Treasure, Locke’s Considerations of the Consequences of the Lowering of Interest, certain Essays of Hume, Turgot’s Réflexions, and specified chapters of Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations, and Malthus’ Essay. Students taking the course are expected to procure the texts of the chief authors considered, and to consult the following critical works:

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Ingram, History of Political Economy; Cossa, Introduction to the Study of Political Economy; Cannan, History of the Theories of Production and Distribution; Bonar, Philosophy and Political Economy; Bohm-Bawerk, Capital and Interest; Taussig, Wages and Capital.

 

 

*2. Economic Theory in the Nineteenth Century. Mon., Wed., Fri., at 2.30. Professor Taussig.     (V)

Course 2 is designed to acquaint the student with the history of economic thought during the nineteenth century, and to give him at the same time training in the critical consideration of economic principles. The exercises are accordingly conducted mainly by the discussion of selected passages from the important writers; and in this discussion students are expected to take an active part. Lectures are given at intervals, tracing the general movement of economic thought and describing its literature. Special attention will be given to the theory of distribution.

The course opens with an examination of Ricardo’s doctrines, selections from Ricardo’s writings being read and discussed. These will then be compared with the appropriate chapters in Mill’s Principles of Political Economy, and further with passages in Cairnes’ Leading Principles. The theory of wages, and the related theory of business profits, will then be followed in the writings of F. A. Walker, Sidgwick, and Marshall, and a general survey made of the present stage of economic theory in England and the United States. The development on the continent of Europe will be traced chiefly in lectures; but toward the close of the year a critical examination will be made of the doctrines of the modern Austrian school.

Course 2 is taken with advantage in the next year after Course 1; but Course 15 may also be taken with advantage after Course 1, and then followed by Course 2, or taken contemporaneously with it.

 

 

*132 hf. Scope and Method in Economic Theory and Investigation. Half-course (second half-year). Mon., Wed., Fri., at 11. Professor Ashley.     (III)

Course 13 will examine the methods by which the important writers, from Adam Smith to the present time, have approached economic questions, and the range which they have given their inquiries; and will consider the advantage of different methods, and the expediency of a wider or narrower scope of investigation. Mill’s essay on the Definition of Political Economy; Cairnes’ Logical Method of Political Economy; Keynes’ Scope and Method of Political Economy; certain sections of Wagner’s Grundlegung and Schmoller’s essay on Volkswirthschaft will be carefully examined. The conscious consideration of method by the later writers of the classic school and by their successors in England; the

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rise of the historical school and its influence; the mode in which contemporary writers approach the subject, — will he successively followed.

Course 13 is open to students who take or have taken Course 2 or Course 15. A fair reading knowledge of German as well as of French will be expected of students, and the opportunity will be taken to assist them to acquire facility in reading scientific German. Subjects will be assigned for investigation and report, and the results of such investigations will be presented for discussion.

 

 

*3. The Principles of Sociology. Mon., Wed., and (at the pleasure of the instructor) Fri., at 1.30. Asst. Professor Edward Cummings.     (XIII)

Course 3 begins with a general survey of the structure and development of society; showing the changing elements of which a progressive society is composed, the forces which manifest themselves at different stages in the transition from primitive conditions to complex phases of civilized life, and the structural outlines upon which successive phases of social, political, and industrial organization proceed. Following this, is an examination of the historical aspects which this evolution has actually assumed: Primitive man, elementary forms of association, the various forms of family organization, and the contributions which family, clan and tribe have made to the constitution of more comprehensive ethnical and political groups ; the functions of the State, the circumstances which determine types of political association, the corresponding expansion of social consciousness, and the relative importance of military, economic, and ethical ideas at successive stages of civilization. Special attention is given to the attempts to formulate physical and psychological laws of social growth; to the relative importance of natural and of artificial selection in social development; the law of social survival; the dangers which threaten civilization; and the bearing of such general consideration upon the practical problems of vice, crime, poverty, pauperism, and upon mooted methods of social reform.

The student is thus acquainted with the main schools of sociological thought, and opportunity is given for a critical comparison of earlier phases of sociological theory with more recent contributions in Europe and the United States. Regular and systematic reading is essential. Topics are assigned for special investigation in connection with practical or theoretical aspects of the course.

 

 

*14. Socialism and Communism, — History and Literature. Tu., Th., and at the pleasure of the instructor) Sat., at 9. Asst. Professor Edward Cummings.     (VII)

Course 14 is primarily an historical and critical study of socialism and communism. It traces the history and significance of schemes for social

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reconstruction from the earliest times to the present day. It discusses the historical evidences of primitive communism, the forms assumed by private ownership at different stages of civilization, the bearing of these considerations upon the claims of modern socialism, and the outcome of experimental communities in which socialism and communism have actually been tried. Special attention, however, is devoted to the recent history of socialism, — the precursors and the followers of Marx and Lassalle, the economic and political programmes of socialistic parties in Germany, France, and other countries.

The primary object is in every case to trace the relation of historical evolution to these programmes; to discover how far they have modified history or found expression in the policy of parties or statesmen; how far they must be regarded simply as protests against existing phases of social evolution; and how far they may be said to embody a sane philosophy of social and political organization.

The criticism and analysis of these schemes gives opportunity for discussing from different points of view the ethical and historical value of social and political institutions, the relation of the State to the individual, the political and economic bearing of current socialistic theories.

The work is especially adapted to students who have had some introductory training in Ethics as well as in Economics. A systematic course of reading covers the authors discussed; and special topics for investigation may be assigned in connection with this reading.

 

 

  1. The Labor Question in Europe and the United States. — The Social and Economic Condition of Workingmen. Tu., Th., Sat., at 10. Asst. Professor Edward Cummings and Dr. John Cummings.    (VIII)

Course 9 is a comparative study of the condition and environments of workingmen in the United States and European countries. It is chiefly concerned with problems growing out of the relations of labor and capital. There is careful study of the voluntarily organizations of labor, — trade unions, friendly societies, and the various forms of cooperation; of profit-sharing, sliding scales, and joint standing committees for the settlement of disputes ; of factory legislation, employers’ liability, the legal status of laborers and labor organizations, state courts of arbitration, and compulsory government insurance against the exigencies of sickness, accident, and old age. All these expedients, together with the phenomena of international migration, the questions of a shorter working day and convict labor, are discussed in the light of experience and of economic theory, with a view to determining the merits, defects, and possibilities of existing movements.

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The descriptive and theoretical aspects of the course are supplemented by statistical evidence in regard to wages, prices, standards of living, and the social condition of labor in different countries.

Topics will be assigned for special investigation, and students will be expected to participate in the discussion of selections from authors recommended for a systematic course of reading.

The course is open not only for students who have taken Course 1, but to Juniors and Seniors of good rank who are taking Course 1.

 

 

*4. Statistics. — Applications to Social and Economic Problems. — Studies in Movements of Population. — Theory and Method. Mon., Wed., Fri., at 11. Dr. John Cummings.     (III)

This course deals with statistical methods used in the observation and analysis of social conditions, with the purpose of showing the relation of statistical studies to Economics and Sociology, and the scope of statistical inductions. It undertakes an examination of the views entertained by various writers regarding the theory and use of statistics, and an historical and descriptive examination of the practical methods of carrying out statistical investigations. The application of statistical methods is illustrated by studies in political, fiscal, and vital statistics, in the increase and migration of population, the growth of cities, the care of criminals and paupers, the accumulation of capital, and the production and distribution of wealth.

 

 

52 hf. Railways and other Public Works, under Government and Corporate management. Half-course (second half-year). Tu., Th., and (at the pleasure of the instructor) Sat., at 1.30. Mr. Meyer.     (XIV)

 

In this course it is proposed to review the history and working of different modes of dealing with railway transportation, and to deal summarily with other similar industries, such as the telegraph, street railways, water and gas supply. Consideration will be given to the economic characteristics of these industries, the theory and history of railway rates, the effects of railway service and railway charges on other industries, the causes and consequences of monopoly conditions. The history of legislation in the more important European countries will be followed, as well as the different modes in which they have undertaken the regulation and control of private corporations, or have assumed direct ownership, with or without management and operation. Some attention will be given also to the experience of the British colonies, and more especially of those in Australia. In the United States, there will be consideration of the growth of the great systems, the course of legislation by the federal government,

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the working of the Interstate Commerce Act, and the modes of regulation, through legislation and through Commissions, at the hands of the several States. So far as time permits, other industries, analogous to railways, will be discussed in a similar manner.

Written work, in the preparation of papers on assigned topics, will be expected of all students in the course.

 

 

*71 hf. The Theory and Methods of Taxation, with special reference to local taxation in the United States. Half-course (first half-year). Tu., Th., and (at the pleasure of the instructor) Sat., at 1.30. Professor Taussig.     (XIV)

Course 71 undertakes an examination of the theory of taxation, based upon the comparative study of methods as practised in different countries and in different States of the American Union. This examination necessarily includes some discussion of leading questions in revenue legislation, such as the taxation of incomes and personal property, the single tax, progressive taxation, and indirect taxes.

 

 

*72 hf. Financial Administration and Public Debts. Half-course (second half-year). Tu., Th., Sat., at 11. Professor Dunbar.       (IX)

Course 72 is devoted to an examination of the budget systems of leading countries, and their methods of controlling expenditure, the methods of borrowing and of extinguishing debts practised by modern states, the form and obligation of the securities issued, and the general management of public credit.

Topics will be assigned for investigation by the students, and a list of topics, references, and required reading will be used.

 

 

* 121 hf. International Payments and the Flow of the Precious Metals. Half-course (first half-year). Tu., Th., Sat., at 11. Professor Dunbar and Mr. Meyer. (IX)

 

[*122 hf. Banking and the History of the leading Banking Systems. Half -course (second half-year). Tu., Th., Sat., at 11. Professor Dunbar.]     (IX)

Omitted in 1897-98.

Course 121 is taken up with the discussion of the movements of goods, securities, and money, in the exchanges between nations and in the settlement of international demands. After a preliminary study of the general doctrine of international trade and of the use and significance of bills of exchange, it is proposed to make a close examination of some cases of

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payments on a great scale, and to trace the adjustments of imports and exports under temporary or abnormal financial conditions. Such examples as the payment of the indemnity by France to Germany after the war of 1870-71, the distribution of gold by the mining countries, and the movements of the foreign trade of the United States since 1879, will be investigated and used for the illustration of the general principles regulating exchanges and the distribution of money between nations.

In Course 122 the modern system of banking by deposit and discount is examined, and its development in various countries is studied. The different systems of note-issue are then reviewed and compared, and the relations of banks to financial crises carefully analyzed. Practical banking does not come within the scope of this course. The study is historical and comparative in its methods, requiring some examination of important legislation in different countries, practice in the interpretation of banking movements, and investigation of the general effects of banking. The course, therefore, naturally leads to an examination of the questions now raised as to bank issues in the United States.

 

 

*162 hf. Selected Topics in the Financial Legislation of the United States. Half-course (second half-year). Tu., Th., at 2.30. Professor Dunbar.      (XI)

The topics for study in this course for 1897-98 will be: (1) The Legal Tender Issues of the Civil War; (2) Development of the National Banking System. Subjects will be assigned and reports called for, requiring thorough investigation in the debates of Congress and other contemporary sources of information, for the purpose of tracing the history and significance of the legislative acts to be discussed, and a close study of such financial and commercial statistics as may throw light upon the operation of the acts.

Arrangements will be made by which graduate students and candidates for Final Honors in Political Science may take this course in connection with the Seminary in Economics as a full course running through the year.

 

 

  1. Seminary in Economics. Mon., at 4.30. Professors Dunbar, Taussig, and Ashley, and Asst. Professor Edward Cummings.

In the Seminary the instructors receive Graduate Students, and Seniors of high rank and adequate preparation, for training in investigation and discussion. No endeavor is made to limit the work of the Seminary to any one set of subjects. Subjects are assigned to students according to their needs and opportunities, and may be selected from any of the larger fields covered by the courses in which stated instruction is given. They

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may accordingly be in economic theory, in economic history, in applied economics, in sociology, or in statistics. It will usually be advisible for members of the Seminary to undertake their special investigation in a subject with whose general outlines they are already acquainted; but it may sometimes be advantageous to combine general work in one of the systematic courses with special investigation of a part of the field.

The general meetings of the Seminary are held on the first and third Mondays of each month. The members of the Seminary confer individually, at stated times arranged after consultation, with the instructors under whose special guidance they are conducting their researches.

At the regular meetings, the results of the investigations of members are presented and discussed. The instructors also at times present the results of their own work, and give accounts of the specialized literature of Economics. At intervals, other persons are invited to address the Seminary on subjects of theoretic or practical interest, giving opportunity for contact and discussion with the non-academic world. Among those who thus contributed to the Seminary in 1895-97 were President Francis A. Walker, Dr. Frederick H. Wines, Mr. S. N. D. North, Mr. A. T. Lyman, Mr. E. W. Hooper, and Mr. F. C. Lowell.

In 1896-97 the Seminary had fifteen members, of whom twelve were Graduate Students, two were Seniors in Harvard College, and one was a Law Student. Among the subjects under investigation in that year were: The Woollen Industry in England during the 17th and 18th centuries; Over-production and Over-accumulation in Economic Theory; The Taxation of Sugar in the United States and in Foreign Countries; The National Banking System with regard to its operation in the West and South; The Financial History of the Pennsylvania Railway; The Financial History of the Union Pacific Railway; The History of Immigration into the United States.

 

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GENERAL INFORMATION.

ORGANIZATION.

The Division of History and Political Science comprises two departments: History and Government, and Economics. The Division has charge of the administration of Final Honors, and of the Degree of Ph.D., in History and Political Science. The recommendation of candidates for assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships is in the hands of the respective departments; Second-Year Honors in History and Government are administered by the Department of History and Government; and in general each Department has charge of all matters relating specially to its own instruction.

 

HONORS.

Honors are awarded to students who attain high grades in a certain number of courses in one subject or group of subjects, and who give satisfactory evidence, at a special examination, as to the range and accuracy of their general knowledge of the subject in which the Honors are awarded.

Second-Year Honors in History and Government are awarded, at the end of the Sophomore or Junior year, on the following conditions : —

1. Distinguished excellence in the work of three and a half courses in History and Government or of three such courses and one course in Political Economy.

2. Passing with distinction a special examination, which shall be a test of the candidate’s general acquirements in History and Government.

3. The study of a special topic upon which the candidate may be required to report in written form. This report must be presented not later than May 15 to the instructor under whose direction it has been prepared.

Candidates for Second-Year Honors are required to register their names at the office of the Dean of the College, as early as the first

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day of April of the year in which they present themselves for examination.

The examinations for Second-Year Honors are conducted by the Department of History and Government.

Final Honors in History and Government or in Political Science are awarded, usually with the degree of A.B. or A.M., on the following conditions : —

Every student who wishes to be regarded as a candidate must present a written application to the Dean of the College before November 1, in his Senior year. Blank forms of application may be obtained from the Recorder.

 

[…]

In Political Science the candidate will present for approval by the Division of History and Political Science, not later than October 10 of his final year of preparation, a plan of study which shall comprise not less than five courses, not elementary, selected from those offered under History and Government, and Economics, including at least one course in Economics, one in History, and one in Government.

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The candidate may also state in his plan of study further work in Political Science which he desires to have considered in determining the award of Honors.

Not later than May 15, the candidate will present a thesis, which may also be counted as part of his work in one or more courses, and which should be handed to the instructor under whose guidance it is prepared; and he will be required to pass an examination on the general field of his studies in Political Science.

 

DEGREES.

The degree of Bachelor of Arts is conferred usually after four years of residence. At least one year of residence is required. Graduates of other colleges and students of the higher classes of other colleges are admitted to advanced standing in Harvard College, without examination, on presenting testimonials of scholarship and character, and satisfactory evidence of work well performed in the institutions previously attended.

The degree of Master of Arts is conferred on persons who have the degree of Bachelor of Arts from Harvard College (or who have pursued successfully at some other college a course of study accepted by the Faculty of Arts and Sciences as equivalent to the A.B. of Harvard College), and who have pursued at Harvard University advanced studies with high credit for a whole year.

For the degree of Doctor of Philosophy no set period of study is prescribed. It is not usually taken in less than three years after the attainment of the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Harvard College, or an equivalent. In order to be admitted to the degree the candidate must show a general training in the whole field of study, firm grasp of his special subject within the field, and independent research in some portion of that subject. He must present a thesis, showing original treatment or investigation, and must pass such examination or examinations as may be required by the Division. The degree is given on the ground of thorough study and high attainments. Appropriate studies carried on in the Graduate School of any other university may be recognized as a part of the candidate’s preparation for the degree. The minimum period of residence at Harvard University is one year.

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The University confers the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in History and in Political Science. Candidates for the degree under either of these heads are subject to supervision and examination by the Division of History and Political Science. In order to indicate the grounds on which it is prepared to recommend candidates for the degree, the Division has adopted the following statements and suggestions.

All communications relative to the doctorate should be sent to the Chairman of the Division of History and Political Science.

 

 

THE DEGREE OF PH.D. IN POLITICAL SCIENCE.

General Preparation.

Every candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science, will be expected, at an early stage in his preparation, to submit to the Division, through its chairman, evidence of the extent and quality of his general studies. A command of good English, spoken and written, the ability to make free use of French and German books, and a fair acquaintance with general history, are expected in all cases. On the evidence presented, the Division will decide, provisionally, as to the sufficiency of the candidate’s general training. No set examinations will be held in any of these elementary requirements. Candidates may be required to make up deficiencies by pursuing specified College courses, or in such other way as the Division may designate. The provisional acceptance of a candidate, as regards this portion of his preparation, does not preclude the Division from rejecting him later, if, in the examination on specific subjects, it shall appear that his general education is insufficient.

 

Examinations.

Candidates must ordinarily pass two examinations: the first general, the second on a special field, defined in each case by vote of the Division.

I. The aim of the first examination is to ascertain the candidate’s acquaintance with a considerable range of subjects included within the scope of Political Science. He may satisfy this requirement by showing a good knowledge of any seven of the subjects named in

[p. 45]

the following list, — at least one to be taken from each of the three groups :

 

Group A.

  1. Political Institutions of Mediaeval Europe, including England.
  1. History of Political Institutions in Continental Europe since 1500.
  1. Constitutional History of England since the beginning of the Tudor period.
  1. History of American Institutions, including the Colonial period.

 

Group B.

  1. Theory of the State.
  1. Modern Government and Comparative Constitutional Law.
  1. International Law and Diplomatic History.
  1. Roman Law and selected topics in the history of Legal Institutions.

 

Group C.

 

  1. Economic Theory and its history.
  1. Applied Economics : Money and Banking, International Trade, Taxation and Finance.
  1. Economic History: either the outlines of the economic history of Europe and the United States ; or economic history of the United States with special reference to the Tariff, Financial Legislation, and Transportation.
  1. Sociology.

 

Candidates are not required, however, to follow the details of this plan. They may present, for the consideration of the Division, reasonable substitutes for any of the topics named, and may offer appropriate combinations of parts of the separate subjects. They are advised, in all cases, to submit their plans of study for approval at an early date. The examination of each candidate will be confined to the subjects selected by him and approved by the Division; but in judging of his fitness for the degree, regard will be had to the general grasp and maturity shown, as well as to the range and accuracy of his attainments in the specific subjects of examination.

II. The second examination will be on a single limited subject agreed upon in advance. It is intended that each candidate should have, as far as possible, freedom of choice in selecting his subject, but it is expected that he will submit, for approval, an outline of work to be presented in satisfaction of this requirement. It is desirable that this outline should be submitted a year in advance of

[p. 46]

the examination. The ground covered may properly be less extensive than that included in any of the general subjects named above and may lie within one of the general subjects offered by the candidate. At the final examination the candidate will be expected to show such a mastery of his chosen subject, and such an acquaintance with the literature bearing on it, as would qualify him to give instruction to mature students.

 

Thesis.

The thesis must be in the hands of the Division on or before May 1 of the year in which the degree is sought. It must be accepted as satisfactory before the candidate can be admitted to the final examination. It must show an original treatment of the subject, or give evidence of independent research, and must also be in good literary form and suitable for publication.

[…]

[p. 49]

 

[…]

FELLOWSHIPS AND SCHOLARSHIPS.

About $40,000 is distributed annually among undergraduate students, in amounts ranging from $40 to $450. Eighteen fellowships and about forty-seven scholarships are also annually assigned to graduate students, the former varying in amount from $400 to $750, the latter from $150 to $300. Many of these appointments may be given or promised to persons not already members of the University. Some of the Fellowships permit the holders to study either at Harvard University or elsewhere; others require residence in Cambridge.

Four of the Fellowships have special reference to political and economic studies, namely: the Henry Lee Memorial Fellowship (income $450), for the study of Political Economy; the Robert

Treat Paine Fellowship (income $500), for the study of Social Science; the Henry Bromfield Rogers Memorial Fellowship (income $450), for the study of Ethics in its relation to Jurisprudence or to Sociology; the Ozias Goodwin Memorial Fellowship (income $450), assigned to students of Constitutional or International Law.

_______________________________

Source: Harvard University. Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Division of History and Political Science Comprising the Departments of History and Government and Economics, 1897-98.

Categories
Chicago Harvard

Harvard Graduate Alumnus, Hugo Richard Meyer in 1912

 

HUGO RICHARD MEYER

Attended Harvard 1884-85, 1888-92, A.B. 1892 (’93); Graduate School 1892-97, A.M. 1894.

Was instructor in economics at Harvard from 1896 to 1903; lecturer on economics, 1903-04.

Meyer does not reply to the Secretary’s letters. The following information is kindly supplied by a member of the class: “After leaving Harvard, Meyer spent six months at the University of Chicago. He then went to Denver, and is now (August, 1907) going to Australia to be gone from four to six years. He expects to be in Melbourne for a year and a half and an equal length of time in Sydney. He will return to the States via Europe. He will spend his time in Australia in research work, looking up such subjects as state ownership of railways, wage scales, and kindred subjects.”

Has published ” The British State Telegraphs,” sub-title: “A Story of the Problem of a Large Body of Civil Servants in a Democracy,” Macmillan.

Source: Secretary’s Report Harvard Class of 1892, No. V. Boston, Fort Hill Press, 1912, p. 113.

____________________

H. R. Meyer, ’92, sometime instructor in Economics at Harvard, now assistant professor at the University of Chicago, has published an important book on “Government Regulation of Railroad Rates.”

Source: The Harvard Graduates’ Magazine, vol. 14, (December 1905), p. 337.

____________________

MEYER, Hugo Richard, American author and economist: b. Cincinnati, Ohio, 1 April 1866. He was graduated at Harvard in 1892, and attended the Harvard Graduate School in 1892-96. He was instructor in political economy at Harvard in 1897-1903, and was assistant professor in that subject at the University of Chicago in 1904-05. Since 1907 he has been engaged at Melbourne in writing a history of State Ownership in Victoria, Australia. Author of ‘Government Regulation of Railroad Rates’ (1905); ‘Municipal Ownership in Great Britain’ (1906); ‘The British State Telegraphs’ (1907); ‘Public Ownership and the Telephone in Great Britain’ (1907).

Source:  The Encyclopedia Americana (1920).

____________________

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION–NATIVE CITIZEN

I, Hugo R. Meyer, hereby apply to the Consulate of the United States at Melbourne for registration as an American citizen.

I was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, on April 1, 1866.

My father, Henry Meyer, was born in Schotmar Germany and [is] deceased. He emigrated to the United States on or about 1851; resided 23 years, uninterruptedly, in the United States, from 1882 to 1905, at Denver, Colo., and was naturalized as a citizen of the United States before the District Court of Hamilton County at Cincinnati, Ohio on March 22, 1867 as shown by the Certificat of Naturalization presented herewith.

I last left the United States on July 1907, arriving at Melbourne, Australia on Aug. 1907, where I am now residing for the purpose of Historical work, on behalf of myself.

I have resided outside the United States at the following places for the following periods. Germany, from 1878 to 1882. Australia from 1907 to date.

My legal domicile is in Denver, Colorado, my permanent residence being at [blank]; my temporary local address is Melbourne.

I desire to remain a citizen of the United States and intend to return thereto permanently to reside and perform the duties of citizenship within— years, or when my researches are completed.

I do pay the American Income Tax at Baltimore, Maryland.

I last applied for registration at the Consulate of the United States at Melbourne on Nov. 21 1916.

…

I am married to Udona Beard, who was born in Illinois (Peoria) on Sept 3, 1877, and is now residing at Melbourne [no children]

[Signed and sworn]

19th day of December, 1907-

The applicant’s physical description:

Age, 61, height, 5 feet 9 1/2 inches; blue eyes, gray hair, ruddy complexion.

[Re-registration on Jan. 16, 1922.]

____________________

REPORT OF THE DEATH OF AN AMERICAN CITIZEN

Consular Service, U.S.A.
Melbourne, Australia, July 2, 1923.

Name: Hugo Richard Meyer

Native or naturalized: Native

Date of death: June 15, 1923

Place of death: 146 Orrong Road, Toorak. Victoria, Australia

Cause of death: Angina Pectoris

Disposition of remains: Interred in Brighton Cemetery, Brighton, Victoria

Disposition of Effects: Bequeathed by will to his wife, Udona Beard Meyer.

Categories
Harvard

Harvard Graduate Alumnus, Charles Beardsley, Jr. in 1896 and 1912

CHARLES BEARDSLEY, JR.

At Burlington, Iowa, 1892-93. In Graduate School, Harvard, 1893-94. Instructor in Economics, State University of Iowa, since September, 1894. Member of American Academy of Political and Social Science.

Published “Effects of an Eight Hours’ Day on Wages and the Unemployed,” in Quarterly Journal of Economics, July, 1895.

Source: Secretary’s Report Harvard Class of 1892, No. II. Andover Press, 1896, p. 18.

___________________________________________

CHARLES BEARDSLEY

Son of Charles and Eliza McCIoud (Pool) Beardsley. Born at Burlington, Ia., December 26, 1867. Prepared for college at High School, Washington, D. C. Attended Harvard 1888-92, A.B.; Graduate School 1893-94; 1896-97, A.M.

Instructor in economics, State University of Iowa, September, 1894. Instructor in economics in Harvard University, 1898-99; Austin Teaching Fellow in Harvard University,1900-01; also during the same year instructor in economics at Rhode Island Agricultural College, Kingston, R. I. September, 1901, became instructor in economics and history at the Washington Agricultural College, Pullman, Wash. Has since given up teaching and is now farming in Nebraska. Is a member of the American Academy of Political and Social Science and of the American Economic Association.

Home address: Clarks, Neb.

Source: Secretary’s Report Harvard Class of 1892, No. V. Boston, Fort Hill Press, 1912, pp. 22-3.

 

Categories
Chicago Harvard

Harvard Graduate Alumnus, Carlos Carleton Closson in 1896 and 1912

CARLOS CARLETON CLOSSON.

Studied in Harvard Graduate School, and received A.M. in 1893. Travelled and studied abroad. Now instructor in Political Economy, Univ. of Chicago. Married, Aug. 20, 1895, to Sophie Merz, at Boston.

Secretary’s Report Harvard Class of 1892, No. II. Andover Press, 1896, p. 25.

 

******************************************

CARLOS CARLETON CLOSSON

Son of Carlos Carleton and Charlotte Ann Judson (Holt) Closson. Born October 8, 1869. Attended Harvard 1888-92, A.B.; Graduate School 1892-95; A.M. 1893. Married Sophie Mere, at Boston, Mass., August 20, 1895.

Was formerly located in Los Angeles, Cal. Later removed to Seattle, Wash., where he “is secretary of the Port of Seattle, a separate municipality, co-extensive with the boundaries of King County, Washington, organized to acquire, construct, maintain, operate, and regulate a system of harbor improvements and rail and water transfer and terminal facilities for Seattle and King County.”

Source: Secretary’s Report Harvard Class of 1892, No. V. Boston, Fort Hill Press, 1912, p. 41.

 

Categories
Chicago Harvard

Harvard Graduate Alumnus, George Ole Virtue in 1896 and 1912

GEORGE OLE VIRTUE.

“1892-94, Harvard Graduate School. 1894-95, instructor in Political Economy in Harvard. At present [1895-] tutor in Political Economy in the University Extension Department of the University of Chicago.” Received Harvard A. M. in 1893.

Is a member of the American Economic Association. Author of “Gold Shipments,” Quarterly Journal of Economics, July, 1892; “Public Control of Mineral Lands in the U. S.,” Journal of Political Economy, March, 1895.

Present address, 5724 Madison Ave., Chicago, Ill.

Source: Secretary’s Report Harvard Class of 1892, No. II. Andover Press, 1896, p. 69.

__________________________________

GEORGE OLIEN VIRTUE

Son of John Freeborn and Cynthia (Jackson) Virtue. Born at Abingdon, Ill., November 4, 1862. Prepared for college at the Bedford, la., High School. Was a member of the class of 1892 in the University of Kansas, from which he received the degree of A.B. in 1892. Attended Harvard 1891-92, A.B.; Graduate School 1892-95, A.M. 1893; Ph.D. 1897. Married Meta Vogel, daughter of Bernhardt and Auguste Vogel, at Green Island, N. Y., September 14, 1897. Children: John Bernhardt, born at Winona, Minn., September 25, 1901; Ruth Vogel, born August 31, 1904.

From 1892 to 1894 was in Harvard Graduate School. From 1894 to 1895 instructor in political economy in Harvard. From 1895 to 1896 tutor in political economy in the University Extension Department of the University of Chicago. From 1896 to 1897 instructor in political economy in Harvard (second appointment). In 1897 became instructor in political science in the State Normal School at Winona, Minn., where he remained till 1909.

 

“In 1909 was elected professor of political economy and public finance at the University of Nebraska. Published a little book on the civil government of Minnesota in 1910 (Scribner’s) and a study of the labor conditions on the Minnesota iron ranges in the Bulletin of the Department of Labor, Washington, 1910. In 1911 was appointed special agent of the census, with headquarters at Lincoln. Am a member of the National Tax Association and serving as an advisory member of the Nebraska Rural Life Commission.”

Home address: Lincoln, Neb.

Source: Secretary’s Report Harvard Class of 1892, No. V. Boston, Fort Hill Press, 1912, p. 163.

Categories
Columbia Harvard

Harvard Graduate Alumnus, Arthur Morgan Day in 1896 and 1912

 

This material has been considerably expanded in a later post.

__________________

[With the preponderance of “Harvard Men” attending graduate school at Harvard (or elsewhere), such reports of Class Secretaries give us answers to the proverbial alumnus/a question, “Whatever happened to…?”]

ARTHUR MORGAN DAY.

“1892-93, graduate student in History and Economics, H. U.; 1893-94, graduate student in History and Economics and assistant in History, H. U.; 1894-95, assistant in Economics, School of Political Science, Columbia College; 1895-96, assistant and lecturer in Economics, School of Political Science, Columbia College, and lecturer in Economics, Barnard College.”

Published ” Syllabus of six lectures on ‘Money’ for Extension Department of Rutgers College, 1895.”

Delivered “six lectures on ‘Money,’ Univ. Ex. course, New Brunswick, N. J., December-January, 1894-95; two lectures on ‘Monetary Literature in U. S.’ in course of ‘ Free Lectures to the People,’ under direction of Board of Education, N. Y.”

Source: Secretary’s Report Harvard Class of 1892, No. II. Andover Press, 1896, 30-31.

_________________________________

ARTHUR MORGAN DAY

Son of Josiah Lyon and Ellen Louisa (Baldwin) Day. Born at Danbury, Conn., April 12, 1867. Prepared for college at the Danbury High School. Attended Harvard 1888-92, A.B. and A.M.; Graduate School 1892-94.

1892 to 1894, graduate student in history and economics at Harvard; 1893-94, assistant in history at Harvard;1894-1902, successively assistant, lecturer, and instructor in economics at Columbia and Barnard colleges; also assistant editor of Political Science Quarterly and Columbia University Quarterly; in March, 1902, resigned from Columbia to become registrar of the Tenement House Department of New York City for Brooklyn, Queens, and Richmond. In May, 1902, resigned registrarship to become assistant to president of Manhattan Trust Company; in July, 1903, was made secretary and treasurer of Casualty Company of America; in January, 1905, entered publicity business; in June, 1906, employed by United Gas Improvement Company of Philadelphia; in August, 1906, serious attack of typhoid caused long absence from business; in June, 1908, with Blair & Co., bankers, New York; in April, 1910, began independent work as financial agent for various clients; in January, 1912, entered bond department of Prudential Insurance Company at Newark. Has published syllabi of lectures on “Money” and “Economic History,” signed reviews in the Political Science Quarterly and elsewhere, and editorials in a New York daily. Assisted in the preparation of Seligman’s “Essays in Taxation” and “Incidence of Taxation,” Giddings’ “Democracy and Empire,” Clark’s “Distribution of Wealth,” and the second edition (rewritten) of White’s “Money and Banking.” Belongs to Harvard Club of New York.

Source: Secretary’s Report Harvard Class of 1892, No. V. Boston, Fort Hill Press, 1912, p. 54.

Image Source:  Secretary’s Report for the Twenty-Fifth Anniversary. Harvard College Class of 1892, Number VI, (1917), between pp. 68-69.

 

Categories
Courses Harvard

Harvard Economics. Two course reviews, 1881

 

AN ACCOUNT OF THE
ELECTIVE COURSES
GIVEN AT
HARVARD COLLEGE.

PUBLISHED BY THE
EDITORS OF THE HARVARD DAILY ECHO.

1881.

 

[p. 3]

In preparing the following descriptions of courses in Harvard, care has been taken to consult the various instructors, and to benefit by the experience of those students who have taken the courses. It is believed that this attempt to supplement the College Elective Pamphlet by more detailed descriptions will be found useful in selecting courses for next year. As a considerable portion of this was written early in the year, allowance must be made for changes in the numbering and arrangement of some of the electives. Owing to recent changes in several electives, and the late appearance of the Elective Pamphlet, much hasty revision has been necessary, and there are some alterations which may have been neglected. The index is arranged [p. 4] according to next year’s pamphlet, so that there will be no difficulty in finding the courses, although the arrangement, owing to the method of printing, is haphazard. No description of Mathematics 8 is given, as the nature of the course varies from time to time, and it is uncertain whether it is given at all next year. We wish to express our thanks to the professors and students who have assisted in preparing these pages.

[…]

[p. 120]

POLITICAL ECONOMY.

No student should allow the four years of his College life to pass without devoting some of his time to the study of Political Economy. It is needless to dilate upon its importance. Aside from the great value of a scientific knowledge of the subjects with which this science deals, the value of the mental training which the study of Political Economy affords can hardly be overestimated. Surely there is no science which investigates causes at once so varied and so important, affecting, as they do, the whole course of public and private life. No citizen of the United States has a right to neglect any opportunity to familiarize himself with the principles regulating, whether we will it or not, the whole social, moral, political and financial development of the country whose future rests partly in his hands.

Political Economy 1 is a course devoted principally to a study of the fundamental principles of the science of Political [p. 121] Economy. The textbook used is John Stuart Mill’s “Principles of Political Economy,” the difficulties in it being cleared up in the recitation room. [cf. the abridged edition of Mill’s Principles edited “with critical, bibliographical, and explanatory notes, and a sketch of the history of political economy” by J. Laurence Laughlin published in 1884] Just before the semi-annuals a course of lectures on “Banking” is given by Prof. Dunbar, and before the annuals a course on the “Financial Legislation of the United States,” giving special attention to the measures adopted during the war and after it up to the present time. Both of these are full of interest and valuable information. The instruction, if the course is conducted as in previous years, will be given by means both of recitations and of lectures, the latter predominating during the last part of the year, although even then there is enough of delightful uncertainty maintained to prevent the student from slighting the work of each day. As yet no definite arrangement has been made as to the amount of work to be done by each of the two instructors, Prof. Dunbar and Dr. Laughlin. The course will be either two or three hours, as the student may choose. Let no one take it under the impression that he is taking a “soft” course; those [p. 122] seeking such must avoid Political Economy 1. To recommend such a course to an earnest student would be superfluous ; to any other, useless.

Political Economy 2. This course, heretofore known as Political Economy 3, is one that should be taken by every one who has profited by Political Economy 1. As some peculiar ideas as to this course exist throughout the College, the best way to correct them is to tell what the course has dealt with during the past year. The first text-book used is “Some Leading Principles of Political Economy,” by J. E. Cairnes. Prof. Cairnes is a pupil and admirer of Mill, but one who dares to oppose his master on points where his reasoning or his conclusion seems faulty. He goes deeper into some of the principles of the science than Mill could possibly go in writing such a work as his “Principles,” and his book is perhaps a needed corrective to the mind of one too fully charged with Mill. The “Essays in Finance” is a collection of essays on economical and financial questions of the present time, by Robert Giffen, a gentleman in the [p. 123] employ of the London Board of Trade, a statistician, a member of the Statistical Society, and a contributor to the Economist. These essays bring the student face to face with the practical side of Political Economy. Prof. Dunbar has also given a course of lectures on the “History of Political Economy,” tracing the various distinguished economists of England, France, Germany, Italy and Russia; he has also lectured on other economical subjects. The class has also studied the question of the “Gold Standard,” and undertaken a slight analysis of some recent pamphlets on “Free Trade” and “Protection.” Each student is required to write a thesis on some subject connected with Political Economy. The subjects of this year were: “The Decline of American Shipping;” “The Act of May 31, 1878,” and “The Balance of Trade since 1873 and its Probable Future.” The course is eminently a practical and working course on Political Economy, which no one who wishes thoroughly to understand that science can safely neglect. It might well be called a course [p. 124] in “Applied Political Economy.” as in it the principles learned in Political Economy 1 are studied in their application to actual events. Any one wishing to take the course must first consult Prof. Dunbar. Whatever may be Prof. Dunbar’s private opinion on the, to us, vital questions of free trade and protection, the treatment which they receive in the class is absolutely impartial, and neither side can complain that it is misrepresented.

_______________________

archive.org has a downloadable copy of this book.

 

Image Source:  Charles Dunbar in The Harvard Graduates’Magazine, Vol. VIII, No. 32 (June, 1900), Frontspiece.

Categories
Curriculum Harvard Regulations

Harvard Economics. Account of Graduate Department, July 1886

Excerpts from the pamphlet for the Graduate Department of Harvard University. Looking to the future division of History, Government and Political Economy, I have included information on the fields of history, political science and political economy. I have also included the sections on admission, general degree requirements, fees and estimated costs of room and board.

____________________________

HARVARD UNIVERSITY.

ACCOUNT OF THE GRADUATE DEPARTMENT
FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR 1886-87.
SECOND EDITION.

PUBLISHED BY THE UNIVERSITY.
July, 1886.

[p. 3]

THE GRADUATE DEPARTMENT.
1886-87.

The Graduate Department of Harvard University is under the charge of the Academic Council, which consists of the President and the Professors and Assistant Professors of the whole University.

 

ADMISSION OF STUDENTS.

Applications for admission to the Graduate Department are received by the Academic Council, and should be made at the beginning of the academic year. Admission is ordinarily granted to Bachelors of Arts and Bachelors of Science of Harvard University; and to Graduates of other Colleges and Scientific Schools of good standing, who present satisfactory evidence of character and qualifications. Other persons, of suitable age and attainments, may also be admitted, by special vote of the Academic Council in each case.

An application from any person holding an academic degree may be made by filling out and depositing a registration blank at the office of the University, at No. 5, University Hall, Cambridge. If the applicant is not a graduate of Harvard University, he must also file at the same office, for the consideration of the Council, (1) a diploma, or official certificate, of graduation at some institution of advanced education, and (2) satisfactory certificates of scholarship and character. He may also be called upon for a catalogue of the institution at which he was graduated, and for a statement concerning his course since graduation, and should be prepared to furnish these additional documents, on demand.

The Academic Council will vote on applications for admission to the Graduate Department at the next following stated meeting of the Council. Persons intending to enter the Graduate Department, and desirous of knowing whether their qualifications will probably be deemed sufficient by the Academic Council, may apply for information by letter to The Secretary of Harvard College, No. 5, University Hall, Cambridge, Mass.

Members of the Graduate Department can, on application, obtain information as to the probable time that will be requisite for obtaining any

[p. 4]

degree given by the University, and as to the conditions of study for such degree. But the time required in a given case (especially for the degree of Ph.D. or S.D.) will be largely determined by the qualifications of the candidate, as actually shown during his period of graduate study; and cannot, therefore, be accurately stated at the outset.

 

THE REQUIREMENT OF RESIDENCE.

All members of the Graduate Department, with the special exceptions noted below, are required to pursue their studies at this University; and are generally expected to attend the exercises in some course or courses of instruction, and to perform all the required work (including examinations) in such courses; or to carry on regular work in some laboratory or museum or in the library, under the frequent inspection and criticism of instructors in the University.

But holders of travelling fellowships, pursuing their studies elsewhere with the sanction of the Academic Council, are members of the Graduate Department.

Students who are conducting special investigations which require their absence from the University, and those who have completed a period of residence at the University, and are carrying on actual studies with the purpose of becoming candidates for a degree, may also be allowed to register in the Graduate Department, under such conditions as may be imposed in each case. The requirements of study and residence for the several degrees are stated below (pp. 20-24).

 

REGISTRATION AND REPORT.

Every member of the Graduate Department is required to register at the office of the University, at No. 5, University Hall, at the beginning of each academic year, on or before the first Wednesday in October, and to fill out an official blank there provided. He must at the same time obtain authority at the same office, if he is to be in residence, to attend instruction in the University.

Holders of travelling fellowships and other graduate students who are absent from the University by leave of the Academic Council must register by letter, having previously obtained the necessary blank by application to The Secretary of Harvard College.

A student who omits to register at the prescribed time without a satisfactory excuse is liable to be dropped from the list.

Every student is required to enter in his registration paper, with other particulars there called for, a brief statement of his plan of study for the

[p. 5]

year; and also of his actual work for the preceding year, if he was then a member of the Graduate Department.

A student who continues in the Graduate Department for more than one year, with the expectation of applying for a degree, may also be called upon, or may think it desirable, to submit a more detailed written statement of his work for each year, at its close or at the beginning of the next year.

Holders of travelling fellowships and other non-resident graduate students are required to make a full yearly report to the Academic Council.

Any graduate student who alters his address or his plan of study, or who discontinues his residence at the University, or is absent therefrom for more than one week in term time, or who engages in any regular occupation not stated by him in registering, or who in any way departs from the conditions under which he is understood to be studying, must give immediate notice of the change, and must file a new registration paper (if the change is permanent), at the office of the University.

A student who withdraws from the Graduate Department in the course of an academic year is required to give immediate notice at the office of the University and at the Bursar’s office. No deduction from the full year’s fees will be made in the case of a student withdrawing in the course of a year, unless he gives the notices here called for.

 

STUDIES.

In May of each academic year, the Faculty of Harvard College issue an Announcement of the Courses of Instruction provided for the following academic year. This Announcement (called the Elective Pamphlet) can be obtained on application to The Secretary of Harvard College, No. 5, University Hall, Cambridge, Mass. It includes all the courses offered in the College proper, in the Lawrence Scientific School, and in the Graduate Department. A large proportion of these courses are suitable to be taken by graduates, and are, in fact, regularly taken both by graduates and by advanced undergraduates. Many of them are offered with special reference to graduates; and any course is open to members of the Graduate Department who present sufficient evidence of qualification for that course.

Graduate students may also, in special cases, be admitted to courses given in the professional schools; and any member of the Graduate Department, paying the full fee of $150 per year, is admitted free to the instruction and the examinations given in any other department of the University, with the exception of exercises carried on in the special laboratories.

Graduate students are admitted to work in the Jefferson Physical Laboratory; the Chemical Laboratory in Boylston Hall; the Mineralogical Cabinet and Laboratory; the Museum of Comparative Zoology; the Botanic Garden and Herbaria and the Botanical Laboratory; and (in special

[p. 6]

cases) at the Bussey Institution. All these institutions afford excellent advantages for special study and research. See Appendix.

The University Library embraces various branches, which together contain (June, 1886) about 320,000 volumes. The most important of these branches is the College Library in Gore Hall; which contains about 240,000 volumes, besides a large collection of pamphlets, maps, etc., and is liberally administered for the use of the whole University. An account of this library and of the other libraries of the University will be found on pp. 34, 35. Attention is especially called to the reserved-book system, of which important use is made in many courses of instruction. Every facility is given, especially to students engaged in special studies, for the most advantageous use of the College Library; and great pains are taken to keep up its resources by the purchase of all important new books in the different departments of learning. Graduate students may likewise obtain access to the libraries of the Divinity, Law, Medical, and Scientific Schools, and the other branches of the University Library.

The neighborhood of Boston, moreover, brings within the reach of properly equipped students numerous opportunities for making use of the large and valuable libraries and scientific and art collections which that city contains. The Boston Public Library, in particular, with its great resources and extensive bibliographical aids, is open for consultation to all comers. The privilege of using other important libraries can also frequently be obtained.

As the system of Harvard College is elective, the students are distributed through a great number of courses, and the section in any one advanced course is, in general, a small one, in which each student receives much personal attention. The instruction is given mainly by informal lectures, interspersed with discussion between instructor and students, and aided by theses or other exercises; or by actual practice in the work of composition, or of investigation of authorities, or the solution of problems; or by experimental research in the laboratory or museum, under the guidance, or with the advice, of the instructor. Short examinations are held from time to time; and formal examinations, twice (or in some courses only once) in the year.

Besides the Announcement of Courses, called the Elective Pamphlet, supplementary pamphlets or sheets, containing detailed accounts of the courses offered in the following branches of study:— namely, The Semitic Languages; Sanskrit; Classical Philology; English; French; Romance Philology; Political Economy; Music; Mathematics; Physical Geography, Geology, and Palaeontology; Botany and Zoölogy; —are also issued, and may be obtained on application to The Secretary of Harvard College. These latter publications contain important particulars about the text-books, the methods of instruction, the objects, scope, and mutual

[p. 7]

connexions of the several courses, and the various advantages which students may find outside of the courses. Students unfamiliar with the arrangement of courses at this University, and intending to enter the Graduate Department, are especially advised to consult these publications (which are known as Descriptive Statements).

The following brief statement is intended to call the attention of graduates who may be contemplating a period of study here to such features of the system and apparatus of instruction as are likely to be chiefly interesting to them. But it is to be noted that such students may often find it most judicious to devote at least a part of their time to courses of a less advanced grade than those specially provided for graduates.

When a course is designated by a number, in the following statement, the number is that which denotes the same course in the Elective Pamphlet. A course of which the title or number is contained in square brackets is to be omitted in 1886-87, though probably to be given in 1887-88….

[p. 12]

Political Science

 To graduates desirous of pursuing the study of Political Science facilities are offered by established courses in Political Economy, History, Roman Law, and Philosophy, and at the Law School, and by opportunities for detailed investigation. The scope of the work in Political Economy and Roman Law is described under those heads. In History, a large amount of the instruction given (comprising, in all, the work of more than two years) bears upon the science of Government, Constitutional and Administrative Development, International Law, and kindred subjects. In addition,

[p. 13]

instruction is offered in the Ethics of Social Reform (Philosophy 11); in the oral discussion of topics in Political Economy and History (English 6); and in Constitutional Law by lectures in the Law School. Apart from the arrangements with separate instructors for special study and research, there are more than sixty hours of instruction per week, throughout the year, on subjects of importance to the student of Political Science. A Descriptive Statement is in preparation in this department. The degrees of A.M. and Ph.D. are conferred for work in Political Science upon graduates who fulfill the requirements.

Political Economy.

 For students already well grounded in Political Economy, courses are established which afford opportunities, (1) for a review of the historical development of economic science and for the comparison and criticism of leading writers and their theories; (2) for practice in the investigation and discussion of questions of economic legislation or policy; (3) for the study of land tenures and the methods of land-tenure reform in leading European countries; (4) for a review of the tariff and financial history of the United States, in connexion with general political history, and (5) for the comparative study of the systems of public finance adopted by the leading modern countries. For all students who wish to make an investigation of the broad subjects thus stated, more extended than is possible within the limits of an ordinary college course, the University Library affords ample resources, and the instructors are ready to give all possible encouragement and assistance.

In addition to the courses thus regularly established, the instructors in Political Economy also receive properly qualified students who wish to undertake some special advanced study or research. The subjects to be dealt with are selected by agreement between instructors and students, and with the general purpose of placing the investigator upon ground not previously trodden, and giving him an opportunity for original work. The extent and nature of the cooperation of the instructor, and the frequency of conference with the student, are left to be determined by the nature of the special subject on which the latter is engaged; but it is expected that, as indicated by the experience of 1885-86, the relation will be close. For further information, students are referred to the Descriptive Statement of courses in Political Economy.

History. 

 The department of History offers to graduate students advanced instruction in Ancient, Mediaeval, Ecclesiastical, Modern European, and American

[p. 14]

History, in International Law, and also in the History of Institutions, both political and religious.

Attention is specially called to the courses offered under the general title of Course 20; in which an opportunity is given competent students to do original work in Ecclesiastical History, in the Early History of Institutions, in the Social Condition of Western Europe in the XVIIIth century, in American History, or in the History of Modern Diplomacy. Students in these courses and in the other smaller sections will receive the personal attention of their instructors, who will advise and assist them in their chosen fields of research and in the preparation of suitable theses. In some of the courses offered under this head, special attention will be given to practice in the investigation of original sources. It is intended to make the work useful both to future teachers and historical investigators, and to professional or business men who may wish to become thoroughly familiar with some part of the field of history or to acquire the ability to weigh and examine historical evidences.

The College Library contains an extensive collection of original historical material, especially in Americana, and in documents relating to the history of international disputes. It aims to supply all the more important additions to the material of historical science, and to make its collections useful to all earnest enquirers. The reserved-book system receives much attention in this department, and access to the shelves may be obtained by students engaged in special researches. The libraries of the schools of Theology and Law are accessible to students, who may also, on proper recommendation always obtain the use of many important historical libraries in the immediate vicinity of the University.

Roman Law.

Two courses are offered for 1886-87; one general and introductory, the other advanced and special. The titles will be found in the elective pamphlet….

[p. 20]

DEGREES.

Any member of the Graduate Department may be admitted to examination for the degree of A.B. (if not already an A.B. of Harvard University), by vote of the College Faculty; or to examination for the degree of A.M., Ph.D., or S.D., by vote of the Academic Council; provided that all the required conditions of candidacy have been fulfilled. But, in future, no person will be regarded as a candidate for a degree, but

[p. 21]

only as a graduate student, until he actually presents himself for his final examination.

Applications from graduate students for admission to examination for any degree should be made to the College Faculty or to the Academic Council as early as the tenth day of January in the year in which the applicant wishes to be examined. Later applications may be received, provided all examinations already held in the courses of instruction taken by the student hare been passed, and all other requirements for the degree, up to the time of application, have been complied with. The application should be accompanied, in each case, by a statement of the course or field of study on which the applicant will offer himself for examination, and, if he is an applicant for Ph.D. or S.D., by the title of the thesis which he purposes to submit. Information concerning the conditions on which a graduate student may expect to be admitted to examination for any degree may be obtained, at any time, by application to the Secretary of the Academic Council.

The Degree of A.B.

A student who wishes to be admitted to examination for the degree of A.B. must have studied for at least one year at this University; and must have pursued a course of study approved by the College Faculty as affording suitable preparation for the degree, and have passed all the examinations in that course.

Qualification for candidacy for A.M., Ph.D., or S.D.

A student who wishes to become a candidate for the degree of A.M. or Ph.D. must have attained the degree of A.B. (or an equivalent degree); and, if this degree has not been conferred by Harvard University, it must be accepted by the College Faculty (with or without special conditions) as qualifying the student for candidacy for the degree of A.M. or Ph.D.

A student who wishes to become a candidate for the degree of S.D. must have attained the degree of S.B. (or an equivalent degree); and, if this degree has not been conferred by Harvard University, it must be accepted by the Faculty of the Lawrence Scientific School (with or without special conditions) as qualifying the student for candidacy for the degree of S.D.

Time Conditions.

The least periods of study and residence required for the degrees of A.M., Ph.D., and S.D., of students already properly qualified by the degree of A.B. or S.B., are as follows: For A.M., one year of study at the University, in the Graduate Department, or (in the case of a student who is also a candidate for a professional degree) in a professional department; for Ph.D., two years of study at the University, in the Graduate

[p. 22]

Department; for S.D., three years of special scientific study, of which at least two must be years of study at the University, in the Graduate Department. But the Academic Council may, for sufficient reasons, remit one of the two years of residence (not of study) for the degree of Ph.D. or S.D. to Bachelors of Arts or Science of Harvard University.

These periods must, however, be regarded merely as minimum periods required for the several degrees. They must often be exceeded; especially in the case of persons partly occupied in other work, of graduates of other institutions, and of Bachelors of Arts or Science of Harvard University who are studying for the degree of Ph.D. or S.D.

No year can be counted to a student as a full year of study for a degree which is not entirely devoted to studies approved by the Academic Council as forming a year’s work for that degree. A student who means to become a candidate for a degree should consult the Secretary of the Academic Council, at the beginning of each year, about his plan of study.

Grounds of the Degree of A.M.

The degree of A.M. is conferred on a student who passes, with high credit, an examination on a course of study proposed by the student, and approved by the Academic Council, as a suitable preparation for the degree; and this course of study may be limited to a single department, or may have a miscellaneous character. If no special conditions are imposed on a student’s candidacy, the requirement for the degree of A.M. ordinarily consists of four full courses of instruction, of advanced grade, pursued for one academic year.

The Academic Council will approve studies pursued in the Professional and Scientific Schools as constituents of a one year’s course for A.M.; but only when the Council is satisfied that the candidate has no intention or expectation of offering any of the same studies for another degree. The degree of A.M. may also be conferred on students having the degree of A.B. (conferred by Harvard University, or accepted as sufficient by the College Faculty), simultaneously with the degree of D.B., LL.B., M.D., S.B., or C.E., and on the same course of study. The degree is thus given, on the nomination of the appropriate Faculty, and on the recommendation of the Academic Council, and only after the longest course of study and residence provided for the professional degree, and upon examinations passed with high credit. Professional students, properly qualified, who wish to be candidates for the degree of A.M. on these terms should apply to the Faculty of their School on or before the 1st of June in the year of their graduation at the School. If not Bachelors of Arts of Harvard University, they should make early application to the College Faculty for the acceptance of their degree of A.B. They do not register as members of the Graduate Department.

[p. 23]

Grounds and Standing of the Degrees of Ph.D. and S.D.

The degree of Ph.D. or S.D. is given, not for the mere reason of faithful study for a prescribed time or in fulfilment of a determinate programme (even though approved by the Academic Council), and never for miscellaneous studies, but on the ground of long study and high attainment in a special branch of learning, manifested not only by examinations, but by a thesis, which must be presented and accepted before the candidate is admitted to examination, and must show an original treatment of a fitting subject, or give evidence of independent research.

Any person on whom the University has conferred the degree of Ph.D. or S.D. is thereby recognized as qualified to give instruction to candidates for this degree in the department in which he has taken the degree, and to advance knowledge in that department by his own investigation.

A candidate for the degree of Ph.D. must offer himself for examination in some one of the following departments: Philology; Philosophy; History; Political Science; Mathematics; Physics (including Chemistry); Natural History; and Music. Within his chosen department, he must name some special field of study, approved as sufficient by the committee of the Academic Council in that department. He is liable to minute examination on the whole of that special field; and is also required to prove such acquaintance with the subject-matter of his department in general as the committee in that department shall require.

A candidate for the degree of S.D. must offer himself for examination on two subjects, or fields of study, belonging to the range of the mathematical, physical, and natural sciences. He must show special attainments in one of these subjects, and is liable to minute examination in the whole ground which it covers; and he is also required to have such general knowledge in the department to which his special studies belong as the committee in that department shall require. His thesis must embody some contribution to science or some special investigation.

An applicant for the degree of Ph.D. or S.D. must hand a fair copy of his thesis, on or before the first day of May, to the chairman of the committee in his department of study; and the chairman has power to reject a thesis not plainly written. No candidate is admitted to examination till his thesis has been approved by the committee; and, on the approval of the thesis, and as early as the first day of June, the thesis is deposited at the office of the University, for inspection by any member of the Academic Council, with a certificate of approval, signed by a special committee.

A successful candidate is allowed to print his thesis as one accepted for the degree, with the certificate of approval and the signatures of the approving committee; and either a printed or a written copy of the thesis

[p. 24]

and the original certificate must be deposited in the Library and must be open to public inspection.

The department of study in which the degree of Ph.D. or S.D. is conferred is named in the quinquennial catalogue of the University; and the department, the special branch of the department, and the title of the thesis are named in the Commencement programme and the next following annual catalogue.

The degree of Ph.D. carries with it that of A.M., the full title of the degree being Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Arts.

A student who has taken the degree of A. M. may count the study and residence, already offered for that degree, towards the degree of Ph.D. also; provided the Academic Council approve such study and residence as in itself suitable to be counted for the degree of Ph.D.

 

FELLOWSHIPS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

The attention of students who purpose to enter the Graduate Department from some other college is specially called to the Morgan Fellowships….

[p. 26]

The Morgan Fellowships. — Four Fellowships of the annual value of $500 each were established in 1884 by the gift of the late Henry T. Morgan of New York. These Fellowships are to be assigned to persons undertaking advanced studies, in the departments in which the degrees of Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Science are given. The applicant need not have received, or be a candidate for, any academic degree, but must exhibit proof of such previous training, attainments, and capacity, as promise special fitness for the work which he undertakes. The holder of a Morgan Fellowship is required to carry on his studies subject to the approval

[p. 27]

and under the supervision of the Standing Committee in the department in which his studies lie, to reside in Cambridge through the academic year, and to engage in no other occupation, except such public instruction as may have been approved by the Academic Council. The term of appointment to a Morgan Fellowship will be one year, but the holder will be eligible for appointment for a second term.

The appointment is made annually by the President and Fellows on recommendation of the Academic Council, at or about Commencement in each year….

[p. 28]

PRIZES.

The following prizes are administered by the Academic Council, and are open for competition to students in the Graduate Department: — …

 

The Toppan Prize.

A prize of one hundred and fifty dollars, the gift of Robert Noxon Toppan, of the class of 1858, is offered for the best Essay (of sufficient merit) on one of the following subjects in Political Science: —

  1. The present condition of Economical Science, and the demand for a radical change in its methods and aims.
  1. The origin, services, and future of a Second House                     [p. 29]
  2. The causes and probable effects of the tendency to Disestablishment of State Churches.

This prize is open to Graduates of the College of not more than three years’ standing, and to all persons who, having received an academic degree, pursue in 1885-86 or 1886-87 regular studies in the Graduate Department or in one of the Professional Schools.

Essays must be deposited at the President’s office on or before the first day of May, 1887. In every case the writer must inscribe an assumed name on the title-page. A sealed letter must be sent in at the same time, under cover with the Essay, containing the true name of the writer, with the date of his graduation; and this letter must be superscribed with the assumed name. Any manuscript not plainly written may be rejected. The prize will not be awarded to any Essay that does not give such evidence of solid study, sound thought, and literary care, as would, in the opinion of the judges, warrant its publication….

[p. 31]

FEES, BONDS, AND EXPENSES.

The full annual tuition-fee of a graduate student is $150.

A graduate student who pays the full tuition-fee is entitled, without further payment, to attend any of the courses of instruction in any department of the University (except exercises carried on in special laboratories), and to be examined in such courses. He has the right to use the University Library; and, on the further payment of certain laboratory fees, he may attend, and be examined in, courses of instruction, and, if properly qualified, may be admitted to work, in the following laboratories and museums: —

The Jefferson Physical Laboratory,

The Chemical Laboratory in Boylston Hall,

The Mineralogical Cabinet and Laboratory,

The Museum of Comparative Zoology,

The Botanic Garden and Herbaria and the Botanical Laboratory.

The special laboratory-fees are as follows: For each laboratory-course in Physics, the fee is $10, which covers all charges. For study in the Chemical and Mineralogical laboratories, there is a general fee, which varies from $5 to $30, according to the nature and amount of the work undertaken, and also an individual fee for the use of materials in special investigations and for breakage, and in payment of fines for violation of the laboratory regulations. For each laboratory-course in Natural History, the fee is $5, which covers all charges.

Graduate students who do not wish to take the full number of courses

[p. 32]

of instruction may register as members of the Graduate Department, and may avail themselves of many of the privileges of full membership in the University, on the following terms : —

For any course of instruction, named in the Elective Pamphlet, and not a laboratory-course, the fee is $45 a year; and for any such half-course, $25 a year; up to $150 a year. But any student who takes a laboratory-course must pay the full tuition-fee of $150, besides the special laboratory-fees. For instruction not given in the regular courses, or at the laboratory, the fee will be computed at the rate of $15 per one hour a week of instruction during the academic year, up to $150. But in no case shall the tuition-fee of a graduate student, whether resident or not (non-resident holders of fellowships being excepted) be less than $30 a year; and it is never more than $150 a year.

A graduate student paying less than $150 a year is not entitled to the privilege of free admission to the instruction and the examinations given in other departments of the University.

The fee for the examination for the degree of Ph.D. or S.D. is $30; but this fee is not charged to any candidate who has paid the full tuition-fee of $150 for at least one year as a graduate student.

Graduates of the University or of other collegiate institutions, desirous of pursuing their studies at Cambridge without guidance, may enjoy the use of the Library on the payment of five dollars a year; but such graduates are not entitled to be classed as students of the University, nor will residence on these terms be accepted as residence constituting membership of the Graduate Department or qualifying for any degree.

Members of the Graduate Department, except the holders of travelling fellowships, must give bonds in the sum of $200, signed by two bondsmen, one of whom must be a citizen of the United States, for the payment of all dues to the University, but the bond of the “American Surety Company,” if made in a form that shall be satisfactory to the Bursar, will also be received. Instead of filing a bond, any student who prefers may pay his fees in advance, and deposit with the Bursar such a sum of money as may be deemed sufficient to secure payment of all other dues to the University.

No officer or student of the University will be accepted as a bondsman. The bills of graduate students are payable in each year on January 12, April 12, and October 10; but the third bill of all candidates for degrees must be paid at least one day before Commencement. Each bill will contain one third of the annual charges. When a student severs his connexion with the University, his whole bill becomes payable at once.

The following deductions are made from the full year’s tuition fee, in cases of absence during a part of the year, arising from any cause: —

[p. 33]

For absence during not less than three consecutive months at any time of the year, $30 will be deducted.

For absence during the whole year, not including the mid-year or final examinations, $100 will be deducted.

No deduction is made, on the ground of absence, from the fees charged for single courses and half-courses.

The necessary expenses of living of a graduate student for an academic year (of thirty-eight weeks) may be estimated as follows : —

Rent and care of furnished room…             $40 to $175

 

Board…                                                               133 to 304

 

Fuel and lights…                                                20 to 50

$193 to $529

For the total yearly expenditure (including the full tuition-fee, books, room, board, fuel, lights, clothing, etc.), $500 is enough for a student who practices strict, but not unhealthful economy; $800, for one of careful and moderate habits; and $1000, to cover all ordinary comforts; while $1400 is a very liberal estimate for any student who does not indulge in mere extravagance.

Members of any department of the University can board at cost by joining the Association which uses the great dining-room of Memorial Hall. The cost may be expected not to exceed four dollars and a half per week. Applications for seats should be made, at as early a date as possible, at the Hall to the Auditor, from whom full information can be obtained. The Hall opens on the last Wednesday in September.

The Hemenway Gymnasium (see p. 39) is open to all students of the University.

[p. 34]

APPENDIX.

LIBRARIES, LABORATORIES, MUSEUMS, ETC.

The University Library.

The College Library in Gore Hall is for the use of the whole University. All students who have given bonds may take out books, three volumes at a time, and may keep them four weeks. Books, reserved at the instance of officers of instruction, as collateral reading for their courses, are shelved in separate alcoves, with tables for consultation, and can be taken out only near the close of library hours, and must be returned upon the reopening of the Library. Students who leave Cambridge for an absence of more than one week must first return all borrowed books.

The College Library is open every week-day, except Thanksgiving day, Christmas day, New Year’s day, Fast day, Memorial day, and the Fourth of July, from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m.; but in winter it closes half an hour before sunset, and in vacation or recess at 2 p.m. On Sundays during term time the Library is open, for readers only, after 1 o’clock p.m.

The College Library may be consulted by all persons, whether connected with the University or not. The privilege of borrowing books is also granted, under special regulations, to persons not connected with the University. Blanks for making applications for such use may be had of the Librarian.

Persons entitled to use the College Library can have access to the departmental libraries, for consultation, by applying to the Superintendent of circulation at Gore Hall; but such libraries are primarily for the special use of the schools and departments, and are placed in the buildings belonging to such schools and departments. An express-box passes regularly between the College Library and the Bussey Institution.

The following was the enumeration of the bound volumes in the several libraries in Sept. 1885 : —

Gore Hall                                                         232,800

Lawrence Scientific School                              2,500

Bussey Institution (Jamaica Plain)                2,700

Phillips Library (Observatory)                        3,300

Botanic Garden (Herbarium Library)           4,000

Law School                                                        21,600

Divinity School                                                 17,400

Medical School (Boston)                                  1,500

Museum of Comparative Zoology                17,600*

Peabody Museum                                                 800

304,800

 

* This does not include the Whitney Collection of Geology and Geography, not yet enumerated.

[p. 35]

The collection of pamphlets and maps in the College Library is very large, and is estimated to be equal in number to the collection of bound volumes. The departmental libraries have also considerable numbers of pamphlet monographs on subjects connected with their specialties; and these are not included in the count of volumes. The College Library has also a collection of coins.

The catalogue of the Gore Hall Collection, including pamphlets, is on cards, accessible to the public, and consists of two parts, the one arranged by authors, the other by subjects. Printed strips of titles added to all the libraries are issued two or three times a week; and they are posted in Gore Hall and in the departmental libraries. Three or four times during the academic year, they are gathered in the Bulletin of the University, and issued with notes on the authorities in different departments of knowledge. From such supplements, another series of publications is made up, as “Bibliographical Contributions,” which are in course of publication. More extensive bibliographical works constitute another series, ” Special Publications,” of which Scudder’s “Catalogue of Scientific Serials” (1633-1876, 8vo, pp. 370) makes No. 1, published in 1879. There has also been issued a Catalogue of the Gray Collection of Engravings (4to, 1869); but this collection has, for the present, been transferred from the Library to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. The Library also issues for the University a Weekly Calendar, giving announcements not contained in the tabular views….

[p. 39]

The Hemenway Gymnasium.

The new gymnasium, named in honor of Augustus Hemenway of Boston, who gave it to the University, is a handsome and spacious structure, built and equipped with the utmost thoroughness. It is furnished with the best patterns of ordinary gymnastic apparatus, and with many new appliances designed to develop the different parts of the body, and so constructed that they can be adjusted to the strength of the strong or to the weakness of the weak.

The bathing arrangements are complete, and the dressing accommodations are ample.

Facilities for recreative exercise have been provided in the Bowling-Alleys and Ball-Court, and in the Rowing, Fencing, and Sparring Rooms

The Gymnasium is open to all students of the University on week days from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., and from 3 until 5.30, and from 8 until 10 p.m., except on Saturdays, when it is closed at 6 o’clock.

The attendance is voluntary, and the system adopted is one designed to meet the special wants of each individual. Realizing the great diversity in age, size, and strength, as well as in health, of the students who attend the University, the Director makes no attempt to group them into classes which pursue the same course of exercises.

[p. 40]

Upon entering the University, each student is entitled to an examination by the Director, in which his physical proportions are measured, his strength tested, his heart and lungs examined, and information is solicited concerning his general health and inherited tendencies. From the data thus procured, a special order of appropriate exercises is made out for each student, with specifications of the movements and apparatus which he may best use. After working on this prescription for three or six months, the student is entitled to another examination, by which the results of his work are ascertained, and the Director enabled to make a further prescription for his individual case.

A course of informal lectures is given by the Director, in which the theories and principles of physical training are practically illustrated….

 

Source: Harvard University. Account of the Graduate Department for the Academic Year 1886-87 (Second edition, July 1886),

Categories
Curriculum Harvard Regulations

Harvard Economics. Information Regarding Graduate Degrees, 1947

February 1, 1947

HARVARD UNIVERSITY
Department of Economics
Information Regarding Graduate Degrees

I.       ADMISSION TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Application for admission to the Graduate School should be made directly to the Graduate School office in Farlow House, 24 Quincy Street.

II.      REGISTRATION FOR GRADUATE STUDENT PROGRAMS

All graduate students, including veterans, are expected to register for full-time study, or four half-courses. Exceptions may be made on the basis of medical or physical reasons. Consult the Graduate School Dean or Secretary.

III.     REQUIREMENTS FOR THE A.M. IN ECONOMICS

A. Plan of Study Plans of Study must be approved by the Chairman of the Department before the end of the first term in residence.

B. Residence  Two full terms of advanced work with acceptable grades at Harvard are necessary to establish residence.

C. Languages  A reading knowledge of one approved language (other than English) in which there exists a significant body of literature in the field of Economics is required. This requirement is satisfied by passing the written examination given by the Department in the first week of November and March. This requirement must be met before taking the general examination.

D. General Oral Examination

1. The candidate will be examined on four fields, as presented in the Plan of Study, selected from the groups below:

(a) Two from Group A, including Economic Theory.

(b) Two from Groups A, B, and C (not more than one from Group C).

Group A

(1) Economic Theory and its History, with special reference to the Development of Economic Thought since 1776.

(2) Economic History since 1750, or some other approved field in Economic History

(3) Statistical Method and its Application

Group B

(4) Money and Banking

(5) Economic Fluctuations and Forecasting

(6) Transportation

(7) Industrial Organization and Control

(8) Public Finance

(9) International Trade and Tariff Policies

(10) Economics of Agriculture

(11) Labor Problems

(12) Socialism and Social Reform

(13) Economic History before 1750

(14) Consumption Distribution and Prices

(15) Economics of Public Utilities

(16) Social Security

Group C

(17) Forestry Economics

(18) Any of the historical fields defined under the requirements for the Ph.D. in History

(19) Certain fields in Political Science listed under the requirements for the Ph.D. in Political Science.

(20) Jurisprudence (selected topics)

(21) Philosophy (selected topics)

(22) Anthropology

(23) History of Political Theory

(24) International Law

(25) Sociology. Certain fields defined under the requirements for the Ph.D. in Sociology.

2. Under certain conditions three fields of study may be offered for the oral examination. If the candidate is to be examined orally in three fields of study, he must present, in lieu of an oral examination on the fourth field, a full course on the graduate level offered by the Department followed by a seminar in the same field. The approval of the Chairman of the Department is necessary. Grades of at least B+ must be obtained in each course.

3. Preparation

(a) The fields of study are covered in part by formal course instruction, but supplementary reading must be undertaken to meet the requirements.

(b) Preparation for the field Economic Theory and its History will normally require two full courses in the field at the graduate level, or equivalent private reading. Candidates should consult the Chairman of the Department concerning their work in this field.

(c) In Statistics, Economics 21a, or its equivalent, is a prerequisite to graduate instruction. Either Professor Crum or Professor Frickey should be consulted.

(d) Usually three terms of graduate study at Harvard are necessary as preparation for the general examination, but a candidate who has been credited with graduate work of high order at another institution may be able to prepare himself in a shorter period.

4. Excuses from final course examinations

Candidates for the Master’s degree who are not candidates for the Ph.D. degree must take the final examinations in courses.

5. Quality of work

Candidates for this degree must give evidence, in their course records, of the capacity for distinguished work. Ordinarily, candidates whose records at Harvard do not average at least B will not be allowed to present themselves for the general examination.

6. Arranging the examination

The oral, or general, examinations are not set at any specified date. The arrangements for the examination must be made at least six weeks in advance of the date proposed by the candidate. Consult the Secretary of the Department, M-8 Littauer Center.

E. Application for the A.M.

Application for the degree must be filed in the office of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, 24 Quincy Street, by December 1 for a degree at Midyear; March 1 for the degree at Commencement. (August 1 if degrees are awarded at end of summer term.)

F. Special A.M. in Economics for Veterans

The only changes from the stated conditions given above are:

(1) On petition a candidate for a master’s degree may present himself for an oral examination in which quantitatively the requirement in Economic Theory is one that can be met in one year of graduate study.

(2) The requirements regarding the offering of Economic History or Statistics are eliminated.

It must be understood that the oral examination for this degree will not be accepted as part of the formal requirements for the Ph.D. degree.

A. Plan of Study Plans of Study must be approved by the Chairman of the Department before the end of the first term in residence.

B. Residence  Two full terms of advanced work with acceptable grades at Harvard are necessary to establish residence.

C. General Oral Examination  The candidate will be examined on four fields as presented in the Plan of Study. (See list of fields of study above.)

(a) Economic Theory

(b) Three from Groups A, B, and C (not more than one from Group C.)

IV.      REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PH.D. IN ECONOMICS

A. Residence

To establish residence for the Ph.D. degree, the Faculty requires not less than two full years of advanced work (four terms). To count toward this requirement the quality of the work i each course must be maintained at a high level.

1. Two terms (eight courses) must be taken during the academic year in residence at Harvard.

2. Graduate work completed in other departments of Harvard or at another institution may be offered in full or partial fulfilment of the other two terms required. Consult the Chairman of the Department.

B. Languages

The candidate must present a reading knowledge of two approved languages (other than English) in which there exists a significant body of literature in the field of Economics, one passed before taking the general examination, and both passed at least six months before the special examination. This requirement is satisfied only by passing the examination given by the Department of Economics in the first week of November and March.

The candidate may, if he chooses, offer in place of one of the required languages evidence of his capacity to read and understand the more elementary mathematical presentations used or usable in economics.

Such elementary methods are herein defined to include such knowledge of analytic geometry as is frequently given in the first year of college and such knowledge of differential calculus and integral calculus as is frequently given in a single-year course in college.

In terms of present (1947) courses in Harvard College, this means through Math 2.

Evidence that the student has this knowledge shall be furnished by the passage of an examination “in the reading of mathematical economics” to be set by an officer of this Department and held at the usual date or dates of the language examination. By exception, a pass grade in Math 2a and b at Harvard or Radcliffe will be accepted in place of the special mathematics examination. In unusual cases, the examiner may recommend that appropriate grades in similar mathematics courses elsewhere be accepted instead of the special examination.

C. Plan of Study

Every candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy is required to submit to his Department, on a blank provided by the Department office, a plan showing his fields of study and his preparation in those fields. This plan of study must be submitted not later than the end of the first term of graduate work. The Department reserves the right not to approve any plan which seems unsatisfactory, even though the plan meets the formal requirements of distribution in the various groups. Candidates may present, for the consideration of the Department, reasonable substitutes for any of the fields named in the several groups.

1. The plan of study must include six fields, approved by the Chairman of the Department, selected as follows from the list on pp. 1-2 above:

(a) The three subjects in Group A are required, and

(b) Three from Group B, or

(c) Two from Group B and one from Group C.

D. General Oral Examination

1. The general oral examination for the Ph.D. is the same as the examination for the Master’s degree.

2. Excuses from final course examinations:

(a) Consult the Secretary of the Department in M-8 Littauer Center.

(b) Ordinarily candidates are excused from the final examinations in courses included in the fields presented for the general examination provided the general examination is passed after December 1 in the fall term and April 14 in the spring term and before the course examinations are held.

(c)  Students must receive at least a grade of “good” in the general examination to be excused.

E. Fifth Field (write-off field)

The requirement regarding the fifth field of study in the Ph.D. program is usually fulfilled by the passing of the equivalent of a full year graduate course offered at Harvard and completed with the grade of B+ or higher. Seminars offered by the Graduate School of Public Administration are not acceptable for “write-off” purposes. The requirement also may be fulfilled by oral examination at the time of the general. One-half course must have been completed in the write-off field with a grade of B+ or higher before the general examination.

F. Thesis  – written within the sixth (special) field

1. Every candidate for the doctorate is required to report to the Secretary of the Department, as soon as possible after his general examination, the subject of his thesis and the member of the Department under whom he intends to work.

2. Two bound copies of the thesis, the original of which may be printed or typewritten, with a carbon copy clear and legible, must be in the hands of the Chairman of the Department by December 1  and  April 1 for degrees at midyear or Commencement, and August 1 for a fall degree.

3. The thesis must be accepted by the Department before the candidate can be admitted to the final examination.

4. The thesis must show an original treatment of the subject, and give evidence of independent research.

5. Every thesis must be accompanied by two copies of a brief summary, not exceeding 1200 words in length, which shall indicate as clearly as possible the methods, material, and results of the investigation. These summaries will be printed by the University in an annual volume.

G. Special Oral Examination

1. At present it is expected that one year of residence will elapse between the general and the special examinations. The preparation for the doctorate is regarded by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and by the Department as a continuous process. Ordinarily, the candidate must stand for the final examination within five years after passing the general examination.

2. Applications for the Ph.D. degree must be filed with the Graduate School (24 Quincy Street) and approved by the Administrative Board of the Graduate School before the final examination. The Graduate School requires that the application be filed by December 1 for the degree at midyear, and March 1 for the degree at Commencement (or August 1 if degree is awarded at end of summer term).

3. To arrange for the date of the special examination, consult the Secretary of the Department, M-8 Littauer Center, six weeks in advance of the proposed date, and before December 1, for the degree at midyear, and March 1 for the degree at Commencement.

4. The special examination will include an examination of the candidate on the thesis presented and also an intensive examination on the “sixth field” within which the subject matter of the thesis is included.

5. During the special oral examination, candidates are required to show an acquaintance with the literature in their special field in the two languages approved for their program.

H. For the doctorate in Economics at least three years devoted to advanced study are usually considered as the minimum period of preparation for graduates of colleges in good standing.

I. Candidates for the degree should be well grounded in the main outlines of European and American history, and should have had a general view of the nature and growth of political institutions and constitutional law.

J. Students who wish to pursue special plans of study for the Ph.D., or to work in fields not announced as fields in which the degree may be taken, should consult the Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Science, since in exceptional cases special arrangements may be made.

K. Special Ph.D. in Economics for Veterans

The only change from the stated conditions given above is that in the case of exceptional performance in graduate study, the requirements regarding the number of fields for the Ph.D may be reduced to five fields, but in each case this program must be voted by the Department.

V.      REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PH.D. IN BUSINESS ECONOMICS

The program of study for the degree will be made up of six fields chosen from the groups given below. Four (or under certain conditions, three) of these fields, including Economic Theory, which is required, will be presented for the general examination. Only two fields, including Economic Theory, may ordinarily be chosen from Group A. Fields other than those here stated may be offered. Emphasis is placed upon an integrated program. in all cases the program of study must be approved by the Chairman of the Department of Economics. For advice, see the Chairman of the Department of Economics. For advice, see the Chairman of the Department of Economics on courses relating to economics and the Secretary of the Doctoral Board at the Graduate School of Business Administration for business subjects.

Group A

(1) Economic Theory and its History, with special reference to the Development of the History of Economic Thought since 1776.

(2) Economic History since 1750.

(3) Public Finance and Taxation.

(4) Economics of Agriculture.

Group B

(5) Accounting

(6) Marketing

(7) Foreign Trade

(8) Production

(9) Money and Banking

(10) Corporate Organization and Finance

(11) Transportation

(12) Insurance

(13) Statistical Method and its Application

(14) Economics of Public Utilities

(15) Labor

Special Examination and Thesis

     The procedure in general follows that outlined for the Ph.D. in Economics. The field for the special examination should ordinarily be chosen from Group B.

SOURCE:  HARVARD UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES.
UAV 349.11 Box 13. Department of Economics/1930-1961 and some earlier/General Exams to Haberler
Graduate Degree Requirements.

Categories
Economists Harvard

Harvard Economics. Rules for Graduate Study, 1955

Letter from Economics Department Chairman Seymour E. Harris to Professor Edward H. Chamberlin December 1, 1955 in which he is appointed Chairman of the Committee on Graduate Instruction and Examinations. “For your convenience I have jotted down the major rules that still seem to prevail, though I am not sure that I covered all of them. The Economics Bible is available in Miss Cohn’s office, but should not be taken out of this office, or not farther than the QJE office.”

___________________________

Rules for Graduate Study

(Based on the Economics Department Bible)

  1. Students ordinarily to study full time. Permission to work at less than full time: if working out; for medical reasons; if short 1 –  1½ courses. Permission is required from Dean of Graduate School (1946).
  2. Residence Complete
    Working on a thesis — full-time registration is required.
  3. Outside Field is acceptable if
    Contributes to program in economics
    Limited number (1946)
    Chairman administers (1947)
  4. History of Economic Thought
    Should be tested in theory exam. (1939)
  5. Languages
    Mathematics can be substituted.
    Mathematics 2 at Harvard or test will fulfill requirements.
    Foreign student — 1 language at discretion of Chairman. But ordinarily tested to make sure that student can handle English.
    French or German must be 1 language.
    Second language: Math (substitute), or Spanish, or Italian, or Russian, or Scandinavian, or French, or German (1947-50).
    Can substitute other language if needed for Ph.D. thesis — with consent of Chairman.
    M.A. — 1 language — French or German.
    Fail twice — must give evidence of further work — e.g., ½ course.
  6. Three-Man Examination Board
    If student has ½ A’s, note below A-
    1 B+ if examined in this course
    1½ hours for three-man board
  7. Low Grades
    Chairman in consultation recommend to Dean against registration (1943)
    Below 2 B+’s and 2 B’s — warned
    Previously not allowed to register (1947)
  8. B Record a Condition for General Exam. (1939)
  9. Write-Off Fields
    B+ average (1939)
    Met by taking full graduate course at Harvard (1949)
    Summer course not adequate.
    B+ average O.K. if ½ course is below B when improvement is shown (1943).
  10. Credit for Graduate Courses Taken as Undergraduate
    Allowed if not counted towards A.B. (1946).Credits for 1 degree not count for others — Ph.D. at least 1 year beyond A.M.
  11. Statistics (1946)
    221a and 221b or 221a and 221c* [Footnote: “* On advice of Professor Orcutt.”]
    If not covered by exams., must have B+ or better for ½ course before exams.
    Pass Generals but inadequate grade in statistics — to be examined in Specials on statistics.
  12. M.A. — Generally 2 years.
    Grades — Same as Ph.D., except pass – lower standard than fair minimum for Ph.D.
    Ordinarily for 2 years, but exceptions could be made.
    (recent years)
  13. Exams.
    Theory and its history — ordinarily 2 courses theory
    Examiner should have significant contact with student (1940)
  14. Exam. (General)
    Before January 1952 — examined in special field
    Taken after 1952 — examined on thesis only. Special field should be covered in general exam.
  15. Must write thesis within five years of General Exam.
    Additional year may be granted by Chairman.

SOURCE:  HARVARD UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES.
UAV 349.11 Box 13. Department of Economics/1930-1961 and some earlier/General Exams to Haberler
Graduate Degree Requirements.