Author: Irwin Collier

October 25, 1930

DEGREE RULINGS

Required Fields:

Statistics:

“The Chairman informed the Department that in the cases of students electing Economics 1a and 41b he had ruled that such students should present themselves for oral examination in Statistics and that he would not accept 1a and 41b in lieu of such examination. This ruling was approved by the Department. The Department was also informed that in a number of cases it was possible that the students might elect to take the mid-year examination in 41a, and that if the mid-year examination in 41a was passed with high distinction the Chairman might accept the grade in 41a together with 41b in lieu of oral examination.” 6/30.

Students previously registered in the Graduate School may be exempted from this ruling.

Students offering Statistics for General Examination are strongly advised to take 1a, 41a, and 41b, or the equivalent.

Economic History:

Substitutions:

Ancient Economic History.
Economic Geography. (Hoover).

An approved course at another university.
Economics 2 in special cases. (Former graduate students, Harvard undergraduates –Danielian).
Economics S20 allowed for Hoffman, Ross, Gabine. (5th. field).

5th Field:

“Economics S20 in Economic History under Professor Usher will be accepted for course credit and men will not be required to stand for oral examination. This does not serve as a precedent, but in these cases (Hoffman, Ross, Gabine – SS30) the work of each man was carefully outlined with Professor Usher and the amount of work required was in excess of the amount of work required in Economics 25.” 6/30

“In the case of a candidate for the Ph.D. who is a graduate of Harvard College, electing to meet the requirements of the field by the substitution of a course taken as an undergraduate the Department voted that the acceptable grade should be A.” (Abbott).

Outside field:

The Chairman suggested that men electing American History since 1789 be encouraged to present History 13 under Professor Baxter’s direction in lieu of standing for oral examination in this field and the Department authorised the Chairman to follow out this suggestion. The Department also authorised the Chairman to encourage men to meet the outside field requirement by the substitution of a distinction grade in an approved course.” 4/29.

“In the Division meeting of April 23 the representatives of the Department of Government discussed the requirements in the field of Political Theory as an outside field for the Ph.D. candidates in History and Economics. It was the opinion of Professor McIlwain, in which the other members of the Department of Government concurred, that the requirements should be that in general the candidate should be familiar at least in outline with the general field of Political Theory and should emphasise in detail one part of the field.” 4/29

“It was moved by the Department that “only graduate courses be accepted as approved, excepting by vote”, and it was moved that the Department accept Professor McIlwain’s list of approved courses in History. Following these votes, it is the intention of the Department that particular courses – Government, Mathematics, Philosophy, etc. – be reported to the Department for discussion and decision. 10/28.

Wisniewski. It was voted that Wisniewski’s requirement in Economic History was met by his work at Warsaw, and he is permitted to present Mathematics as one of his six fields. 4/30.

Special fields allowed:

Mathematics – Wisniewski, Seabury.
Government Control of Industry – Baker.
Railroads – Baker.
Marketing _ Davisson.
History of Ancient Philosophy – Gilbert
Corporation Finance – Smith, Lawrence.
Accounting – Tebbutt, Frickey, Hunt, Manly.
Public Utilities – Bernstein, James.
History 23b – Davis, I.G.
History of Japan – Shoemaker
History of Science – Wright.
Industrial History – Ellis.

Tebutt allowed to offer both Acct. and Stat. 3/10/31.

Special field:

“A candidate for the Ph.D. may present Economic Theory and three other fields in Economics with one outside field for his General Examinations, and take his special subject in Economic Theory. The Department voted that excepting in most unusual circumstances this would not be permissible in any other field than Theory.” 10/29.

20 Courses:

In an approved case a 20 course may be offered for course credit for the fifth field, or may be used to supplement a course taken at another institution to be offered for course credit, or may be used to supplement a Summer School course to be offered for course credit(Ex. Lamb).

Economics S20 may with permission be taken for a full course credit.

Economics S20 in Economic History under Professor Usher has in special cases, which are not to be considered as establishing precedent, been allowed to stand for course credit in the fifth field, thereby completing the Economic History requirement. (Hoffman, Ross, Gabine).

Economics S20 may with special permission be taken in absentia. (Goldstein).

There is an understanding with Dean Chase that the grade may not be returned until after the General Examinations if the instructor so wishes.

Language Examinations:

“It was moved that the tests might be taken separately for the Ph.D. degree”. 4/30.

Examinations for the degree may be taken in absentia. (Reddick)

Language Requirements:

“The petition of A. G. Peterson that he be allowed to substitute Scandinavian or Spanish for French or German was discussed. Finally it was voted that our present requirements must be maintained. There was general agreement with the position of Professor Taussig that French and German were indispensable tools and that vocational needs should not be taken into account.

The Chairman was instructed to discuss with Dean Chase the following possibility, that in lieu of a reading knowledge of both French and German a candidate might present a reading knowledge of a third language and an elementary knowledge of either French or German.” 4/30.

A.M. degree:

“In particular cases we find it desirable to suggest research work to certain men in their first year. but the Department deems it inadvisable to require research work as a part of the Master’s program………….regard the new Master’s degree as essentially a teacher’s degree.” 2/29.

Didzun. “The Division voted that one Didzun, candidate for the Master’s degree through the accumulation of Summer School courses through 1927 be allowed to take his Master’s degree under the old conditions.” 11/29.

Jones and Taylor. “Two graduate students – W. H. Jones and R. Taylor – were sent here this year by the Ministry of Agriculture of Great Britain. Both the Ministry of Agriculture and the two students were under the impression that the A.M. degree could be secured under the old conditions. After considerable discussion it was moved by Professor Gay that the Department recommend to the Graduate School that the degree should be awarded to these two men under the old conditions. This motion was seconded and passed.” 10/30.

“The practice of the Administrative Board of the Graduate School is to require that grades of B minus be offset by grades of B plus or higher. They do not necessarily refuse to recommend for the degree in all cases where this requirement is not met, but consider all records which do not meet the requirement as special cases.”
(C.H. Moore. 2/28/30).

Ph.D. in Business Economics.

“It was voted that a candidate for the Ph.D. in Business Economics should be allowed to present for his Generals four subjects and should be permitted to meet requirements for the fifth subject by presenting a satisfactory grade in an approved course. This should be discussed with the Business School.”  10/29.

(Precedent established by D. Leighton 10/11/28).

General Examination – Procedure.

“In the course of discussing the procedure of the committees in Ph.D. General Examinations it was voted that the Chairman of a Committee was expected to take part in the examination unless he notified the Chairman of the Division to the contrary, in which case the Chairman should appoint a fifth member.” 10/29.

[in pencil added] Man is excused from final course examinations in courses relating to fields in which he offers for Generals in cases where Generals come in April, May.

  Thesis and Special Examination.

[this paragraph apparently crossed out and an asterisk penciled in before it] “There is no precedent covering a case where the dissenting member of the original committee refuses to accede to the proposal to add a fourth member to the committee. The Chairman of the Division rules that in such a case a fourth member may be added and that his vote may be final. If he favours accepting the thesis the three who favour acceptance may sign the certificate and the candidate will be admitted to his final examination.” (Professor T. N. Carver, 5/30)

“At a meeting of the Division on April 14, 1925, Professor Taussig reported that Chu Hsiao, a third year graduate student, had been prevented by sudden and heavy calls on his time in aid of another student from China from completing his thesis by April 1. It appeared also that he would be compelled by the same occurrence to go to China at once and could not return to the United States for an indefinite period. On motion it was voted that in view of the excellence of Hsiao’s work as shown by his record in the courses taken, and also of his having passed the General Examination with high credit he be permitted after the completion and acceptance of his thesis to take the examination in his special field in writing at such time and place and under such conditions as shall be provided by the Chairman of the Division and the Chairman of the Division Committee on Higher Degrees.” 4/14/25.

Final Course Examinations.

The candidate is excused from final course examinations in courses relating to fields which he offers for the General Examinations in cases where the Generals are taken after April 1.

*In this understanding with Usher it was specified that the readings should last for ten to twelve weeks if it was to count for a full course. In each case Usher gave an examination so that all conditions were fulfilled.

Additional Rulings – (Voted in the Division meeting, Nov., 1930).

*Ph.D. theses shall be read by two members of the Division and in case of disagreement by a third member of the Division whose decision shall be final.

A thesis rejected for the Ph.D. may not be resubmitted in revised form without the approval of two members of the original committee.

Professor Bullock moved that the Chairman of the Division with the three department chairmen form a committee to approve plans of study.

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 The candidate f0r the Master’s degree shall be required to present either Economic History or Statistics in addition to Economic Theory.

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It was voted that properly qualified candidates for the Ph.D. should be allowed to offer as a sixth subject in addition to Group A, some special field in Economic Theory. 5/31.

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It was voted to recommend to the Division that the field Commodity Distribution and Prices be accepted for the Ph.D. 10/13/31.

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Dean Mayo on December 18 ruled that we would accept the reading requirements in French and German fulfilled in other universities as sufficient for entrance, or two years study of the language either as undergraduate or graduate. 12/18/31.

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For entrance into the Graduate School – 2 years of French or German, one year of which is a reasonably advanced course.

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On May 19, 1931 the Faculty voted: “That beginning with the academic year 1932-33 candidates for admission to the Graduate School be required to show a reading knowledge of either French or German, unless on the recommendation of a Division or Department this requirement be waived for men whose exceptional fitness for work in their special fields is clear.”

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

This edition of degree requirements at Harvard includes lists of the fields under Groups A, B, and C.

_______________________

1934 – 1935

HARVARD UNIVERSITY

Department of Economics

Requirements for Graduate Degrees:  The more important regulations regarding graduate degrees are stated below.

I. General Information for Candidates for the A.M. and Ph.D. degrees

A. Programs of study

1. The program of study for the A.M. and Ph.D. degrees must form a consistent plan of work pursued with some definite aim. It should be submitted to Professor Burbank, Chairman of the Department of Economics, 41 Holyoke House, for approval early in the year.

2. The fields of study are to be chosen from the following:

 

GROUP A.

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

b. Economic History since 1750, or some other approved field in Economic History

c. Statistical Method and its Application

GROUP B.

d. Money and Banking

e. Economic Fluctuations and Forecasting

e.2 Industrial Organization and Control

f. Public Utilities (including Transportation)

g. Economics of Corporations

h. International Trade and Tariff Policies

i. Economics of Agriculture

j. Labor Problems

k. Socialism.and Social Reform

l. Public Finance

m. Economic History before 1750

n. Commodity Distribution and Prices

o. Economics of Public Utilities

p.2 Mathematical Economics

GROUP C.

p. Any of the historical fields from Group A or B, defined under the requirements for the Ph.D. in History.  [See Division Pamphlet.]

q. Comparative Modern Government

r. American Government and Constitutional Law

s. Municipal Government

t. Jurisprudence (Selected topics)

u. Philosophy (Selected topics)

v. Anthropology

w. History of Political Theory

x. International Law

y. Sociology [Certain fields — see Sociology Pamphlet]

z. Economics of Forestry

B. Applications for degrees

Candidates for degrees must apply to the Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, 24 University Hall, by December 1, for the degree at Midyears; or by January 15, for the degree at Commencement.

II. Special requirements for the A.M.

A. Residence.

The candidate must take one full year of advanced work at Harvard — four courses with a grade of B or higher in each. These courses may be taken in one year or over a period of years. (See new requirement on page 5)

B. Languages.

An ELEMENTARY knowledge of French and German, and a READING knowledge of the other language is required. This requirement may be met as follows:

1. For the READING knowledge, by a passing grade in the written examinations given by the Department early in November and March.

2. For the ELEMENTARY  knowledge, by one of the following methods:

(a) a passing grade in an elementary course at Harvard or some other institution

(b) a passing grade in an undergraduate examination at Harvard, which is given three times a year —

French:   September 22; January 7; April 22.
German: September 22; January 8; April 23.

(b) a passing grade in the written examinations given by the Department early in November and March; or

This requirement may be met at any time prior to application for the Master’s degree.

C. General Examination.

The candidate must pass an oral examination on FOUR fields of study, to be selected from those listed above according to the following distribution:

1. TWO from Group A, including Economic Theory.

2. TWO from Groups A, B, or C (not more than ONE to be selected from Group C).

The fields are covered only in part by formal course instruction. Supplementary reading must be undertaken to meet the requirements.

Preparation for this examination normally requires TWO full years of study. A student is advised not to stand for examination until he feels thoroughly prepared.

With Professor Burbank’s consent, a student may offer THREE fields of study for the Oral Examination, substituting a pro-seminar course for the fourth field.

When the General Examination is passed in the Spring, the candidate is excused with credit from the final course examination in courses relating to fields offered for the General Examination.

In judging the candidate’s fitness for the degree, regard will be had for the general grasp and maturity shown, as well as for the range and accuracy of his knowledge of the special subjects examined.

To secure a date for the General Examination, candidates must make arrangements with the Secretary in the Division Office, 15 Little Hall, before April 1.

III. Special requirements for the Ph.D. degree

A. Residence.

The candidate must take two years of advanced work — eight courses  — with grades of B or higher in each. (See new requirements on page 5.) One year, or four courses, must be taken at Harvard. Credit for work done at another institution may be substituted for the other year’s work, with Professor Burbank’s approval.

B. Languages.

The candidate must present a READING knowledge of both French and German. This requirement is satisfied ONLY by passing the Department written examination which is given early in November and March. It must be met SIX months before the Special Examination. Examinations in the two languages need not be taken at the same time.

At the time of the Special Examination, the candidate must show an acquaintance with the literature in their special fields in two modern languages other than English, ordinarily French and German.

C. Fields of Study.

The candidate must present SIX fields of study to be selected from the groups listed above according to the following distribution:

1. The THREE fields in Group A are required unless a candidate can show that he has done sufficient advanced work in Economic History or in Statistics to warrant his substituting a field from Group B or Group C.

2. The remaining THREE fields may be selected from Group B and Group C — though not more than ONE field may be taken from Group C.

Evidence of a knowledge of the SIX fields is shown as follows:

1. General Examination

FOUR fields, including Economic Theory, are presented at an oral examination. [For details regarding this examination, refer to the notes under C. of the requirements for the A.M. degree.]

2. “Fifth Field”

The requirement regarding the “fifth field” may be met by presenting work of distinguished quality in an approved course at Harvard.

3. Special Field.

The candidate meets the requirements of the sixth field by standing for oral examination and presenting a thesis which normally lies within the field examined. Ordinarily this field is chosen from Groups A or B. By special arrangements the same subject may be offered for the General and Special Examinations. However, this program is unusual, and arrangements must be made with the Chairman of the Department. In this case, the candidate must show evidence of a thorough knowledge of another field, which might have been offered for examination.

a. Candidates for the degree at Midyears would arrange for their Special Examinations on or before December 1 in the Division Office, 15 Little Hall; for the degree at Commencement, on or before April 1.

b. Two copies of the thesis must be in the hands of the Chairman of the Division, 15 Little Hall, by January 3 for the degree at Midyears, and by April 1 for the degree at Commencement.

The thesis must be accepted before the candidate may be admitted for the Special Examination. It must show an original treatment of the subject and give evidence of independent research. It must be in good literary form, suitable for publication. Except by special permission from the Chairman of the Division, all theses must be in typewritten or printed form.

Every thesis must be accompanied by a summary not exceeding 1200 words in length, which shall indicate as clearly as possible the methods, material, and results of the investigations. Each summary must be approved by the Division Committee as adequate and in suitable form for publication. These summaries are printed by the University in an annual volume.

At least SIX months must elapse between the General and Special Examinations.

Candidates for the Ph.D. must plan on no less than THREE full years of advanced study, and it is only a student with superior training and no outside demands on his time who can attain his degree in that time.

IMPORTANT NOTE: After September 1, 1934, candidates for the Ph.D. are required to show evidence, in some section of their graduate work, of high distinction — “A” — in formal course instruction, General or Special Examinations, or Dissertation.

Business Economics: For the degree in Business Economics, consult the Division pamphlet.

Miss Stone in 41 Holyoke House will be glad to answer any questions arising in connection with these regulations.

 

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

The link takes you to a table that merges information from two tables with information on undergraduate and graduate enrollments in history, government and economics as well as total expenditure in economics with number of part-time and full-time staff.

Harvard Enrollment Table, 1916/17-1936/37

SOURCE: Harvard University Archives.

UAV 349.11, Box 8: Department of Economics/Correspondence and Papers/1930-1961 and some earlier/Course Elections-Currie

Folder: Course elections and course figures