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.
_________________________
Harvard University
FACULTY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
DIVISION OF HISTORY AND POLITICAL SCIENCE
COMPRISING THE DEPARTMENTS OF HISTORY AND GOVERNMENT[,]
AND ECONOMICS
1897-98
[p. 2]
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.
[p. 3]
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 .
[p. 4]
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.
[p. 5]
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.
[…]
[p. 30]
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
[p. 31]
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.
- 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
[p. 32]
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.
- 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.
- 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
[p. 33]
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:
[p. 34]
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
[p. 35]
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
[p. 36]
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.
- 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.
[p. 37]
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,
[p. 38]
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
[p. 39]
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.
- 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
[p . 40]
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.
[p. 41]
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
[p. 42]
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.
[p. 43]
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.
[p. 44]
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.
- Political Institutions of Mediaeval Europe, including England.
- History of Political Institutions in Continental Europe since 1500.
- Constitutional History of England since the beginning of the Tudor period.
- History of American Institutions, including the Colonial period.
Group B.
- Theory of the State.
- Modern Government and Comparative Constitutional Law.
- International Law and Diplomatic History.
- Roman Law and selected topics in the history of Legal Institutions.
Group C.
- Economic Theory and its history.
- Applied Economics : Money and Banking, International Trade, Taxation and Finance.
- 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.
- 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.