New Possibilities Seen For Course Reduction

Edward T. Wilcox, Chairman of the Committee on Advanced Standing, looked today toward the possibility that independent study under the course reduction program will be able to count toward concentration or upper-level distribution requirements.

This hope is expressed in a letter mailed today to about 300 sophomores and juniors with advanced placement credit, who will be especially eligible for course reduction next year. Wilcox intends that the letter will clarify the program and encourage students to apply for independent study.

Count for Concentration

Although it is purely a departmental decision, Wilcox would like to see future independent projects within a student's field of concentration count toward concentration and independent study outside the major help fulfill general education requirements. Departments such as mathematics and history and literature, he said, will now credit course reduction toward an honors program.

Stephen Graubard of the Committee on General Education said that although the case had not yet arisen, he would say "offhand, no" that independent study out of field could count toward distribution credit.

May Be Forced Out

Since the proposed new curriculum will require two years of graded tutorial for honors candidates, Wilcox fears that with only fourteen courses left, in which to fulfill concentration and general education requirements, course reduction may be squeezed out. "I am particularly concerned," he said, "that the new curriculum should not, either implicitly or explicitly, rule out a rapid and steady growth for independent study through course reduction."

Tutorial 99, Wilcox suggests, does not always provide the opportunity for really independent study, since the student is graded and must work within a field. "Tutorial is more a different pedagogical method from formal courses," he said, "rather than a different concept."