The first year
Ideally, the first year is a time of exploration in which you try different
concentrations on for size, looking for one that fits. As you do, bear
in mind the requirements of potential concentrations; you may fulfill
requirements without really trying.
Deciding between Economics and Government? Social Analysis 10 is required
for Economics, but it also fulfills the Economics as a related field
in Government. The same is true for any course in the six related fields.
It lets you both explore that concentration and fulfill requirements
if you should choose Government.
In addition, many courses in the Core also count as Government or related
field courses. Taking these courses lets you explore your interests
while fulfilling both sets of requirements. The first year is also the
time to decide whether you should take Advanced Standing or not. If
you graduate in only three years, you will be allowed to use History
AP credit for one half-course in History as a related field. From the
perspective of the concentration requirements, one benefit of Advanced
Standing is that it makes it easy for students intending to graduate
in four years to take all or part of their junior year abroad.
Sophomore year
The sophomore year is a time for introducing yourself to the Department.
For students in Class of 2004 and beyond, every concentrator must take
Government 97 in the fall and in the spring. In addition, students should
be working toward completing their field requirements (particularly
the recommended two introductory courses), and continue to fulfill their "additional Government courses/related fields." At the same
time, it is important not to take too many Government courses in any
one term in order to avoid burnout. Sophomores are especially encouraged
to talk with their Concentration Advisor for help in mapping out a workable
plan of study that will balance departmental requirements with other
academic obligations, as well as other personal and academic goals. Government 97 (Sophomore Tutorial)
Sophomore Tutorial in the Fall Term provides every Government concentrator
with a common body of readings on the fundamental principles and practice
of the American regime, including: the founding documents and debates; Tocqueville's interpretation of American democracy; John Stuart Mill's defense of liberty;and landmark court cases on freedom of speech and religion.
Students are encouraged to grasp the relationship between public controversies
in practical politics and theoretical writings.
Sophomore Tutorial in the Spring Term covers the intersection of international
relations and comparative politics. The course is organized around key
concepts in political science, ranging from war to globalization.
Sophomore Tutorial can be one of the highlights of one's undergraduate
program. As a tutorial, the course is a small-group discussion, offering
each student ample opportunity to express and refine opinions. As a
course on principles of government, it raises issues of immediate importance
to every participant, and as a House Tutorial it provides an atmosphere
conducive to free and open discussion that is hard to duplicate.
Junior year
Juniors should consider which additional government courses will best
contribute to deepening their interests in the Government program. Most
students will accomplish this goal through Junior Seminars and Tutorials.
Juniors should plan to complete their field requirements and two out
of three of their "additional Government courses/related fields" by the end of the year. Junior Seminar (Gov. 90) & Junior Tutorial (Gov.
98)
All honors candidates must take two semesters of Junior Tutorial and/or
Junior Seminar. For the purposes of our requirements Gov. 90 and 98
are interchangeable. The primary difference is that Seminars are taught
by faculty and have up to 16 students, while Tutorials are taught by
graduate students and are limited to 8.
Junior Seminars and Tutorials are one semester courses in which discussion
and writing are stressed. Unlike Sophomore Tutorial, there is no common
syllabus. Each course is devised by the individual faculty member or
graduate student tutor. The Department strives to provide a balanced
variety covering all four fields of study.
Students who are not pursuing departmental honors may wish to enroll
in Junior Seminars and Tutorials as well, since these courses are often
among the very best offered in the department and provide unique opportunities
to work closely with professors and advanced graduate students.
Choosing Seminars and Tutorials
At the beginning of each term Junior Seminar and Tutorial syllabi are
available online or at the Undergraduate Program. Junior Seminars are also
listed in the course catalogue. Assignments are made by lottery on the
basis of student preferences (students list their top three choices
on the lottery form). Juniors receive first priority in the lottery,
other government concentrators second priority, and non concentrators
the lowest priority. Results are posted the day after the lottery, and
most people (historically around 95%) will receive their first or second
choice. Details and deadlines for the lottery are available at the "Junior
Seminar And Tutorial Information" link on the Undergraduate homepage
and are included in registration packets each term.
Junior Year Abroad
A popular and valuable option for juniors is spending part or all of
the year abroad. Study abroad programs may be divided into three categories:
direct application to foreign universities, enrollment sponsored by
a U.S. college or university, and enrollment in a program operated by
a private organization. When considering a study abroad program, students
should consult their Allston Burr Senior Tutor, counselors at OCS, and
the DUS in Government. Interested students should be sure to
pick up the Harvard College Guide to Study Abroad from OCS.
The Study Abroad program is extremely flexible, and the College is
ready to grant credit for study at foreign universities. Credit may
be granted for up to a full year's work, and concentration credit may
be granted for a portion of that work. Students planning to take their
junior year abroad must design their schedule carefully and well in
advance. For potential honors candidates, fulfilling the Junior Tutorial
requirement, which must be completed at Harvard, requires special planning.
Consult the Undergraduate Program early for advice.
Thinking About A Thesis?
Spring Semester is the time for this. For more information see the following
section about the Senior Year and Thesis Writing.
The Senior Year
The senior year offers, perhaps, the most diverse opportunities for
personal satisfaction in both scholarly and non-academic pursuits. Students
have usually completed most core requirements and are free to explore
other academic interests. Some will opt to write a thesis, others will
pursue scholarly interests by other means, or will focus on career-related
or extracurricular activities. In short, there is no "preferred" path for students to follow. However, all students should check with
their Senior Tutor and the Undergraduate Program staff as the senior year
begins to ensure that they will be able to meet all graduation requirements. What is the Senior Thesis?
A Government thesis is generally 20,000 to 30,000 words of text with
an absolute maximum of 35,000 words, and an equally absolute minimum
of 15,000 words. (This roughly translates to an average length of 80-120
pages with a minimum of 60 and a maximum of 140 pages). A thesis differs
from normal coursework in a number of respects.
The most obvious difference is in the sheer magnitude of the undertaking.
In addition to being a large number of pages, the thesis represents
a significant time commitment. Whatever your thesis topic, it has to
be something about which you care enough to devote a year of your life.
A thesis is a sustained scholarly investigation of a problem. It deals
with its topic in greater depth that a term paper can hope to attain.
And, unlike a series of term papers, it carries on its investigation
continuously for approximately one hundred pages. Success is not merely
a matter of intensive research and a few all-nighters to write out the
results; success requires organization and planning.
Almost as much time will be spent defining and deciding how to handle
it as will be spent in research and writing.
Thesis writing also differs from normal coursework in its environment.
Thesis writing lacks all the structures of the classroom. There is no
course description, no reading lists, very few deadlines. Things that
you normally take for granted in a course are left up to you; you must
come up with your own topic, compile your bibliography, and find an
advisor. Handling those responsibilities requires initiative and self-reliance.
The Undergraduate Program has systems in place to assist you (with finding
an advisor, for instance), but you must also be proactive about getting
what you need.
When do I start thinking about the thesis?
Spring semester junior year is the time to be thinking about the question
of whether or not to write a thesis. You will be required to pre-register
your thesis topic and attend the thesis writers' seminars for juniors.
Seminar themes include "Finding an Advisor and a Topic," "Formulating
Your Question," and most importantly, "To Write or Not To
Write." You can also start clarifying your interests by doing any
or all of the following:
- Talk to the professors and teaching fellows whose courses you enjoyed.
- Check out the Faculty Bio and Potential Teaching Fellow Advisor lists,
available at the Undergraduate Program and on our web page (see the "Honors
Program and Senior Thesis Information" link on the Undergraduate
homepage.)
- Talk to seniors you know who are writing a thesis for their perspective
on the decision-making process, and to some who are not for ideas about
alternative ways to spend the senior year.
- Concentration Advisors are also a great source of advice on
all things related to thesis writing - try talking to a CA in the subfield
that interests you most.
Thesis Time Table:
If you are considering writing a thesis it may help you to know what
to expect, and what will be expected of you, in terms of deadlines.
The following should give you some idea, keeping in mind that all dates
are approximate. For specific dates for the academic year consult the
senior thesis calendar, available at the Undergraduate Program and on our
web page. Spring Semester Junior Year: Potential thesis writers should begin
thinking about possible topics and advisors and, if necessary, be investigating
possible sources of funding for their thesis research (see the Senior
Honors Handbook or the web page for more information about thesis research
grants). In addition, juniors must pre-register and attend the thesis
writers' seminars which meet several times in the spring.
Summer Between Junior and Senior Year: Thesis writers should be narrowing
the search for a topic and advisor. Some students choose to use the
summer for thesis research, especially if that research involves travel.
If you have not found an advisor by mid-August you should submit a precis
of your topic, which will be circulated to potential advisors.
Senior Year (September - March): Seniors must attend the thesis writers'
seminars, which meet regularly throughout the year in order to provide
advising and support for seniors in the process of writing.
Study Card Day, Fall Term Senior Year: You will need to have an advisor
lined up in order to enroll in Government 99. If you have not yet found
an advisor, you can still add Gov 99 up to
Add/Drop Day, but you will need the (DUS)'s permission to do so.
Add/Drop Day (Mid-October), Senior Year: Thesis writers are expected
to turn in a prospectus (approved by their advisor) to the Undergraduate Program
Office. Approximately 4 pages (1,000 words), the prospectus outlines
your hypothesis, goals, and methodology, and is meant to ensure you
have a carefully designed research project.
Last Day of Classes, Fall Term (Mid-December), Senior Year:
Every senior writing a thesis must turn in at least 30 pages of written
work to their advisor in order to get credit for the first semester
of Gov. 99. If by this time you have decided not to complete the thesis,
you can simply not enroll in the second semester of Gov. 99. The first
semester will become an elective.
Mid-March Senior Year: The thesis is due! For more specific information
about what the thesis should look like when it is turned in, see the
Senior Honors Handbook.
March and April: Theses are being read and graded by faculty and teaching
fellows and will be returned to students in early May, when you may
also be called for an oral exam. Final honors determinations are made
by the department shortly thereafter and you will be informed of your
recommendation in mid-May. |
