Page 27 - YB1969

Curriculum At last, Western Maryland compares with Dartmouth, Mt. Holyoke and Colgate. No, WMC isn't attracting Oxford scholars to its windy enclave of learning, but is doing something that could mean a huge improvement in the learning atmosphere here. Next year, the col- lege will be on a January term system, on an experimental basis. Students will take first semester exams right after Christmas, then spend three weeks during January studying one subject area in depth, beginning the second semester as usual in February. This will create a chance for students to work in close contact with a professor, and actually do some inde- pendent thinking, which supposedly constitutes the core of advanced learning. Without several courses, parties and sports pressuring them all at once, students may find these three weeks of intensive study stimulating. Judging from the quality of special studies we have had here this year and in the past, this program could be just the outlet needed for energies that normally don't find academic expression. In addition to this proposed academic reform, the Pass-Fail system which has been in effect for two years on an experimental basis, will be evaluated, determining whether the system should be con- tinued on a permanent basis.