Emily Stolzenberg (A look at major constraints, Nov. 11) contrasts the attractively "broad scope" of big departments such as English and history with the "narrower scope" of what she calls "language majors." This characterization overlooks the fact that the latter already offer a great degree of interdisciplinarity and flexibility.
The curriculum in French and Italian, for example, incorporates not just one or two, but up to three "cognate" courses chosen from other humanities or social sciences departments. Concentrators can choose between a variety of "tracks" to accommodate their diverse interests, be they in politics, economics, art history or other areas. In addition, the department's own course offerings have become increasingly interdisciplinary, dealing with topics as varied as immigration, cinema or even gastronomy. In their independent work, our majors are studying not only literary subjects but also the French 35-hour work week, the rap groups of Marseille and the development of painterly perspective in the Italian Renaissance.
While the acquisition of a thorough linguistic proficiency and the familiarity with the identity-shaping literary and cultural traditions are certainly an essential (and fun!) part of a concentration in French and Italian, this is anything but "narrow" and opens onto an almost infinite horizon of intellectual pursuits. At the same time, a "small" department offers its students the invaluable advantage of individual attention and close rapport with the faculty.
I encourage all sophomores (and freshmen) who are contemplating their "major choices" to peruse the Undergraduate Announcement attentively in order to become well aware of the many options offered by the "language majors," rather than relying on uninformed hearsay or common misperceptions. Volker Schröder Associate professor of French
Pyne prize nominations sought
I write to solicit nominations for the Pyne Prize, the highest general distinction the University confers upon an undergraduate, which will be awarded on Alumni Day, Saturday, Feb. 26.
In thinking about nomination, I would ask that you consider the following description: The M. Taylor Pyne Honor Prize is awarded annually to the senior who has manifested in outstanding fashion the following qualifications: excellence in scholarship, character and effective support of the best interests of Princeton University. Founded in 1921 in remembrance of the life and character of M. Taylor Pyne, Class of 1877, trustee of Princeton 1885-1921, by his cousin, Mrs. May Taylor Moulton Hanrahan, the prize is the highest general distinction the University confers upon an undergraduate. The prize consists of the income from this fund up to the prevailing comprehensive fee for one academic year.
The prize winner will be selected by the president of the University, the Deans of the College and of undergraduate students and the secretary of the University. We are eager to receive nominations from members of the University community. Please direct such names and, preferably, letters of nomination to Kathleen Deignan at 313 West College by Friday, Jan. 7, 2005. Kathleen Deignan Dean of Undergraduate Students
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Seniors deserve better than Jay Shetty
Izabela Konopka and Joshua YangWe are writing to express our strong disapproval of the selection of Jay Shetty as the 2025 Class Day speaker. We deserve better than a self-help guru and repeated plagiarist who runs a “school” that an expert claims exhibits “similar patterns” to a multi-level marketing scheme.
We are writing to express our strong disapproval of the selection of Jay Shetty as the 2025 Class Day speaker. We deserve better than a self-help guru and repeated plagiarist who runs a “school” that an expert claims exhibits “similar patterns” to a multi-level marketing scheme.
The CPUC must not gut its Judicial Committee
Bill HewittEnding the Judicial Committee’s jurisdiction over initial complaints would embolden abuses of power, allowing the administration to evade accountability for University rule violations without the pressure of student and faculty authority.
Ending the Judicial Committee’s jurisdiction over initial complaints would embolden abuses of power, allowing the administration to evade accountability for University rule violations without the pressure of student and faculty authority.
Princeton, let’s adopt a digital prox
Jorge ReyesTo prevent pointless replacement and lockout charges, maximize convenience, and create better access to meals and facilities, Princeton should follow the precedent set by some of its peers and adopt a digital prox system.
To prevent pointless replacement and lockout charges, maximize convenience, and create better access to meals and facilities, Princeton should follow the precedent set by some of its peers and adopt a digital prox system.