Geography

The re-institution of geography courses into the Harvard curriculum is indeed a welcome change. Professor Darby's arrival is a step toward regaining the fine geographical program Harvard once possessed.

Both courses to be offered this year will be given in the spring term and will hardly suffice for those interested in the field. These courses, a study of the historical geography of England, and a graduate seminar in historical geography, represent only a beginning.

Geography is not only a legitimate study in itself, but an extremely helpful corrolary to other academic disciplines such as regional studies, history, government and anthropology. The University ought seriously to consider the report of the 1951 Faculty Committee on geography. The report, though initially dubious of the value of geographic study, recommended that a four-chair department be established.

If the Faculty Committee's report cannot be adopted, the University should at least engage a second geographer.