SAYS THREE YEAR COURSE IS ENOUGH

Reviewing the development of higher education in America before the Liberal Club last night, Professor F.W. Taussig '79, Professor of Economics in the University, reached the conclusion that the growth of graduate schools will either force colleges out of existence or necessitate the adoption of a shorter undergraduate course. "America", stated Professor Taussig, "is unique in the long duration of schooling precedent to a professional career. With four years in college, two to four years in a graduate school, and several years of experience in practical affairs before a man is prepared for his profession, the average age of starting a career is 30. In many universities all over the country there is a tendency to shorten the undergraduate course. By making the Freshman year less dull and less elemental it should be possible to educate a man in three years. German A and other elementary subjects should not be taught in the University."

Professor Taussig pointed out that changes in both graduate and undergraduate schools are being made all over the country, in the direction of shortening or eliminating the undergraduate course. Johns Hopkins has eliminated its first two years. This virtually means that undergraduate life is eliminated, and along with this change the junior college is gaining.

"The Summa Cum Laude is no longer the acme of scholastic endeavor," Professor Taussig concluded, "and men can be prepared for graduate schools in three years, if the first year is not made to deal with elementary subjects. Those men who desire four years of academic work can take a year in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Those who do not can be given a sufficient education in three years.