Word: feldstein
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...when Feldstein, returning to Harvard to oversee Social Analysis 10, "Principles of Economics," decided to abolish the more than decade-long tradition of radical sections in that course, students and faculty alike were understandably upset. Four hundred students--close to half the class' enrollment--signed petitions last week asking for the reinstatement of the sections, and organizers are still canvassing...
...Feldstein's primary argument against having radical sections is his claim that students are "self-selecting" into ideologically-based classes, creating a damaging homogeneity in the sections...
...question this characterization of the radical sections, since the only attribute students in these sections seem to share is a heightened intellectual curiousity. What is more troubling, however, is Feldstein's effort to defeat the substantive mission of these sections with questions of procedure. Ec 10 would benefit from the inclusion of as many alternate economic views as time reasonably allows. Crucial, however, is some attention to radical or Marxist critique of the mainsteam, neo-classical model. Currently, this material is covered briefly in the coursewide program, but somewhat seriously only in the radical sections...
...heartily encourage Feldstein to make the material covered in the radical sections an integral part of the coursewide lectures, readings and sections. This would ensure that the radical economic perspective is included without any of the divisive side effects he so dislikes. Including several optional evening lectures at the end of the semester--the bone Feldstein has tentatively thrown out to those troubled by his decision--does not meet our definition of "integral." Barring such a commitment to teaching the radical material coursewide, however, it is essential that Feldstein at least retain the optional sections for those students...
CLEARLY, there are some faculty concerned with the abruptness and finality with which Feldstein's decision was made. Economics Department Chairman Jerry R. Green says the radical sections may be reinstated after the departmental review of the course, beginning this fall. A review of the 114-year-old course probably is, as Green suggests, long overdue...