Commentary

In-depth perspectives and critical analysis from faculty, editors, and readers on public affairs, higher education, and Harvard’s evolving mission.

Harvard’s New Online Orientation Emphasizes Intellectual Paths

A summer course for first-years focuses on academic success, diverse viewpoints.

by Jonathan Shaw

Letters on ethics education, silhouettes, the Sixties, and more

Ethics education, silhouettes, missing football fans, the Sixties, and more

Why a Harvard undergraduate became an English concentrator

A Harvard undergraduate confesses.

by Olivia Munk

A Harvard senior recalls finding her own place at the College

A senior finds her own place at the College.

by Melanie Wang

Letters on taxing carbon, teaching writing, legacy admissions, louts,…more

Taxing carbon, teaching writing, legacy admissions, the sly Slive, louts

A letter from the editor: an MIT vision of its educational future

A letter from the editor: an MIT vision of its educational future

William Deresiewicz tackles “Twenty Questions” at Harvard

At Harvard, the Ivy League critic faces faculty and student interlocutors.

by Olivia Munk

A Harvard undergraduate reflects on traveling and working in Mongolia

An undergraduate travels and works in Mongolia

by James Watkins

A Harvard undergraduate recounts fasting during Ramadan in Tunis

Experiencing the ways religious observance affects daily life in another country

by Aman Rizvi

A Harvard student experiences Argentina during an economic crisis

A Harvard undergraduate experiences Argentina during an economic crisis.

by Taonga Leslie