'Buying' Classes, Lottery, and Star Teachers: How Classes Start at Harvard

Voice of America journalist Miroslava Gongadze was selected for the Neumann Foundation program for journalists at Harvard University. IN blog she shares experience in one of the most prestigious universities in America.

Photo: VOA Myroslava Gongadze

The system works in American universities when, during the week, students choose classes according to their tastes, priorities in life and tasks. In preparation for this week, they conduct a detailed study of all proposed classes, check the ratings of professors (according to students who have already completed these courses) using a special website, check the class schedules so that there are no overlaps, and draw up their own curriculum.

In the first week of study you go shopping, not clothes, but classes. Professors do some class / course demonstrations this week, talk about the program, requirements, rules, and answer students' questions.

Photo: VOA Myroslava Gongadze

For us, recipients of the Neumann Foundation Fellowship, this task is made more difficult by the fact that we can take courses in all the faculties or, as they are called here, schools of Harvard University - international relations, business and law (Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard Business School, Harvard Law School) and others. They all offer dozens of classes that you definitely want to listen to. Now imagine that from this entire volume you need to select a maximum of 3-4 classes in order to pull the load.

To say that it was difficult to say nothing. I ran from class to class, from school to school to get my bearings in my priorities. Additionally, it was necessary to write to all professors to get the right to be in class. In the letter, you need to demonstrate your interest, competitiveness, value for the class and undertake to perform all tasks. As some of my colleagues said, the professor demands to sell his soul to the class.

Photo: VOA Myroslava Gongadze

There are classes that are so popular that professors announce a lottery for the right to attend classes. Each student must demonstrate points, like chips in a casino, for which he can "buy" a class. Of course, there are branded classes, for example, Professor Samantha Puer, the former US ambassador to the UN, who this year had to be doubled because of his popularity, or the famous diplomat Nicholas Burns, who dealt, in particular, with questions of Ukraine and held many high positions in the government United States, including the US ambassador to NATO.

It's such a delicate game where you're really forced to make difficult choices. It's somewhat reminiscent of regular shopping, when at some point you have to stop looking around, comparing suits that are one better than the other, they are all insanely expensive, you want to buy everything, but you have to buy the one that fits best, and come to terms with the choice. Here everyone must decide what is more important to him or her - a well-known brand and association with a famous person, or a well-tailored suit from a lesser-known brand that will highlight your individuality.

Photo: VOA Myroslava Gongadze

I chose the latter based on the tasks that I set for myself at this stage. Namely, to hone my public speaking skills, improve my writing skills so that readers and listeners are deeply imbued with my story, improve management and management skills, and understand the depth of power. In the latter case, I'm interested in what it really means to have power and how to use it to create positive change.

So I settled on four classes—two at Harvard Business School, one at the School of International Affairs, and one offered specifically to Neiman program participants. I just started reading, listening and writing and have already made many discoveries, and many more to come.

The original column is published on the website. Ukrainian service "Voices of America".

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