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<p>No, I was implying that Classics majors who have to suffer through large classes do not learn how to read well. The stereotype prevails, that public universities experience difficulty managing class sizes. Mindful of this stereotype, one might reasonably conclude that classics majors at public universities have less reading aptitude than their counterparts at institutions where enrollments may be more favorable. That you feel the need to qualify my observations as “nonsense”–I don’t know how that reflects on the truth value of this stereotype.</p>
<p>In consideration of the nature of the learning process in the Classics–the exchange of translation and criticism, the constant give-and-take of feedback–small classes are essential if the goal should be that every single person in these classes will have been able to participate fully and meaningfully in the process.</p>
<p>I was stating that if one attends a research university, one will have written many papers as a part of one’s course requirements, and at least one of these papers will be respectable enough to be presented conveniently as a writing sample. Exposure to research gives one many opportunities to reflect on possible interests to pursue in graduate school. Interests change, as we all understand, the most eccentric interests are looked upon favorably this day and age, and one needs to paint a colorful portrait of oneself for the admission’s committee–hence, “BS.” </p>
<p>Before you issue the Edict of Nonsense from your high throne, Zapfino, I will make you aware that I am operating on the assumption that, at research universities, virtually all of one’s professors will be, more likely than not, leading researchers. As such, but also according to the mission of a research university, these professors will want to impart their skills to undergraduates, thus making research universities particularly desirable destinations for doing research.</p>
<p>I apologize for not having been more clear.</p>