The Class of 1999 may be far from typical in its involvement and interests at the College, but '99s are predictable in their choices of majors.
Members of the Class of 1999 finished filing majors early this term and did not deviate much from the usual pattern, Assistant to the Registrar Teresa Rodimon said.
The most popular major for the Class of 1999 is government, followed closely by the four biological sciences. English and creative writing majors comprise the third most popular major, with Economics ranking fourth, followed by Psychology fifth
This year's results are unique in only one way -- for the first time in recent years, history is not one of the top five majors. Rodimon said history is now number six.
It fell from the top five chiefly for administrative reasons. The biological sciences have not always been counted as one. When combined, the four categories surpassed most other majors.
While the Class of 1999 did not deviate from the overall pattern of majors at the College, the Class of 1998 did at this time last year.
Instead of government -- the traditional top major -- economics came out on top, followed closely by government and history.
Juan Cisneros '99 said he thinks one reason the government department is at the top is the faculty.
"I think the professors are more real," he said. "You can actually have a conversation with them other than about what is going on in class and that is always a good thing."
Cisneros said the activities sponsored by the department were an asset, because they provide opportunities for students to meet other government majors and professors.
Economics Professor William Fischel said the economics major is appealing because the topic concerns interactons "between the social sciences and the natural sciences."
People who find both the "formal logic" of mathematics or engineering and social science intriguing are drawn to economics, he said.
Several professors in different departments said the strength of their faculties attracts students.
Psychology Professor Robert Leaton said his department is a favorite because of "a vital and active faculty."
English Professor Thomas Luxon said many students major in English because "it is very good preparation for almost any other kind of professional post-graduate study." He said about two-thirds of freshman take a freshman seminar with an English professor, giving them early exposure to the department.
The popularity of the creative writing major can also be attributed to the quality of instruction and small intense nature of the program. "People like to be part of a select group," Luxon said.
