f Letters, which consisted largely in the study of modern
languages and history, and aimed to co-ordinate with similar high school
courses, formed another break, which was emphasized by a modification
and revision of the other courses and a change from the Latin and
Scientific to the Latin course. Almost half the work required for a
degree now became elective. This action was far-reaching in its effect;
not only was there an immediate increase of almost twenty percent in the
number of students, but due to it, curiously enough, can be traced the
subsequent rise of a true graduate school. The principle of general
election of studies was gradually extended until the required work was
decreased to certain introductory courses in Latin, Greek, modern
languages, rhetoric, history, mathematics, and sciences, according to
the special fields chosen by the student. The special degrees of B.S.,
Ph.B., and B.L. were abolished in 1900 and all graduates of the Literary
Department were granted a degree of A.B. after that time, though the
B.S. was later restored. Of late there has been a reaction toward more
formal programs of study, with an increased emphasis on certain
introductory work which must be observed in planning the course
necessary for a degree. But the great latitude left to the student in
the choice of his work still remains.

The growth of the Graduate School should also be noted, for upon this
the standing of the University as a center of learning must eventually
rest. In spite of Dr. Tappan's efforts to introduce "university"
courses, Michigan was long a college rather than a university, so much
so that President Haven discouraged the use of the word "undergraduate"
when "graduate" students were almost non-existent; while the
opportunities offered them, except possibly in astronomy and chemistry,
where the facilities were unusual for that period, were only those of a
high grade college curriculum. But the leaven was working, in two
particulars especially; the seminar method of teaching and the
development of the elective system. The first seminar was held by
Professor Charles Kendall Adams in 1871 in some of his courses in
history. He was followed a little later by Professor Moses Coit Tyler in
English Literature, and in time by most of the other departments. This,
with the corresponding laboratory methods in the teaching of the
sciences, had a profound influence on the growth of scholarly ideals in
the University. Mic