Historioal information concerning liberal studies education at Amherst College and proposals for academic programs are considered. Topics include the following: a chronology of curriculum reform at Amherst, the special character of the freshman and sophomore years, and divisions of the curricula, distribution scheme, majoring and taking electives, interdisciplinary courses, collaborative teaching, and the laboratory or seminar method of teaching. A proposal for a program of special courses for freshmen, a proposal of a new program (the adjunct program) for upperclassmen, the role of the major program and honors, recommendations for academic advising, and broader implications of the curriculum recommendations are considered. Appended materials include the report of the task force on freshman seminars, an alternate proposal, and reports and related documents of the Curriculum Committee, 1937-39. (SW)