Orthodox courses and textbooks in elementary physics are criticized for too much material, too little interrelation to other disciplines, too much emphasis on practical applications, too little modern physics, and too little opportunity for student initiative. The selective rather than general approach is briefly reviewed, and a course described which is part of the Directed Studies in the Liberal Arts at Yale, an experiment in a prescribed curriculum for the first two years.Elementary Atomic Physics, with no prerequisites, devotes the first term to a background in classical physics centered around particle dynamics and electrodynamics, and the second term to atomic and nuclear physics. General reaction appears favorable, and screening students according to backgrounds, introducing seminars with opportunities for laboratory experiments, and integrating physics more closely with other courses are suggested improvements.