Welcome to the blog of an Englishman studying at Dartmouth—do take a look around! Hopefully, my blogs will provide you with an insight on life at Dartmouth, and specifically through the eyes of an international student. Dartmouth has a ton to offer from the staggering natural beauty of its surroundings and stellar academic programs to the wonderful people you meet along the way. So stay a while, I'll make us cups of tea, and take a moment to discover life at the College on the Hill.
This class was SO interesting... We dug into the history of racial inequality in Brazil, stretching from the advent of slavery to persisting modern societal issues.
A course that I took completely impulsively turned into one of the most formative experiences I have had at Dartmouth. Through physical mediums and theatre, I rediscovered what it meant to be 'creative.'
Having always had a hatred for learning languages, I was wary of the requirement to do so here at Dartmouth. In reality, though, I needn't have worried! I absolutely loved every minute of this class, and now I can speak pretty good Italian!
This class was extremely enlightening, and it was especially interesting to study as a British person. I felt as though I brought a unique perspective to the class, but also that I was learning a side of history which was brushed past in my GCSEs!
I spent this term completing research with Professor Cascio of the Economics Department. Our work was concerned with educational investment, and it was one of my best experiences of Dartmouth so far!
This course teaches all about the economics of the development of economies, focusing on many case studies concerning education, housing, healthcare, and more!
At Dartmouth, the liberal arts serve as the cornerstone of our educational philosophy. The liberal arts encompass a wide range of disciplines, including literature, philosophy, mathematics, sciences, social sciences, and the arts. Rather than focusing on specialized training in a singular field, the liberal arts encourage students to explore diverse subjects, fostering a well-rounded intellectual foundation, while still maintaining depth in one (or more!) areas of focus. I wanted to write a blog about the Liberal Arts, because as an international student, I know it can be super unfamiliar and even seem daunting!
The liberal arts can be largely characterized by the opportunity and requirement to take classes in a wide range of disciplines, rather than simply studying one for your entire college career. For U.S. students who may not be aware, in most countries in the world, people sign up for a 'course' in a particular subject in advance of attendance, and will never take a class outside of that subject. At Dartmouth, in contrast, you not only take a wide range, but you are required to do so through the requirement to satisfy a range of 'distributives' associated with classes across subject-lines.
An example of the benefits of the liberal arts would be my own academic journey: I came here to do engineering, I now study economics, and yet I am currently taking a class about the history, theory, and present impacts of settler colonialism! It is classes like these that facilitate the growth of my intellectual curiosity in ways that I would otherwise never experience.
A POV in my Settler Colonialism class
One of the primary advantages of a liberal arts education is the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Dartmouth students engage in rigorous coursework that encourages them to analyze complex issues from multiple perspectives. This approach not only deepens their understanding of the world but also equips them with the ability to navigate ambiguity and solve real-world problems – skills that transcend any specific profession.
Dartmouth's commitment to the liberal arts extends beyond the classroom, fostering an environment where students are encouraged to engage with diverse perspectives and cultures. By studying a broad range of subjects, students gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the human experience. This exposure cultivates empathy, tolerance, and a capacity to appreciate the richness of global diversity.
The liberal arts approach at Dartmouth emphasizes interdisciplinary exploration, breaking down the traditional silos between academic disciplines. Students have the opportunity to combine insights from various fields, fostering a holistic understanding of complex issues. This interdisciplinary approach mirrors the interconnected nature of the real world and prepares students to tackle multifaceted challenges in their future careers.
At Dartmouth, there is an undergraduate requirement for language; after all, it is the liberal arts! Fulfilling this requirement looks different for various people and I will focus on my experience.
Traditionally, Dartmouth students take three courses during a term, but I decided to take four courses this term! Learn about course load and the academic system at Dartmouth.
As I approach the halfway mark of my Dartmouth journey this spring, I find myself reflecting on the significance of distributive and world culture requirements in shaping my academic experience.
Witnessing an eclipse was one of the most exciting days in my life to date, and a solid reminder of our place in this universe. Read on to hear about it!
