Hi! My name is Arianna, and I'm a sophomore ('27) from Georgia. On campus, I am involved with the Cheerleading Team, Dartmouth Caribbean Connections, the First-Gen Office, and the Black Underground Theater Association. My aim is to pursue a degree in History modified with Public Policy and a minor in Psychology ("pre-law"). I love reading, listening to music, and meeting new people. Follow along through this blog as I traverse my wonderful experiences!
Given my intrigue in pursuing a major in Government, I adored my Politics and AI class. I had zero background in computer science, yet Professor Breuer cohesively connected politics with principles of algorithms and artificial intelligence in a way that I could understand. We finalized the course by doing a cool research project of our own liking.
I am interested in pursuing a minor in Public Policy, which was my reason for taking this class initially. As the term progressed, I was able to learn most of the introductory principles of Public Policy and the framework for policymaking in democratic governance. The readings were interesting, and the discussion-based lectures kept me engaged.
Wow...what an amazing class! This has been one of my favorite classes that I have taken the entire year. Professor Chaney encouraged us to expand our writing through a multitude of methods of analysis, allowing students to look beyond the details of a photograph. Our ideas were not discouraged or disproved, leaving room for proper evaluative learning and prompting discussions about interesting moments in black art history.
This class is a gem for those interested in learning more about the development of the healthcare system from the pre-colonial period into its contemporary form. Initially, I took this class because I am interested in becoming a healthcare lawyer and wanted to explore the foundation of one of the biggest systems in America. While the content is still fairly fresh, and it is the beginning of the term, I already know that this will be one of my favorite classes this fall! Despite the vast influx of information that we go over each class, Professor Koop writes all the topics we will discuss that day on the board sequentially. Not only does this keep me engaged and willing to participate, but it also encourages me to stay organized and on track!
At Dartmouth, the writing requirement for first-years is structured to provide a comprehensive approach to academic writing across various disciplines. This requirement is designed to span two terms, ensuring students develop essential writing skills while exploring diverse topics in depth. The journey begins with a mandatory writing class offered either in the fall or winter term, and a mandatory seminar class offered either in the winter or spring term.
Students are tested into these three pathways during the summer going into their first year at Dartmouth. These classes, including Writing 5 and First-Year Seminar, Humanities 1 and 2, or Writing 2 and 3, are integral components of a student's academic journey, constituting three of their overall classes. The diversity of subtopics within each course allows students to select classes that align with their academic interests and majors. Each writing class operates similarly, typically spanning two terms and culminating in a structured progression of assignments.
My personal experience with Writing 5, focused on the theme "Writing at the Limits of Democracy," was immensely rewarding. This course that I took in the winter integrated intellectual discussions on political issues with literary dynamics, offering a unique perspective on democracy's challenges. One of my interesting assignments involved reading "The Cat in the Hat for President: A Political Fable" by Robert Coover, which transformed a nostalgic children's book into a thought-provoking political commentary. As a prospective Government major, this blend of literature and politics was engaging. The course's assignments were grounded in critical thinking and scholarly writing. Three foundational papers laid the groundwork for deeper exploration, culminating in an independent research paper, where students could choose topics within the course's thematic framework. This structure not only honed my writing skills but also encouraged me to delve into complex ideas surrounding democracy.
Following Writing 5, I embarked on a Seminar titled "Picturing African American." This course offered by the African and African American Studies (AAAS) department explored the historical significance of art and iconography in African American culture. Professor Chaney's approach emphasized thoughtful analysis with artworks, prompting insightful discussions and assignments that fostered a deeper understanding of cultural history. The manageable workload and structured assignments allowed for a focused exploration of the course material, reinforcing the importance of writing as a tool for expression.
Dartmouth's first-year writing requirement cultivates essential academic writing skills. By integrating writing with thematic studies across multiple terms, students like myself are equipped with the critical thinking abilities necessary for success in academic and professional pursuits. I highly recommend these courses to incoming students, as they provide a solid foundation for personal development with literacy skills and intriguing topic discussions.
Are you a boba or coffee lover? Baker-Berry Library not only has some great study spaces but even better spots to grab a sweet treat. So c'mon, let's go before the line at Novack gets too long!
Dartmouth College is known for its small, tight-knit community and town, which takes some adjustment for some who didn't grow up in rural areas. So, what is Dartmouth like for those of us who grew up in small communities? Let me share my experience!
Fall is in session at Dartmouth, and so are classes! Follow along to see what courses I am taking for my Sophomore Fall and how I settled on the academic path I want to pursue!
