Hey all! I'm Batu. I'm a '26 from Istanbul, Turkey, and I am passionate about the cognitive science of design, developmental psychology, aesthetics research, postcolonial literature, and social media marketing! Be sure to reach out with questions about exploring the liberal arts, learning a new language at Dartmouth, cafes in town (one of my favorite blog series dare I say), study abroad programs, and research on campus!
Writing 5 is one of the courses that count towards the first-year writing requirement. The course covered content relating to the self, transformation, and social dynamics relating to majority and minority. Dr. Godley is simply phenomenal. Her instruction was extremely accessible even though she covered intense topics. I could not have enjoyed my Writing 5 more!
Design Thinking was above and beyond my expectations. The course is structured around weekly projects, where we apply different cognitive strategies to cover topics like design principles, human need-finding, brainstorming, scenario building, and visual thinking.
Introduction to Cognitive Science covers a variety of fields including psychology, computer science, linguistics, and philosophy to provide insight into cognitive processes. This course helped me develop an understanding of all facets of cognitive science and which ones I would be interested in further pursuing as part of my major.
SummerIstanbul, Turkey
I was home during my first summer! A non-exhaustive list of things I've done includes sunbathing, coding my personal blog, and going on runs. #rest #relaxation
Psychology 10 is a deep dive into almost everything you might need to become well-versed in conducting research, analyzing data, and interpreting findings in a statistically sound manner. Professor Pfister is the most approachable professor I have ever had the pleasure of learning from. Statistics isn't exactly my forté, but I now feel confident in my stats foundation!
I loved taking this class with Madame Alverde, a professor from Université Toulouse ; Jean Jaures was an incredible experience. She made sure to correct our mistakes on the spot and improve them eloquently.
This course allowed me to explore the intersection of aesthetics and digital media, focusing on how digital environments reshape traditional concepts like materiality and form. I particularly enjoyed comparing human and AI-generated analyses of art and examining the frameworks that shape contemporary digital studies, from visual culture to design philosophy.
SummerHanover, NH
I was on campus pursuing full-time research in the Cognitive Science department. My research focuses on children's capacity to imagine and reason about possibilities!
Embarking on a French Adventure: My Preparation for the Toulouse Language Study Abroad Program
As the fall term unfolded, I counted down the days until I embarked on my exciting journey to Toulouse, France, as part of the Language Study Abroad Program (LSA+). I dedicated this past winter break to meticulous preparation, ensuring I make the most of this immersive experience in the heart of southern France.
The Toulouse LSA+ program is designed to enhance language proficiency while offering a deep dive into the region's rich culture. With three courses taught in French by local faculty and Dartmourth's Professor Tarnowski, the program promises a holistic exploration of topics ranging from politics and culture to medieval French art history, along with advanced language and literature classes.
My journey into the French language began at Dartmouth during my first winter. Toulouse, a city distinct from my familiar surroundings in Istanbul and Hanover, becomes the perfect backdrop for broadening my understanding of the French language and its cultural nuances.
Place Jeanne d'Arc, Toulouse
While my academic calendar experiences have ranged from high school semesters to Dartmouth's quarter system, the latter's flexibility, often called the "D-Plan," is a unique advantage. This system allows for academic exploration beyond major requirements, allowing me to embark on this study-abroad adventure without affecting my major progress. Although the courses in Toulouse won't directly contribute to my major, the D-Plan seamlessly integrates these "side-quests" into my academic journey.
Blogging will become a crucial part of my study abroad experience. I am eager to share my adventures, reflections, and the unique challenges of adapting to a foreign country. By documenting my journey, I hope to provide insights into the transformative power of the D-Plan, showcasing how it enables students to embrace diverse learning opportunities outside their major disciplines.
"Allons-y!" – a phrase that encapsulates my excitement and readiness for the upcoming adventure. As I immerse myself in the French way of life, I look forward to sharing my experiences with you, avid readers of People Places Pines, highlighting the synergy between the Dartmouth D-Plan and the invaluable lessons learned during my time in Toulouse. Stay tuned for tales of linguistic exploration, cultural revelations, and the boundless opportunities afforded by the dynamic structure of Dartmouth's academic calendar.
Through Dartmouth's Guarini Institute for International Study, I am getting to take classes and experience life at Wellesley College, an all-women's school!
Academics can be challenging at Dartmouth. But there are lots of groups across campus here to support you through your academic journey. Read on for my experience asking for help and a few organizations that might be helpful to you!
Every Dartmouth student is required to demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English. Here's my experience navigating the language requirement!
