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!
Dartmouth offers a wide array of classes in the spirit of the liberal arts, encouraging risk-taking and intellectual exploration. Here is how I am taking advantage of the liberal arts in my first term!
WGSS 10: Sex, Gender, and Society
The first term is full of academic and social adjustments. Thus, taking a course I knew I would enjoy eased my transition into Dartmouth. WGSS 10 was the perfect choice for me to get started in a field within my comfort zone.
Professor A'ness is amazing!! Our classes generally operate in a discussion format, where we engage with multiple texts on gender and sex through an intersectional lens. So far, my favorite activity in WGSS 10 was when we divided into small groups, went to a local coffee shop during class time, and talked about our experiences with sex-ed!
Scene from Ma vie en rose, one of the documentaries we analyzed in class
Writing 5: Metamorphosis and Otherness
To provide a solid foundation for college-level writing, Dartmouth requires first-year students to take a first-year writing and a first-year seminar class. There are multiple ways to fulfill these requirements, but I chose to take Writing 5 for my first-year writing.
Each section of Writing 5 focuses on a different theme, so there is room for exploration. I ended up taking mine on "Metamorphosis and Otherness," where we discuss intriguing texts and the concepts of transition and change! Writing 5 creates a secure environment for first-year students as there are only 16 students per section. Even in three weeks, I can definitely see improvement in my writing and critical analysis skills!
ECON 1: The Price System: Analysis, Problems, and Policies
One thing about the first few terms at Dartmouth is that you are practically free to explore any field your heart desires without worrying about major or distributive requirements. Thus, I decided to take an Economics class to try something new. The class defied all my preconceived notions and biases about Economics. As the name suggests, ECON 1 requires little to no experience in the field. The course covers foundational topics in Economics and relates theoretical concepts to real-life events, including but not limited to minimum wage, food banks, and even peanut butter and jelly consumption patterns!
I would never imagine writing this, but I am now considering pursuing Economics further with a potential major/minor. If exploration were not a central value at Dartmouth, I would hesitate to take an Econ class. I am beyond grateful that I took a chance in a field out of my comfort zone!
Those are my classes this term! I find the first term a great time to dip your toes into fields you would otherwise not explore. Going into week 4 of my first term at Dartmouth, I look forward to making the most out of my classes as I embark on new explorations!
I sat down with Aarushi Jain '25, a coxswain on the women's rowing team, to learn more about the opportunities to study abroad as an athlete at Dartmouth!
