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!
Language learning looks different for everyone. Some may have grown up bilingual or have been exposed to multiple languages from a young age, while others may have had little to no exposure to languages other than their mother tongue. As someone who grew up with Turkish as my main language, my language-learning journey at Dartmouth College has been unique and filled with opportunities for growth and exploration.
When I first arrived at Dartmouth, I had the option to take placemet tests for different languages offered at Dartmouth. I placed out of the first three courses of German and the first course of Hebrew. However, as Dartmouth has several robust language departments, with most departments having their study abroad programs, I felt compelled to learn a language I had no background in.
I was up for a challenge and decided to take on a new language: French! I had absolutely no prior exposure to the French language. I enrolled in French 1 during the winter term and immediately fell in love with the language. The professors were supportive and engaging, and the curriculum was designed to help beginners like me develop basic language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Picture of Dartmouth Hall, where French language classes take place, from the 50th year of co-education celebrations.
Throughout the term, I found myself captivated by the beauty of the French language and its rich culture. I learned about the history, literature, and art of France, and I was motivated to continue my language-learning journey. I continued French 2 in my current term and plan to take French 3 during my upcoming fall term.
One of the highlights of my language learning experience at Dartmouth is the opportunity to study abroad. For my upcoming winter term, I was accepted into the Language Study Abroad program in Toulouse, France! I am thrilled to take the skills I have been developing at Dartmouth and apply them in a real-world setting. I look forward to immersing myself in the French language and culture, and I know it will be an invaluable experience that will further enhance my language skills and cultural understanding.
Language learning at Dartmouth has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone, develop new skills, and broaden my cultural horizons. I am grateful for the supportive environment and the opportunities provided by Dartmouth's language departments. Whether you are a beginner or have prior language experience, Dartmouth offers a diverse range of language courses and study abroad programs that cater to different levels of proficiency and interests. Language learning is a valuable skill that opens doors to new opportunities and broadens our understanding of the world, and Dartmouth has provided me with the resources and support to embark on this exciting journey!
Every Dartmouth student is required to demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English. Here's my experience navigating the language requirement!
Unlike some other universities, many of the STEM lecture classes at Dartmouth require concurrent enrollment in a laboratory section. What is it like navigating that time as a student?
