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!
Generally, most undergraduates opt for three courses each term because we are on a quarter system. However, taking 2 or 4 courses is also possible. I have taken a two-course term my first winter here at Dartmouth. This term, I feel ready to ramp up to four.
One of my picks this semester is called Laboratory in Psychological Science (PSYC 11). This course is designed to equip students with essential skills in psychological research. As someone who is already involved in a cognitive science lab on campus, I believe PSYC 11 will sharpen my research approach, helping me make more informed and intentional choices in my lab work.
Alongside this, I'm continuing my journey through psychology with Cognitive Psychology (PSYC 29). Having studied psychology in high school and touched upon introductory cognitive science here at Dartmouth, the cognitive approach fascinates me. Professor Störmer, known for her eloquence and engaging teaching style, enhances her lectures with experiments, making each session both insightful and intriguing.
I've also managed to finally slot in Photography I: The Intentional Photography (SART 29) into my schedule. I believe that spring is the perfect season to explore photography. Springtime at Dartmouth is, simply put, stunning. I have a Dartmouth-issued camera that I get to bring wherever I go and take pictures informed by skillsets introduced in class. Professor Beahan enriches our learning experience by integrating artist presentations every other week, ensuring we not only practice photography but also connect with the broader artistic community.
I am sure I will dedicate an entire post to Photo I later on. For now, enjoy this picture of a goose I've taken in Boston during my first weekend back in the US!
Another intriguing course is Aesthetics of the Digital (ARTH 63.72), where Professor Elias melds art history, computer science, anthropology, and design philosophy in examining how digital media reshapes societal perceptions of aesthetic value. It's perhaps too early to tell since the course is ongoing, but it's shaping up to be one of the most fascinating classes I've taken at Dartmouth.
Taking on four courses this term is admittedly more challenging than a typical three-course load. Each course demands attention and energy, but the sheer appeal and diversity of these classes make every day an opportunity for new insights and discoveries. Here's to a fruitful spring term!
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?
