Hello there! My name is Joanna Jou, a '26 from El Paso, TX. I love Hanover sunsets, relaxing out on The Green, and Still North Matcha w/ honey + almond milk. I'm beyond stoked to have y'all follow along as I create my own version of Dartmouth!
Academic Program
Major in History; Double Minor in Government and Religion
A discussion-based class co-taught by two notable professors in the Russian and German translation/scholar community. We read a series of poems and short stories written by poets who lived under totalitarian regimes (specifically in Germany and the Soviet Union) while examining the role poetry played in communicating trauma and the living of life.
Coming in with no economics background, ECON 1 is an introductory class that explores how individuals and firms make independent choices, how it is reflected in the market place while analyzing it through consumer and producer perspectives, and exploring the theories involved in resource allocation and output determination. Taught by the amazing Dr. Ha Yan Lee, her dedication to the class and her students made me excited to come to her lectures, office hours, and to continue taking classes in the economics department.
As a freshman, we are required to complete a seminar course as part of our first-year writing sequence. With a variety of departments to choose from, I elected a course on the Green New Deal with the history department since I wanted to explore the department a little more. As a discussion-based class, the way Professor Link structured his course and how he led discussions undoubtedly became the highlight of my spring term; not only did I learn some history and improved my writing along the way, but it also encouraged me to pursue the history major (and more classes with him).
SummerEl Paso, TX
Back home for the summer in Texas as I spend time with my family, focus on my mental and physical well-being, and start a new role with the Admissions Office as an Admissions Communications Intern!
Initially taking this course to fulfill my distributive requirement, I ended up really enjoying ANTH 50.49. Although I am a self-proclaimed museum enthusiast, I didn't think to inquire about the development or evolution of museums, which is why I thought this course would also be interesting to take. Nevertheless, Professor Meredith Ferguson '08 did a lovely job in shedding light on various angles in the museum world such as its natural history, curating/conserving, "heritage", repatriation and restitution, and public trust. In addition, we wrapped up the course by finally thinking about the future of museums, and their representation in society today.
I initially took this course purely out of interest as I didn't have any prior experience with the government department. Nevertheless, Politics of the World is the reason why I've decided to pursue a government minor. Taught through a comparative lens, I quickly realized that much of my academics interests lie at the intersection between comparative politics and international relations; thus, this course served as an intellectually stimulating and enriching experience, which made it a highlight of my winter term.
Before the spring term of my first year, I had never thought about taking a class in the history department. Upon course election, I came upon a class examining the history of American women during the 20th century offered by the Department of History that I wanted to try out. Because of the two-week period for "add/drop" (an opportunity for students to drop classes we end up not wanting to take while adding other classes that still have space), I was able to conclude that this particular class was not meant for me. However, I found another class that sounded interesting: American Thought and Culture to 1865.
Taught by the incredible Professor Leslie Butler, this class consisted of many "full circle" moments as we examined the American world in a pre-modern context. One trait I really value in my professors is passion, and Professor Butler definitely showcased that through her engaging lectures and the readings she selectively curated. Additionally, I really appreciated her accessibility outside of class and scheduled office hours—for instance, I couldn't make a few of her typical office hours due to my French drill session being at the same time, but she was willing to find another date and time that I worked for me, which I really appreciated!
After taking this class with Professor Butler and my seminar course with Professor Link (The Green New Deal: a History), I definitely realized my passion for history and pursuing the major. The history major consists of 10 courses, which is around the typical number for most academic majors; within the ten courses, four should be of the following six areas of study (the United States, Asia, Europe, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East), two senior seminars, and four chronological courses (2 pre-modern and 2 modern).
One more thing: the Department of History offers a foreign study program (study abroad) in London, England, where Dartmouth students can study history in a rich and unique context concentrated in another part of the world, and is an experience unavailable on campus.
As I take some more history classes over the next few terms, I'm looking forward to updating y'all on this and hopefully a study abroad experience!
After returning from an enriching study abroad program, I'm diving into a bustling spring semester here at Dartmouth. Here are my four courses I'm taking this term!
Dartmouth's liberal arts curriculum pushes students to explore new departments and draw connections between seemingly disparate disciplines. Come explore my Economics, Physics, and Asian, Societies, Cultures, and Languages classes!
