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!
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.
I was immediately drawn to this course just by the title. To put it simply—wow, just wow. Through studying two centuries of wars, reforms, and revolutions, I've gained a deep understanding of Chinese nationalism, not just as part of national history, but also how it was carried overseas by an array of influential characters. Professor Yi Lu is one of the kindest, most genuine, accommodating, and thought-provoking professors I've had a pleasure to know and learn from at Dartmouth!
SummerThe Baltic countries: Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia
Studied abroad in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia with the government department! As post-Soviet countries, the Baltic states have become democratic success stories after major political and social transformations. This government seminar—taught by the program director—featured a variety of guest lecturers and excursions exploring the concept of democracy, its pathway and development in the Baltics, and the region's future given its geopolitical significance at the forefront of potential global conflict.
One aspect of spring term that I'm looking forward to is definitely the warmer weather and sitting on The Green while soaking up the sun and vitamin D. Additionally, after a long ride of trying out different academic pathways, I also reflect back on my academic journey and the pathway I'm headed towards. Here's to a great spring term and a little introduction to the three classes I'm taking this beautiful and sunny term.
HIST 7 Green New Deal History - Last term, I finished the first part of my first-year requirements with my WRIT 5 class called Novel and Sociology; the sequel continues with completion of a seminar course, which is a culmination of intensive writing, discussion, and research on a specific topic discussed in class. My first-year seminar is called "Green New Deal History" in the the history department and was my first choice (that I thankfully got) as I participated in a program a few years ago with the Sunrise Movement, a youth-led climate action organization, that emphasized the importance of the Green New Deal; however, I wanted to dive deeper into the history and correlation between the New Deal and the present-day Green New Deal. As I am one week in, there is a lot of reading, but it's also a topic I am interested in which makes the reading and discussions worthwhile! Seminars are hosted by various academic departments that offer various fascinating topics that we get to elect such as "Paris in the 19th Century," "Biology: Politicized Topics," "Zombie Media," "Cognitive Don Quixote," and "True Crime" — just to name a few.
FRENCH 1 Introductory French I - Still needing to fulfill my language requirement, I decided to start the French 1-3 sequence this term as I plan to study abroad in France my junior year. The new language requirement that went into effect starting with the Class of 2026 (my year) offers three paths: Big Green Path, Bema Path, or the Lone Pine Path; they all require students to take at least one language course at Dartmouth to fulfill this graduation requirement. Because I earned AP Spanish Language credit from high school, I was placed into the Bema Path, which means I can either fulfill my language requirement through one advanced Spanish course, or study another language for two terms. Since the French study abroad is an LSA+ (Advanced Language Study Abroad), it requires me to complete up to French 3 compared to an LSA that is up to the second level of a 3-sequence language program. Because Dartmouth languages are taught through the Rassias Method (learning languages in a short period while maximizing retention), we have a drill component focused on speaking and listening, which is an extra 50 minutes session three times a week outside of class with a student instructor.
HIST 20 American Thought and Culture to 1865 - As I wrap up on exploring different potential departments I would like to study and gain a major out of, I decided to take another history class aside from my seminar while I am strongly considering a history major. I picked up this course as a chance to explore different themes in American history and factors that shape how the United States is today such as fundamental principles, theories, and prime writers of the time. Although this course is a lot of reading, it's been very stimulating as I connect the readings to our political world in the U.S. today.
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!
