Joanna Jou
Joanna's D-Plan
What's a D-Plan?-
FallHanover, NH
Favorite Class: COLT 31.03 Poetry After WarA 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.
WinterHanover, NH
Favorite Class: ECON 1 The Price System: Analysis, Problems, and PoliciesComing 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.
SpringHanover, NH
Favorite Class: HIST 7.36 The Green New Deal: A HistoryAs 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!
-
FallHanover, NH
Favorite Class: ANTH 50.49 Anthropology of MuseumsInitially 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.
WinterHanover, NH
Favorite Class: GOVT 4 Politics of the WorldI 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.
SpringHanover, NH
Favorite Class: HIST 72 Nationalism and Revolution in ChinaI 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.
-
FallHanover, NH
Favorite Class: HIST 26 The Vietnam WarAs I prepared to go to Vietnam as part of the ASCL Developing Vietnam Fall+ study abroad program, I decided to concurrently enroll in the Vietnam War history course, which was also taught by my abroad program director, Professor Edward Miller. While the Vietnam War was undeniably a major domestic and global event, this class examined the war in the context of Vietnamese history, dating back to the origins of the war in Indochina’s colonial era. As a discussion-based class, I really enjoyed the various primary sources curated, which featured Vietnamese sources and perspectives at the center of analysis. Additionally, Professor Miller is one of the most brilliant and kind individuals I’ve had the privilege to study under!
WinterHanover, NH
Favorite Class: ASCL 51.11 Religions of VietnamAfter completing my study abroad in Vietnam, I was drawn to take this class taught by Professor Sara Swenson, a scholar in Buddhist charity practices and networks in Vietnam. “Religions of Vietnam” was approached through an ethnographic lens, examining how religious traditions such as Buddhism, Christianity, Cao Dai, and spirit religions are practiced and embraced across Vietnamese communities in both a localized or diasporic level—and how these traditions/practices shape identity and power beyond the country’s socialist context. Professor Swenson is simply brilliant, and I am privileged to have learned from her; her teaching has been profoundly impactful in shaping my global understandings of Vietnam and the complex intersection between religion, socio-political structures, and national identity.
Photo Album: Sunsets in Hanover
One of my favorite aspects about Dartmouth is definitely the sunsets during fall and spring term! As many of you start finalizing your college decision, maybe some dogs (beautiful blog post by Lauren '26) or sunsets in Hanover can be an inviting factor. Thus, here are some of my favorite sunsets around Dartmouth—enjoy!
- No. 1
Pine Park
- No. 2
Fahey Hall on Tuck Drive (1)
- No. 3
Tuck Drive (2)
- No. 4
The Hood Museum of Art
- No. 5
McNutt Hall
- No. 6
The Green
- No. 7
The Green (2)
- No. 8
West Wheelock Street
***taken at the crosswalk
- No. 9
Main Street (Downtown Hanover)
Posts You Might Like
It's hard to fully express just how meaningful Cabin and Trail (CnT) is to me. Since coming to Dartmouth a year and a half ago, this community has shaped me in ways I never expected. It is a source of hope and a new home.
Here is what I hope to accomplish for spring term!
Reflections on homesickness, and finding community at Dartmouth!
With so much left to do, I'm excited to make the most of my remaining time in Hanover.
Explore my final project for Geography 4 about defining Dartmouth as home.
With a nearly 3 week spring break, there is so much to do!
Be a first-year for a day! Walk in my shoes during FDOC (the first day of classes)!
In today's blog, I want to discuss transportation options to/from and around Dartmouth's campus. Even though Dartmouth is known as "the college in the woods," that doesn't mean students don't have access to ample transportation options!