I am an arts -lover and passionate debater still navigating my way through Dartmouth. I have also been, slowly but surely, adjusting to Hanover’s weather from Saudi’s constant heat (and learning the importance of layers and insulation). I draw editorial cartoons for The Dartmouth, our college newspaper, and am interested in everything and anything related to foreign affairs! This time of the year, you will likely find me gazing at the snow outside a window in Baker-Berry Library.
The incredible Professor Fishere's engaging teaching style made my initiation into the realm of politics unforgettable. The class gave us an overview of the Middle East's history and how it shapes (and explains) the region's current pressing political issues as well as how they are (or aren't) tackled.
Professor Lind is an amazing lecturer - I even took her to lunch at Pine! She is specialized in East Asia, so it was very fun to discuss how US relations with China and North Korea were developing from day to day.
As you may have heard, Dartmouth students, unlike most students studying elsewhere, are blessed with extremely dedicated faculty. Not only are they experts, but the majority of professors are generally renowned in their respective fields. With such skilled individuals in every department working to make your educational experience as best as possible, you can imagine the benefits that you can yield as a student.
Yet, none of this truly sunk in until I participated in a class assignment for my “Intro to Middle Eastern Politics” course last night…
@DartmouthMES: "On October 13, the @HopkinsCenter will be
screening Tamer El Said's "In the Last Days of the City," a vivid
depiction of Cairo on the eve of revolution. A discussion with
the director will follow." (10/04/18, Twitter)
Since we were discussing the Arab Spring in class, our professor, Professor Ezzedine Fishere (check out The D’s interview with him), asked us to watch and write a response to an Egyptian film called: “In the Last Days of the City.” The critically acclaimed film by Tamer El Said showcases a filmmaker’s struggle to capture Cairo in the days building up to the 2011 revolution. It has been screened in cinemas from Berlin, Paris, and Beirut - finally making its way to own very own Hopkins Center for the Arts!
However, not only did we have the chance to watch the phenomenal movie, we would even meet the director himself. In fact, I had the privilege of meeting Mr. El Said for a quick chat before walking into the theater.
After the potent, heart-felt movie was screened, Mr. El Said answered queries from both students and professors; the discussion was absolutely thought-provoking. This event was organized by the amazing Middle Eastern Studies Department at Dartmouth, headed by Professor Tarek El-Ariss (watch this video, too!). Aimed at presenting Middle Eastern culture through art and literature, the department’s first event (of many) for the year was telling of what is yet to come.
To say that my friend, Nour, and I are excited would
be an understatement!
As an art-fanatic from the Middle East, it is very exciting (and somewhat comforting) to know that I can still explore my culture from miles away - not to mention in such an exclusive way! In fact, a movie as vivid (and controversial) as El-Said's would never make it to most cinemas in the Middle East. Leave it to Dartmouth to expand your learning opportunities in the most interesting means.
Regardless of the classes you end up choosing your first term, know that your learning experiences will never be confined to the classroom. Whether they are movie screenings or lunch discussions with experts in a specific field, every academic term will come with its highlights and remind you of some of the perks of studying at Dartmouth.
N.B. cover photo was posted by Mr. Tamer El Said (@tamerelsaid37) on Instagram.
In case you didn't know, Dartmouth operates on a quarter system, which means that in each term, students typically take three classes. However, they can also elect to add an additional course!
Have you ever wondered what a Dartmouth freshman's course of study may look like? The beauty of the D-Plan is everyone can customize their own schedules, so this term I'm taking International Politics, Global Health & Society, and Expository Writing.
Professors at Dartmouth really love their discipline and want to share their knowledge with as many students as possible through a variety of resources. I'll walk you through some of the ways they do this while telling you about my classes this term.
This winter is my first term really focusing on classes in the government and economics departments, so I thought I'd walk you all through my class schedule and experiences so far!
Dartmouth's Center for Social Impact has several opportunities for students to be involved with the Upper Valley. This year, I have the privilege to be involved in Foundations, a first-year program, and can't wait for other opportunities!
While taking four classes at most other schools with semester-based calendars seems like a breeze, Dartmouth's unique D-Plan and quarter system make my efforts to take four classes this winter a bit more challenging.
DUJS is a great opportunity for students across campus to get together and discuss scientific thought and innovation, whether from psychology, astrophysics, or more social justice-oriented medical research.
However, not only did we have the chance to watch the phenomenal movie, we would even meet the director himself. In fact, I had the privilege of meeting Mr. El Said for a quick chat before walking into the theater.
As an art-fanatic from the Middle East, it is very exciting (and somewhat comforting) to know that I can still explore my culture from miles away - not to mention in such an exclusive way! In fact, a movie as vivid (and controversial) as El-Said's would never make it to most cinemas in the Middle East. Leave it to Dartmouth to expand your learning opportunities in the most interesting means.
