Ben Casanova
Embracing academic exploration and the liberal arts
The Dartmouth essence is to explore. Imagine modeling a sustainable product for an engineering class while writing a paper on a Supreme Court case. Sounds far-fetched? Think again, as Dartmouth offers a stimulating intellectual environment that can integrate all those academic interests. Four quarters in, I'd like to touch on my own journey in the liberal arts. When they say you can have interesting class combinations, they really do mean it. I can talk from personal experience. Just last term alone, I took a data science course, a writing course on Arab Revolutions, and a Portuguese language class—a super diverse mix of classes I don't regret taking!
For context, Dartmouth operates on the 10-week quarter system, so we typically take three classes each quarter. If four or five classes were the norm, I think we'd compromise on quality and turn into 24/7 study creatures. I like zoning in on just three courses and engaging deeply in the course materials. The quarter system can be fast-paced and stressful but having three-course terms means I also have time to get involved in clubs, do research, and even go on nature walks.
Ever since I got into Dartmouth, I've always wanted to challenge myself and take classes that were outside my comfort zone. During first-year fall, I decided to take Government (what we call Political Science at Dartmouth) and Economics courses. In high school, I specialized in STEM, so enrolling in introductory social science classes felt like a nice break from the science-heavy course load I was used to. Since Calculus I (Math 3) is a prerequisite for a lot of quantitative-heavy majors, I also added it as my third class. For all those afraid of Math, there's no need to fret. Calculus I at Dartmouth is very collaborative. You work on in-class assignments in small groups. Plus, professors and teaching assistants hold many office hours each week. I've never felt that any of my classes were short on resources.
In my winter and spring quarters of my first year, I took classes in the Computer Science, Geography, Earth Science, and Middle Eastern Studies departments (and more!). I really enjoyed having the flexibility to check out different fields before making a final decision on my major. Dartmouth students have until the winter quarter of their sophomore year to declare their major (and this decision is non-binding!). This huge time window certainly took a huge weight off my shoulders, allowing me to really think things through. Had I been required to declare my major earlier on in my college years, I would have been a lot more stressed trying to choose the subject that was the best fit for me.
You might be taking a guess at what I'd like to major in. Back in January 2020, I applied to Dartmouth as an intended Biology major. But I didn't take a single bio class my first year. This break helped me confirm that now, as a sophomore, I really want my major to be Biology. I miss spending time in the lab, and I really want to get involved in epidemiology research projects. That's not to say I'm no longer curious to shop around other departments. I'm taking a really cool Environmental Studies (ENVS) class this term that merges the science, politics, and economics of the environment all into one course! I'm considering adding ENVS as my second major and if I have enough credits left, I'll also minor in Global Health. I'm sure it's pretty obvious that Dartmouth is THE place for people who start off as undecided and want well-rounded education.
Posts You Might Like
What kind of classes do you take in a subject-based Foreign Study Program? Here's a rundown of my classes in the Music FSP in London to give you an idea of what academic life is like in the program!
Psychology 36: Systems Neuroscience with Laboratory (PSYC 36) is a core Neuroscience major course with a lab component. (See that sheep brain?)
What major exploration and declaration look like at Dartmouth! And, an ode to the Government department.
In this post, I write about why I think Dartmouth's undergraduate focus is valuable.
As I am now back on campus for my sophomore spring, here is a (slightly overdue) recap of how the classes I took this past winter!
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!
Many foundational level STEM classes at Dartmouth make use of hands-on labs. Here's my experience in two very different lab settings!
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!
Aside from taking classes this term, I will also be completing my second term of the Presidential Scholars Program.