Howdy, y'all! I'm Alex, a queer and trans student from Tennessee. This year I'm involved with a lot: I'm serving as the Production Manager for the Dartmouth Rude Mechanicals, acting as Social Chair for Amarna, rushing Phi Tau, giving tours on campus, exploring the offerings of the Dartmouth Outing Club, joining Farm Club, getting more involved with the O-Farm and sustainability on campus, and generally enjoying my second year here at Dartmouth!
As a theater-kid-turned-English-major who already loved Shakespeare before taking this class, highlighting this as my favorite class of the term is a no-brainer. This class is completely accessible to anyone who is has never read Shakespeare while still being an engaging class for seasoned Shakespeare enthusiast. Class time is mostly devoted to discussion of the texts, and I feel like I came out of the class with a strengthened ability to analyze the themes present in Shakespeare's works as well as a better comprehension of the nuances of language used in the plays.
Before this class, my experience on the technical side of theater was severely limited. I've been acting onstage for a decade, and even though I knew that productions would be impossible without what goes on behind the scenes, actually learning how to DO what goes on behind the scenes was another experience entirely. THEA 40 is an incredibly fun and informative class, and I can confidently say I have a much more comprehensive understanding of what it takes to make a show come together. And next term, I'll have to opportunity to apply my new knowledge and skills as Production Manager for the Rude Mechanicals, Dartmouth's student-run Shakespeare company! I can't wait!
In this class we read stage plays through various lenses. These lenses comprised a general overview of the different readings of a play necessary in order to get it from script to stage: reading as actors, writers, directors, designers, dramaturgs, etc. I had an amazing time I feel my foundation of theater knowledge has been enhanced by what I learned in this class! I've been able to apply this knowledge as I continue to read and write plays in my spare time.
I took this class to fulfill one of my distributive requirements, but it ended up being my favorite class this term. I found the readings fascinating, the lectures engaging, and the group work super enjoyable (we were assigned to stream video games a couple hours per week!). Despite the large class size (100+ students) the lectures remained engaging and the professor made sure to hold weekly office hours to get to know as many of the students as possible; he even brought donuts sometimes! Overall, if this class were a video game, I’d hit replay as soon as the credits rolled.
This fall, Still North Books & Bar in downtown Hanover has become one of my go-to study spots. For those days when I need a studying pick-me-up, this is the place to be.
From the moment you step inside, you're enveloped in a lovely atmosphere that combines the best of both worlds – the cozy comfort of a bookstore and the inviting ambiance of a cafe.
The staff here are an absolute delight, whether you're on the hunt for the perfect book recommendation or seeking a delicious meal or drink. They're always ready to lend a hand, and their warmth and kindness have since weathered away my old, odd fear of studying my afternoon away in a cafe (Because if I don't order, is it loitering? I never really knew...) Often, despite my wallet's wishes, I end up ordering a treat during my study breaks anyway. Their menu of drinks is delightful, and my go-to is the chai latte.
A snack, a drink, and a reading for class!
When it comes to seating, there are plenty of options to suit your needs – cozy corners where you can get lost in a book, tables where you can knock out an assignment, or window seats where you can people-watch while sipping a drink. Also, the music selection playing in the store is always sublime (as I'm writing this, they're about halfway through "evermore" by Taylor Swift – earlier they were playing The Beatles, Hozier, and Queen).
In addition to the [business] being an excellent study space, it's also just a brilliant bookstore: their selection of books is excellently curated, ensuring there's something for every reader. The diverse book displays make it easy to discover new favorites, and I've found some fantastic reads here that I might have missed elsewhere. I also love the fantastic stickers they have available to purchase. I'd be lying if I said they weren't a particular weakness of mine. They make their way into nearly every book purchase I make, but I can honestly say my laptop case and water bottle have never before been so stylishly adorned.
Probably my favorite time to study there is their late nights – they're open until 9 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, and I love the calmer vibe those evenings provide. In my opinion, it's the perfect way to wind down my week: with a good book, a half-complete assignment, delicious food, and a warm mug of tea.
In short, Still North has it all. It's a haven for book lovers and food enthusiasts alike, and it's become my go-to spot for a peaceful afternoon of studying.
