Hey all! I'm Batu. I'm a '26 from Istanbul, Turkey, and I am passionate about the cognitive science of design, developmental psychology, aesthetics research, postcolonial literature, and social media marketing! Be sure to reach out with questions about exploring the liberal arts, learning a new language at Dartmouth, cafes in town (one of my favorite blog series dare I say), study abroad programs, and research on campus!
Writing 5 is one of the courses that count towards the first-year writing requirement. The course covered content relating to the self, transformation, and social dynamics relating to majority and minority. Dr. Godley is simply phenomenal. Her instruction was extremely accessible even though she covered intense topics. I could not have enjoyed my Writing 5 more!
Design Thinking was above and beyond my expectations. The course is structured around weekly projects, where we apply different cognitive strategies to cover topics like design principles, human need-finding, brainstorming, scenario building, and visual thinking.
Introduction to Cognitive Science covers a variety of fields including psychology, computer science, linguistics, and philosophy to provide insight into cognitive processes. This course helped me develop an understanding of all facets of cognitive science and which ones I would be interested in further pursuing as part of my major.
SummerIstanbul, Turkey
I was home during my first summer! A non-exhaustive list of things I've done includes sunbathing, coding my personal blog, and going on runs. #rest #relaxation
Psychology 10 is a deep dive into almost everything you might need to become well-versed in conducting research, analyzing data, and interpreting findings in a statistically sound manner. Professor Pfister is the most approachable professor I have ever had the pleasure of learning from. Statistics isn't exactly my forté, but I now feel confident in my stats foundation!
I loved taking this class with Madame Alverde, a professor from Université Toulouse ; Jean Jaures was an incredible experience. She made sure to correct our mistakes on the spot and improve them eloquently.
This course allowed me to explore the intersection of aesthetics and digital media, focusing on how digital environments reshape traditional concepts like materiality and form. I particularly enjoyed comparing human and AI-generated analyses of art and examining the frameworks that shape contemporary digital studies, from visual culture to design philosophy.
SummerHanover, NH
I was on campus pursuing full-time research in the Cognitive Science department. My research focuses on children's capacity to imagine and reason about possibilities!
Taught by Professor Andrew Simon, this course explored histories of the Middle East and North Africa through film, media, and supporting texts. From French Algeria to the Armenian Genocide and the Egyptian Revolution, each week centered on critical engagement with audiovisual material and primary sources. Through reflections, discussions, and a final research project, students examined how media shapes collective memory and questions of voice, power, and resistance. Thoughtful, rigorous, and deeply transformative, this course reshaped how I think about both history and storytelling.
This course offered a dynamic exploration of Paris’s art and architecture, grounding students in the city’s cultural and historical foundations. Weekly lectures established a theoretical framework spanning Paris’s origins, key art movements, and the evolution of its monuments. Our Wednesday site visits made this course truly unforgettable, where we stood before the very landmarks we studied, turning theory into lived experience.
Now that my sophomore fall term is over, I am ready to reflect on my class selection. Compared to previous terms, which I mostly spent exploring different areas of interest, I felt prepared to home in on my major and ended up taking two classes that pertain to my major: Psychology 10 (Experimental Design, Methodology, and Data Analysis Procedures) and Computer Science 1 (Programming and Computation). Additionally, I took a prerequisite for my 2024 Winter study abroad: French 3 (Intermediate French).
Psychology 10 (Experimental Design, Methodology, and Data Analysis Procedures):
As the name suggests, the class focused on statistical methods and data analysis, which are integral for anything data-related. Professor Pfister was arguably the most approachable professor I have ever had. His unique teaching style prioritizes learning over grades, alleviating concerns about grades. Although statistics isn't exactly my forté, attending the 9 am Psych 10 sessions was a pleasure thanks to Professor Pfister's ability to make complex material digestible. While the class was undoubtedly challenging, I could easily access resources, establishing a solid foundation in statistics. I'll miss Professor Pfister and his collection of bowties, which he consistently wore to class.
Computer Science 1 (Introduction to Programming and Computation):
Not being inherently enthusiastic about coding, I won't sugarcoat my innate nervousness. However, Professor Vasanta Lakshmi Kommineni, a legendary figure on campus—dare I say, played a pivotal role in my understanding. Her approach, not assuming any prior knowledge, was perfect for someone like me without a COSC (computer science) background. As a first-time COSC student, I felt secure with the limited knowledge I brought to the class. The assignments not only perfectly aligned with class content but also encouraged pushing creative boundaries, a feature I found particularly enjoyable. I'm thankful for the engaging nature of COSC 1, and I never found myself bored in class.
Computer Science 1 Final Project; map of the college coded to show the most feasible route between buildings.
French 3 (Introductory French III):
As the third course in the French sequence and a prerequisite for my Language Study Abroad in Toulouse, France, French 3 enhanced my understanding of grammar structures and their application in daily contexts. Although more challenging compared to its predecessors, French 3 was nothing short of a consistent reinforcement in Dartmouth's language classes. This ensured substantial progress in the target language. With French 1, 2, and 3 under my belt, I now feel well-prepared for an entire term in southern France.
In summary, my final term before embarking on my study abroad adventure involved tackling three challenging yet equally fulfilling classes. I'm relieved to have undertaken two major courses, setting the stage for a fulfilling experience during my upcoming winter program in Toulouse, France. This term has been one of academic and personal growth, and I eagerly anticipate the adventures awaiting me in the vibrant city of Toulouse.
The big-little process in my sorority has strengthened my bond with my big, fostered new friendships across class years, and deepened my sense of community and belonging on campus.
