The First-Year Writing Requirement
At Dartmouth, the writing requirement for first-years is structured to provide a comprehensive approach to academic writing across various disciplines. This requirement is designed to span two terms, ensuring students develop essential writing skills while exploring diverse topics in depth. The journey begins with a mandatory writing class offered either in the fall or winter term, and a mandatory seminar class offered either in the winter or spring term.
Students are tested into these three pathways during the summer going into their first year at Dartmouth. These classes, including Writing 5 and First-Year Seminar, Humanities 1 and 2, or Writing 2 and 3, are integral components of a student's academic journey, constituting three of their overall classes. The diversity of subtopics within each course allows students to select classes that align with their academic interests and majors. Each writing class operates similarly, typically spanning two terms and culminating in a structured progression of assignments.
My personal experience with Writing 5, focused on the theme "Writing at the Limits of Democracy," was immensely rewarding. This course that I took in the winter integrated intellectual discussions on political issues with literary dynamics, offering a unique perspective on democracy's challenges. One of my interesting assignments involved reading "The Cat in the Hat for President: A Political Fable" by Robert Coover, which transformed a nostalgic children's book into a thought-provoking political commentary. As a prospective Government major, this blend of literature and politics was engaging. The course's assignments were grounded in critical thinking and scholarly writing. Three foundational papers laid the groundwork for deeper exploration, culminating in an independent research paper, where students could choose topics within the course's thematic framework. This structure not only honed my writing skills but also encouraged me to delve into complex ideas surrounding democracy.
Following Writing 5, I embarked on a Seminar titled "Picturing African American." This course offered by the African and African American Studies (AAAS) department explored the historical significance of art and iconography in African American culture. Professor Chaney's approach emphasized thoughtful analysis with artworks, prompting insightful discussions and assignments that fostered a deeper understanding of cultural history. The manageable workload and structured assignments allowed for a focused exploration of the course material, reinforcing the importance of writing as a tool for expression.
Dartmouth's first-year writing requirement cultivates essential academic writing skills. By integrating writing with thematic studies across multiple terms, students like myself are equipped with the critical thinking abilities necessary for success in academic and professional pursuits. I highly recommend these courses to incoming students, as they provide a solid foundation for personal development with literacy skills and intriguing topic discussions.