Of Course: New Term Brings Diverse Range of Classes

Story posted January 31, 2012

sarah-binkhorst
"There are interesting classes that you're exposed to as a freshman even," says Sara Binkhorst '15.

Sara Binkhorst '15 emerges beaming from a meeting with her advisor. She's gotten into one of her first pick classes, Latino Education, taught by Mariana Cruz.

"It focuses on how their family and culture affect their schooling," says Binkhorst, adding: "And it's taught by a Latina professor so it should be really interesting."

Bowdoin courses are on students' minds this week, during the final days of the add-drop period. The process of course selection isn't just a matter of logistics. One class might influence their entire path through Bowdoin. It could lead to a career.

Class selection was bittersweet for government major Peter Newman '12 this term. Although he got into all four classes on his list, they will be his last at Bowdoin.

"It's pretty crazy," he says. "The past three-plus years have gone by pretty quickly. I was just talking with my friends the other day and we were saying we wish we had more time to take classes in disciplines that we haven't tried before. Maybe education, sociology ..."

A Bowdoin Course Sampler

A field trip for the course Bird Song, Human Song.

Bowdoin offers more than 680 courses each academic year, many of them with an interdisciplinary focus. See what professors have to say about some of their classes in this sampler of courses being offered.


The Bowdoin course catalogue includes more than 680 courses. Many of them include original research, scholarship — even textbooks — by Bowdoin faculty.

"New research generates new courses," notes Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Jim Higginbotham, who works with the Registrar to oversee the curriculum.

"I'm struck by the fact that whatever level you look at, there are courses that engage students in exciting ways. It's not just the advanced classes. What's impressive about our curriculum is the way courses in one discipline reach out to others."

Binkhorst agrees: "There are interesting classes that you're exposed to as a freshman even," she observes. "The seminars we're required to take are really interesting because it's the professors picking a topic that they're excited about. Last year there was one on The Facebook Age. I took a Racism class. One of my friends is in Bad Girls Make Good History.

peter-newman
"I'd say classes are tough but manageable," says seasoned Bowdoin student Peter Newman '12.

"The requirements are easy enough to meet that you can take classes that interest you."

The requirements may be easy, but the courses can be challenging. "I'd say classes are tough but manageable," Newman ventures.

His parting advice to Binkhorst and the legions of first-years to follow?

"If you keep on top of the reading and pay attention in class, you'll get through it."

He flashes a big smile and heads off to class.


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