Courtney Merrill ’09
Government and Russian double major
F08-S09 D-plan: R-R-R

Favorite and least favorite thing about department: The Russian Department has a lot of really experienced faculty who really know how to teach Russian in an effective way. The LSA+ offered by the Russian Department was also a great experience. The Department does seem to be a bit disorganized as well, and because it is so small, some of the advanced Russian courses are not offered every year, which makes it difficult for students to continue their Russian.

Important info for potential majors: If you don't come in with a Russian background already, it will take a lot longer to complete the Russian major than most majors will.

Talk to me if: you’re interested in the Russian LSA+, or the Russian Area Studies major or minor,

Favorite class and professor: Second year Russian, with Professor Garretson.

Major classes taken: RUSS 1, 2, 3, 15, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 31, 32, 36, 39, 62; GOVT 52; HIST 56; ANTH 39

Major journey: I have always been interested in Russian politics, culture and history as well as foreign languages, and always wanted to travel to Russia. I took Russian in order to go on the LSA+, but also found studying the language and literature interesting as well, and so decided to do a double major with Government.

Major specific activities: I’ve lived in Russian affinity housing, went on the LSA+, and have participated in the Russian Club.

Off Campus Program: Russian LSA+, 06X

Other activities: Former Vice President and Communications Director, Dartmouth College Democrats; Programs Director, Finance Director, College Democrats of New Hampshire; Member, New Hampshire Democratic Party State Committee ; Former Executive Director, Dartmouth Civil Liberties Union ; Director of Finance, Alpha Phi Sorority ; Order of Omega, National Greek Honor Society

Thesis Status: No thesis currently planned.

Internship experience: I worked for Paul Hodes' Congressional race in the 2nd District of New Hampshire this fall. I worked as the field coordinator for the Upper Valley region in Lebanon, NH.