Every Dartmouth student, unless exempted upon entrance to Dartmouth, is required to complete Writing 5 or its equivalent, Writing 2-3. These courses are offered in the fall and winter terms only. These courses are taught in small sections of no more than 15-18 students.
Writing 5 focuses on the writing process, emphasizing careful analysis, thoughtful questions, and strategies for effective argument. Students taking Writing 5 are assigned to take the course during the fall or winter term; the assigned term cannot be changed.
Writing 2-3 is a two-term course that provides more intensive guidance through the reading, writing, and research processes, including individual support from teaching assistants and a culminating research project. Students likely to benefit from more support in these areas are asked to complete an online writing placement test during the summer. They are then given a recommendation for placement in Writing 2-3 or Writing 5. Writing 2-3 is offered in fall and winter terms only, and students must complete both terms in order to satisfy the Writing Requirement.
Exemption from Writing 5 is based on SAT scores only. AP and ACT scores will not be considered in the exemption process. There is no Dartmouth placement test for exemption from Writing 5. Exemption criteria are adjusted each year based on the number of students in the incoming class. The criteria are posted on the web site of the Institute for Writing and Rhetoric at: http://www.dartmouth.edu/~writing/policies/. Exemption from Writing 5 does not result in any kind of credit towards graduation from Dartmouth.
The first-year seminar must be completed the term immediately following Writing 5 or Writing 2-3. Students exempted from Writing 5 are required to enroll in a first-year seminar during the fall term. A student is not eligible for participation in an off-campus program until the First-Year Seminar Requirement is complete.
Seminars are strictly limited to 16 students. Seminars may satisfy a Distributive Requirement and some also satisfy a World Culture Requirement.
Students may select Humanities 1-2, a special two-term course (offered in the fall and winter) for first-year students to fulfill their First-Year Seminar Requirement. Students must complete both terms in order to satisfy the First-Year Seminar Requirement. In 2011, students in fall Writing 5 may request enrollment in Humanities 1-2 concurrently with Writing 5. Students must e-mail the Institute for Writing and Rhetoric at Writing.Program@dartmouth.edu to receive instructions on the application process.
Note that first-year students are allowed to enroll in a second seminar if seats are available after all students assigned to take first-year seminar that term have been accommodated.
Although it is not an academic requirement, it is helpful to know that first-year students are required to complete their first three terms in residence at Dartmouth. Students are not eligible for Off-Campus Programs, exchange terms or leave terms until this requirement is completed. In rare instances a first-year student may take a medical or personal withdrawal during the first three terms.
35 Courses
All students are required to earn 35 credits before graduation. The 35 credits can consist of pre-matriculation credits, credits earned at Dartmouth, and a maximum of 4 credits from an exchange term. Typically, Dartmouth students take 3 classes per term for twelve terms.
Distributive Course Requirements
World Culture Requirement
Language Study Requirement
Physical Education Requirement
By graduation students must have completed three terms of physical education and pass a 50-yard swim test. Students who participate in an intercollegiate or club sport may receive credit for that activity during the term in which they participate. A maximum of two credits may be earned in this manner. Satisfactory completion of courses in physical education is based on skill improvement and participation. Please be aware that registration for PE courses is separate from the regular course registration process.
PE courses do not count toward the 35 credits needed to graduate.
