28 THE DAILY NORTHWESTERN
ORIENTATION ISSUE 2023
CHOOSE A MISSION WITH THESE DISTROS By DIVYA BHARDWAJ
daily senior staffer
For an Empirical and Deductive Reasoning course that doesn’t involve calculus:
The paths for majors and minors seem relaIntroduction to Empirical Methods in tively straightforward, but when it comes to Political Science fulfilling foundational disciplines requirements, there are dozens of courses that satisfy each one. With so many options, the freedom can This course will teach you to think like a politibe daunting, and you might be pushed out of cal scientist. It provides insight into how to your comfort zone when taking a class outside evaluate inferential claims, how to design experimental research tackling complex questions of your area of study. Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences and how to convey findings. categorizes foundational disciplines requirements into one of six areas: Natural Sciences, Computer Science 110: Introduction to ComEmpirical and Deductive Reasoning, Social puter Programming and Behavioral Sciences, Historical Studies, Ethical and Evaluative Thinking, and Literature and Arts, but other schools at NU have simiSeparate from the introductory course taken lar requirements. Here are 12 interesting, yet by computer science majors, this class offers manageable choices to tackle your requirements a beginner-friendly approach to learning prothis fall when you may be unfamiliar with the gramming fundamentals in Python, one of the subject matter. most commonly used coding languages. By creating interactive animations and simple apps, you can develop skills to apply in other areas of study, even if you never take a computer science course again.
For a Natural Sciences course that goes beyond high school staples: Highlights of Astronomy
Learn about the solar system, stars, galaxies and the universe while delving into topics including supernovae, black holes and dark energy. Beyond lectures in the Technological Institute, you’ll also head over to the Dearborn Telescope for observing sessions.
The Ocean, the Atmosphere & Our Climate Combining elements of geology, biology, chemistry and physics, this course offers an overview of the realm that covers 71% of the Earth’s surface. Using the shore of Lake Michigan as a classroom, the curriculum includes field trips to the lakefront during class time.
daily senior staffer @alycebrownn
If you’ve ever had an idea for a new company — or even just felt the entrepreneurial bug — The Garage is the place for you. The Garage, Northwestern’s dedicated entrepreneurial space, allows students to gather, work and build startups with guidance from successful creators. Since The Garage started, it’s had over 1,000 student startups under its umbrella. The space is mainly designed to facilitate collaborative work, complete with snacks and a mini kitchen. It also caters to the technical needs of some of its startups, housing a prototyping lab that includes 3D printers, woodworking equipment and an electronics workbench. For incoming freshmen hoping to get involved, there are a few quick ways to jump in, depending on the level of involvement you want to have. One of the most popular programs for entrepreneurial-minded students is the Tinker Program. The program serves as the entry points for new students, allowing them to explore and work on their ideas — from the health sector to the art sector — while being supported by The Garage’s resources. Students in this program get access to The Garage’s space and invitations to meet-ups with other student-entrepreneurs, among other perks. Sign-ups for the Tinker Program are open the entire academic year. Once entering the Tinker Program, students will
History of the American Family This survey of the role and regulation of families from pre-colonial times to the present day emphasizes factors that influence family dynamics, like race, class and gender, and how families’ standards and models have changed over time. You’ll also get the opportunity to write your own history.
Classical Mythology Did you go through a Percy Jackson phase in middle school? If you take this course, you may have a chance to put some of that knowledge to use. You’ll read and analyze Ancient Greek myths both in their original historical contexts and through a contemporary lens
Introduction to Sociology Gain an understanding of a different facet of sociology each week, with subtopics including money, family, gender and deviance. The course also offers insight into the thought process of sociologists — how they pose and consider questions.
Economic Geography This course offers an overview of economic activities on a global scale, including primary industries, energy, minerals, industrial production and international trade. It incorporates case studies to add real-world context, focusing on subjects like the automobile industry.
remain at “Tinkerer” status for the remainder of that academic year. For those looking to join a startup rather than found one, The Garage has special sessions called “Startup Matchmaking.” These sessions are held quarterly, and allow entrepreneurs in The Garage looking for more team members to pitch their companies to other students hoping to join one. Founders share what type of team members they’re looking for — from coders to social media managers — and students are given an opportunity to talk further with the teams they’re interested in joining. For further information and dates on these matchmaking sessions, keep an eye on The Garage’s ‘Events’ tab on their website. So you’re on a team — what’s next? If your company has spent at least one quarter in the Tinker Program and has at least two members, you can apply for the Residency Program. The program, for “the truly committed entrepreneurs,” according to The Garage’s website, offers teams round-the-clock access to The Garage’s space and a dedicated mentor in the industry to help the team along. Applications for the Residency Program are open for about a month at the beginning of each quarter. “Office Hours” are a key piece of The Garage’s list of resources for student entrepreneurs. Through The Garage’s website, any NU student can schedule a meeting with peer entrepreneurs or Founders in Residence — a group of alumni and former students that are working on their startups full-time from The Garage. Members of the Tinker Program and Residency Program get special access to Office Hours with Garage staff and Subject Matter Experts. While the Tinker and Residency programs are The Garage’s most popular, they also have more selective programs that offer teams various amounts of funding. A more complete list of these programs can be found on The Garage’s website. No matter your level of involvement with The Garage, it offers a unique opportunity to dive into the world of startups — from the comfort of campus. alycebrown2025@u.northwestern.edu
Introduction to Buddhism Want to learn more about one of the largest religions in southeast Asia? This course analyzes both primary and secondary documents to gain insight on the core tenets of Buddhism alongside its history, culture and practice.
For a Literature and Arts course which doesn’t involve reading a novel or picking up a paintbrush: Literary Histories
For a Social and Behavioral Sciences course to expand your worldview:
level up your idea at the garage By ALYCE BROWN
For students who want a Historical Studies course involving more than memorization:
For a thought-provoking Ethical and Evaluative Thinking course: Introduction to Philosophy If you’ve never studied philosophy before, this course will help you understand many philosophers’ perspectives — and develop your own outlook — on philosophical concepts including free will, ethics and existential issues. You’ll also learn to convey your ideas — and those of philosophers — in the format of thesis papers.
Do you prefer poetry and music over novels? This may be the course for you. The intersection between popular culture and poetry forms the basis of this course, which focuses on songs and sonnets from the late 16th century until the present day.
Introduction to Asian Art This course spans ancient, medieval and modern art from South Asia, including architecture, monuments, sculptures, paintings and photography. Placed in a historical context, the curriculum includes examining the influence of East Asia, Central Asia and Europe and working on close reading skills. divyabhardwaj2025@u.northwestern.edu
USEFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR JOURNEY By JONAH ELKOWITZ
daily senior staffer
Starting a new academic journey at Northwestern can be an exciting yet daunting experience. To ensure a smooth transition into NU, the University provides a range of support services to assist new students and their families.
AccessibleNU AccessibleNU serves as a resource for individuals with disabilities, ensuring that they have equal access to education and campus facilities. The office collaborates with students, faculty and staff to implement necessary accommodations. These can include note-taking assistance, extended exam time and accessible technology.
Undergraduate Academic Advising Navigating the academic landscape can be overwhelming for new students. NU’s Academic Advising office is dedicated to helping students make informed decisions about their educational journey. Upon enrollment, students are assigned academic advisors who assist in course selection, major exploration and long-term academic planning. At Regular meetings with advisers, students can receive personalized guidance, with advisers providing valuable insights into career opportunities. Students can utilize these resources through ConnectNU, an online portal hosted by the University.
Career Advancement Preparing for a future beyond college is vital, and NU’s Career Advising office offers a plethora of resources to help students achieve their professional goals. From resume building and interview preparation to networking
events and career fairs, this office equips students with the tools they need to succeed in the job market. Additionally, career advisors provide guidance on internships, co-op programs and postgraduate education, ensuring students are well-prepared for their chosen career paths.
Global Learning Office Studying abroad is highly encouraged for students at NU, and the GLO office facilitates these life-changing experiences for students. This office assists in finding suitable study abroad programs that align with students’ academic interests and language proficiencies. Whether it’s a quarter in Europe, an immersion program in Asia or a research opportunity in Africa, studying abroad broadens horizons and fosters cultural awareness and adaptability. NU’s study abroad program offers students the opportunity to participate in 150 programs across 50 countries.
Financial Office Managing finances during college can be a significant concern for students and their families. NU’s Financial Office offers guidance on scholarships, grants, loans and work-study programs to alleviate financial burdens. Additionally, financial advisors are available to help students budget wisely, make informed decisions about student loans and explore potential funding opportunities for research or study abroad experiences. jonahelkowitz2025@u.northwestern.edu