<p>Although Bowdoin is more prestigious.But I heard that Bates is more attentive in Humanities.And comparing the faculty numbers between this two college,Bates seems has more faculties in departments like philosophy,religious study and classic.Though the History department in Bowdoin seems unbeatable(based on its legands during civil war).I’m not assuming that outnumbered indicate better teaching quality.But still it indicates something,like,which college has more “value” towards humanities.I’m now oscilating between this two colleges,which to ED. </p>
<p>I really can’t say which is better (nor do I think anybody can really attempt to do so unless they’ve transferred from one school to the other or worked at both schools), but I think you’re going to find great humanities departments at both. If you could post what major specifically you’re thinking about, I could provide more detailed insight.</p>
<p>History: am a major myself, fantastic department with a ton of great professors; Bowdoin’s library is large compared to peer institutions, and it’s always been kept well-stocked which means you can perform historiographical studies simply by strolling along the bookshelves. Civil War history is indeed a strong point with a lot of information in the College’s archives, but each professor has something unique to offer.</p>
<p>English: this department is historic and produced the likes of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and Nathaniel Hawthorne; Uncle Tom’s Cabin was also written on campus (there’s a nice history/literature crossover for you). There’s a writer-in-residence every year who offers classes in creative writing.</p>
<p>Religious studies: I’ve only taken one class in the department (one of my favorites, it was called Religion and Politics and was cross-listed with government b/c it was also a political theory class), but I’ve heard especially good things about several professors. Prof. Pritchard in particular gets rave reviews and Prof. Buckley is the world’s expert on a certain Gnostic religion and also comes very highly recommended.</p>
<p>I can write more about other departments if you have specific questions…</p>
<p>I will say that if you find yourself oscillating, perhaps ED isn’t the right choice for you. It’s great if you definitely know what you want to do, but otherwise it can be dangerous.</p>
<p>I wish I could study aboard for a period during college,Italy may be the target.</p>
<p>But history maybe the first choice major.I found myself specially interested in 19th century US history,And I really enjoy the stories of Chamberlain and Howard</p>
<p>could you please compare pre-law and the rate of graduates who went to law school in this two college</p>
<p>I suspect cfuser might be a tour guide…most have the phrase I can’t compare school X with school y since I go to school X and not school y ingrained in them during tour guide training (side note: that’s the kind of stock answer that you should look out for when taking a tour and come up with ways to get an answer anyway). Of course, lots of people don’t like comparing their schools with those they don’t go to. Luckily, I’m not one of them!
I completely agree with everything cfuser has said about the History, English and Religion departments. I too am a History major and have consistently had terrific professors and really engaging courses. I wish there were more but alas…LAC’s do have their drawbacks.
Anyway, I can see why you want to apply ED: better chance of getting in! Plus you get the stress of applications over with by Christmas. While I agree that you shouldn’t go ED if you’re not confident in your decision, a little oscillation is to be expected. ED is a significant commitment and it’s only natural to want to be sure about your decision…but if you imagine yourself happy with the academics at Bates, you’re going to be just as happy if not more so at Bowdoin (most likely, of course).
Don’t know the % of students going on to law school, but plenty of people fully intend on going to law school (myself included) and there are ample resources for those who want to. Also, their is no pre-law major or even much of a track. I know a couple of math majors who want to go on to law school…not atypical at an LAC.</p>
<p>Rejuvinating this thread cause I’d love to hear more from other knowledgeable people about humanities at Bowdoin and Bates, particularly the English departments. Not really concerned about which is “better” - just like to know what your experiences have been.</p>
<p>From what I can tell, both schools are fantastic.</p>
<p>i would look at the faculty at each school, rather than the offerings. once in a school like Bates or Bowdoin one has the opportunity to work individually with faculty and craft an experience unique to one’s own curiosity. i suspect they each have folks who have significantly added to their field of scholarship and are steeped in the important and rigorous creative process involved with writing and research.</p>
<p>also look at the kinds of speakers each school routinely brings to it’s campus. authors are quite common, and impressive, and available for interaction with the students on a very informal basis. at least this is what my son relays to me, as his rather eye opening experience has been at Bowdoin.</p>
<p>i’ve visited Bowdoin and am also interested in its humanities programs, however Bates I’m sure has good ones as well so i think you would be better off at comparing the schools themselves, knowing that wherever you go there will be a fantastic Humanities Department. There is this website, uni go .com (don’t put a space between uni and go,) that gives current students perspectives, you could try to look there, it certainly helped me BOWDOIN HERE I COME!!! (well fingers crossed anyways.)</p>
BOWDOIN HERE I COME!!! (well fingers crossed anyways.)</p>