Individualized Learning Stories
A Creative Collaboration
Professor Dominica Chang and Meghan Hickey ’12
After taking two years of French at Lawrence, Meghan Hickey ’12 couldn’t wait to register for Media and French Revolutions, a French course covering topics she wanted to explore more in depth since high school. However, when the Russian and French double major realized she had a scheduling conflict, she took the initiative to work with Dominica Chang, assistant professor of French, to create a tutorial version of the course.
Chang, who has been Hickey’s advisor since her freshman year, knew the extra time spent designing the tutorial would create an environment in which Hickey would flourish. “She is one of our most advanced students in French,” Chang said. “The tutorial setting allowed us the flexibility to tailor a class more in tune with Meghan’s specific interests and linguistic skill level. And because we know each other so well we were able to communicate very easily.”
Chang and Hickey both admit that while a being in a class of one may sound easier, in reality the opposite is true. “Meghan has to come in and be on top of everything she does,” Chang said. “There’s no one here to answer the questions but her.”
“If I have an off-day, it’s blatantly obvious, and she knows that,” Hickey said with a laugh. “But at the same time, it forces you to take responsibility for the work. You can’t just get a little bit absorbed, you’re forced to go back when you’re done and ask yourself, ‘Did I actually understand what is going on?’”
For Chang, the tutorial provides an opportunity for her to explore the subject on an even deeper level, which she called “a great experience.”
Combined with her previous courses in French, Hickey said she’s been given a new perspective on the ways in which she can apply her language skills. “It’s not just talking about the French Revolution; it’s talking about how the French language and French culture has impacted nations outside of Europe.”
To that end, Hickey plans to stay at Lawrence this summer to work as a research assistant with Stephen Sieck, assistant professor and co-director of choral studies. The pair will examine the theology of French-Swiss composer Frank Martin.
“This is the perfect opportunity to prove to myself that I can take my French language and research skills — especially the ones learned through this tutorial — and apply them toward a study outside the French department,” Hickey said. “It’s going to be a great experience.”
