Thinking Philosophically with Human Nature and Society (JHNS2) Peer Tutor Aidan Bekendam

In this article, the Board of SASS interviews Human Nature and Society (JHNS2) peer tutor Aidan Bekendam. We hope that this article will help current and future Human Nature and Society (JHNS2) students in their academic journey!

What did you enjoy about Human Nature and Society (JHNS2)?

Well I was in a perfect section, with Dr. Hicks and a bunch of fun people that are some of my closest friends now, so it was a really fun class just in general, especially with Dr. Hicks, since Dr. Hicks is amazing. But regarding the course material, the philosophy is really interesting, as you cover all sorts of Big Questions About Life ™, and end up learning a lot about what it means to be a human that lives in society (hence the name). Also did I mention that Dr. Hicks is amazing? Because Dr. Hicks is amazing.

What challenged you the most in Human Nature and Society (JHNS2)? How did you overcome those challenges?

OK well I was a bit more humorous in the above section, but I am being dead serious in this part. The readings. The readings are usually really, really hard to understand. A lot of the people you read lived hundreds, even thousands of years ago, so their writing style is very different, and it can be a bit of a puzzle to understand what they are trying to say. Just really trying to pay attention, re-reading the stuff, watching the lecture videos (when applicable), and paying attention in class (really important one there).

What tips do you have that could be useful to students taking Human Nature and Society (JHNS2)?

I mentioned above paying attention in class, but also take notes. They do not need to be detailed notes, just try to summarize each philosopher’s main ideas. I tried to force myself to be pretty concise by only using one or two note cards for each philosopher (they were double sided). Doing this really helped with understanding the material (and don’t be like me and decide to suddenly take notes on all the readings two weeks before the midterm).

About how much time did you spend a week working on assignments and preparing for discussion sessions in Human Nature and Society (JHNS2)?

Maybe 3 hours, 2 hours for reading, and 1 hour for homework, but it would vary. Way more in midterm/final weeks.

What did the typical week in Human Nature and Society (JHNS2) look like?

Reading before class, doing a bit of homework, then going to class and having all sorts of fun learning. In midterm/finals weeks, add lots of stress and cramming.

What was your favorite topic covered in Human Nature and Society (JHNS2)?

Wait, you are going to make me choose?! I umm . . . am actually literally unable to make a decision. I mean it is all interesting, from learning how babies develop language to Utilitarianism. Sorry, I really thought hard and could not find something I liked best.

Do you have any resources (i.e. study tips, useful websites) to share with students who want to take the course?

Well us peer tutors at the WTC of course (shameless plug), but also go to your instructor’s OH, but also just make sure you enjoy yourself. I mean this is so cliche, but I actually am nostalgic for JHNS2, so don’t waste a minute of this wonderful experience. Have fun, participate, and ask Dr. Hicks about the Federer Incident! Also take notes, as mentioned above in more detail.

Adian Bekendam is a peer tutor for Human Nature and Society and can be found on the Writing and Tutoring Center.

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