Therese Banks

(I actually took the course on Spring 2025 with Prof. Banks) The most valuable part of this course is perhaps the speaking environment it sets you into, which is usually more directed and level-specific than other speaking opportunities at Middlebury. Grammar points are progressed at a fair speed as well based on the textbook, which may seem rather slow-paced if compared with other B1 textbooks such as Alter Ego but nonetheless very appropriate for the class pace I observed. Tests are fine but there are writing questions and they are not curved, so it is important to try to grasp on every possible point to achieve a higher final grade. That being said, they only constitute around 25% the total grade.

(I actually took the course on Spring 2025 with Prof. Banks) The most valuable part of this course is perhaps the speaking environment it sets you into, which is usually more directed and level-specific than other speaking opportunities at Middlebury. Grammar points are progressed at a fair speed as well based on the textbook, which …Read more

The course was just not for me but it is not a bad course. The texts are very difficult to read because they are old, historical French texts, and in my opinion not very interesting. The essays are difficult but if you try your best and ask for help when needed you should be able to succeed in the class.

Papers and readings were hard, I won't lie. I really liked professor banks, she is really funny and accommodating, but she took forever to get papers back to us. Discussions were interesting for the most part. The class is what you make of it, and rewrites are offered for all papers but the final.