Therese Banks

I took this course as a CW, and it honestly didn't feel like we did too much extra work. We wrote one additional essay, so the biggest challenge was having less time than the non-CW section for each essay. As for the content, Prof. Banks was clearly very passionate about what she was teaching. She had a wealth of knowledge of the historical timeline of the Enlightenment, which really helped me as someone who knows very little French history. My only problem with the course is that we only got one graded essay back all semester. I would have liked to know where I stood in terms of my writing, but Prof. Banks was very open to talking during office hours, which helped.

I took this course as a CW, and it honestly didn't feel like we did too much extra work. We wrote one additional essay, so the biggest challenge was having less time than the non-CW section for each essay. As for the content, Prof. Banks was clearly very passionate about what she was teaching. She had a wealth of knowledge of the his …Read more

This was one of my least favorite courses at Middlebury. I was originally really excited for the class as I find the topic interesting, but that was quickly ruined. Class was the same every time: very brief overview of the reading/topic of the day, then she would just ask us questions and we would have have partner/whole group discussions. Most people, including myself, seemed to struggled with the readings as they were very challenging being from around the 16th century and this was reflected in the classroom as nobody really wanted to speak up. Everyone clearly dreaded the class and just wanted to leave. The classroom dynamic often felt tense and very boring. I am not sure why she didn't try to change things up a bit more and make classes more engaging. She is a kind person and clearly cares about the subject and is very knowledgeable on it, but she did not do a great job making the content feel more accessible or engaging. The assignments for the class were also quite challening and the research paper is held to extremely high standards, yet with unclear actual expectations. She also would not grade anything forever. I still only have like one grade from back in September and it is finals, which seems pretty unprofessional and irresponsible on her end. Feedback is crucial for learning and having a sense of your progress in a class! I highly recommend avoiding this course at all costs unless you have a burning passion for French renaissance literature.

This was one of my least favorite courses at Middlebury. I was originally really excited for the class as I find the topic interesting, but that was quickly ruined. Class was the same every time: very brief overview of the reading/topic of the day, then she would just ask us questions and we would have have partner/whole group discu …Read more

The course is fast paced but it is worth it and you'll develop your skills very fast. Just keep up with the homework and pay attention in class as well as contribute to discussions and you will gain a lot from this course.