French and Francophone Studies

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

Grading was very confusing. Lots of homework with grammar/vocab worksheet as well as small written assignment every class meeting. Day-to-day was ok but seemed like we spent most of our class time throughout the semester discussing the one novel we read. Not a lot of variety, but predictable. Sped through grammar concepts, and they were rarely explained in class which often left me confused and not accustomed to using the structures when expected to in written work. The grading is very subjective and confusing at times.

Grading was very confusing. Lots of homework with grammar/vocab worksheet as well as small written assignment every class meeting. Day-to-day was ok but seemed like we spent most of our class time throughout the semester discussing the one novel we read. Not a lot of variety, but predictable. Sped through grammar concepts, and they …Read more

This course is what you would probably expect. Homework, slideshow lectures, and speaking in class. The homework felt like it was 1 day ahead of what we were learning. We would teach ourselves then prof would ask us questions about it in class. Homework was graded on accuracy. I took french in high school and I think that this course was the right level for me.