German

Compared to other two beginning German classes (101 & 102), 103 is MUCH more fast paced and there are a lot more writing & reading assignments in this class (also with the same fun in class from 101 and 102). Quizzes and Tests are in a weekly basis, which make people feel that they are constantly preparing for exams and it adds some pressure to make the course less chill and fun. Both professors are nice and chill but it doesn't mean that they have demand for class takers to actively participate in class and follow their pace. After all, this class will definitely improve German ability and worth taking as beginning German learner.

Compared to other two beginning German classes (101 & 102), 103 is MUCH more fast paced and there are a lot more writing & reading assignments in this class (also with the same fun in class from 101 and 102). Quizzes and Tests are in a weekly basis, which make people feel that they are constantly preparing for exams and it adds some …Read more

German 101 is a course designed to open the door that leads into the world of German linguistics, culture, and history. If one wants to learn a language at Middlebury, I highly suggest they sign up for this course, as it shows what learning a language takes and where it can take you. Thomas is a highly effective teacher, and his greatest strengths are his high energy and enthusiasm.

German 101 is a course designed to open the door that leads into the world of German linguistics, culture, and history. If one wants to learn a language at Middlebury, I highly suggest they sign up for this course, as it shows what learning a language takes and where it can take you. Thomas is a highly effective teacher, and his grea …Read more

Thomas is a really friendly professor, and this class was overall pretty enjoyable. I do agree with the last review that the screening times needed work--they did drag on, and this was especially tough at times where the films felt uninteresting. These weeks also made discussions difficult, as of course a more engaging film would have made for a more engaging discussion. But, I do think that this issue became less pressing as the semester went on, and overall the work for this class was light enough that this issue wasn't grating for me. Most of the class grading was participation based--short weekly discussion posts (with many skips permissible) and biweekly additions of one vocabulary word to a group document. Our larger assignments were two essays (One of which being our final) and an in-class presentation, which were admittedly stressful and felt somewhat out-of-character for the class in their workload intensity. With that being said, Thomas is incredibly thoughtful, and was one of my MOST accommodating professors this past semester when it came to understanding students' stressors, moving deadlines when needed (Each essay had a guaranteed extension available for everyone, written into the syllabus), and not penalizing for lateness. I also felt he was a fairly light grader, and his office hours were very helpful for finding guidance in any of these assignments if needed. Overall, I trust that his next iteration of this course will certainly be a more engaging one, and I would definitely take another class with Thomas if not for the content, then for his good character.

Thomas is a really friendly professor, and this class was overall pretty enjoyable. I do agree with the last review that the screening times needed work--they did drag on, and this was especially tough at times where the films felt uninteresting. These weeks also made discussions difficult, as of course a more engaging film would hav …Read more