Russian

Professor Portice is easily my favorite professor I've had thus far at Middlebury. He is entertaining, kind, and makes you feel like he cares and you matter. He obviously cares a lot about the material and discussions don't seem like quizzes. He genuinely cares about everyone's thoughts and opinions about the readings.

Professor Portice is extremely kind, understanding, and I feel that she genuinely wants me and my fellow students to learn and do well in the language. On the other hand, Professor Plagmann can be mean, demeaning, and often makes students feel bad for making mistakes or being unclear on certain terminology. This isn't the best feeling when you're starting out a new language and can be quite discouraging.

Professor Portice is extremely kind, understanding, and I feel that she genuinely wants me and my fellow students to learn and do well in the language. On the other hand, Professor Plagmann can be mean, demeaning, and often makes students feel bad for making mistakes or being unclear on certain terminology. This isn't the best feelin …Read more

Depending on who you take this course with, you may like it or be very bothered by it. Professor Portice is extremely kind and understanding when it comes to issues with homework and attendance, and creates a relaxed environment during lectures. Professor Plagmann can be very uncompromising about homework and makes lectures feel boring yet stressful. Homework and exams are the primary things you need to worry about in this class, as well as attendance (only about 3 absences allowed, otherwise it starts to harm your attendance, which is 30% of your grade).

Depending on who you take this course with, you may like it or be very bothered by it. Professor Portice is extremely kind and understanding when it comes to issues with homework and attendance, and creates a relaxed environment during lectures. Professor Plagmann can be very uncompromising about homework and makes lectures feel bor …Read more