Intermediate French II · French
predictable, reasonable, and generous grading provided much opportunity to improve. a fantastic homework and grading structure in this class.
We read excerpts from Madame Bovary and Le Spleen de Paris, each of which had vocab and reading questions we worked on as homework and in class. Everything was pretty straight-forward, if not easy (we usually had to read one or two a week and answer questions). There were also four 1-2 page compositions, not too hard, graded fairly-- we were allowed to turn in a second draft with corrections to improve our grades. We had two quizzes, mostly on grammar stuff and some vocab, with a small written section, again, straightforward, no trick questions or surprises. It was the same with the midterm and final-- as long as you study, you should have nothing to worry about.
Mack was one of my favorite professors, for his personality, helpfulness, and humor. He made A LOT of time for me during office hours, and made me like French, which I had disliked in other classes. Vocabulary lessons and discussions about readings were super fun. He does a lot of genealogy and translation, which is different from other profs. We had a really great classroom ambiance by the end of the semester. My favorite text was probably Amélie Nothomb's book, which is hard at first but which you become addicted to by the end. I really liked that he included songs from popular culture for the translation exercises, by the end of the semester we had a whole album to listen to, songs which I often listen to again.
A fair amount of homework, and you have to do it because she asks people to go to the board. Then she looks at the board and nods. Then she erases the board without going over the answers. Then she speaks in English about her husband and baby for the remaining time.
Compositions, participation, midterm, 2 exams, and final. Expectations for everything is very clear. She gives apt opportunity for everyone to participate. Gives practice exams and compositions can be rewritten to boost grade. Lots of bonus on exams/midterm.
four small quizzes, four compositions, a midterm, a final, a project
About 4 quizzes as midterms season begins, with flexibility based on class understanding. 4 compositions done in class with an opportunity for one redo each. 1 oral presentation and a cumulative final.
She teaches off the the standard syllabus set by the French department, so, regular chapter quizes, and short midterm, a long final, and an oral presentation. Short compositions due every other week or so.
Quizzes for each grammatical concept, several compositions, midterm and final
Homework (optional), weekly quiz or 200-300 word essay, midterm and final