Melanie Heydari

The homework is really lengthy and tedious, but doing all of the assignments will give you a solid grip on the concepts and if you already understand the material there is a lot of leway to skip certain parts of the homework. That being said I would spend 2-3 per assignment hours on this class and that isn't an uncommon experience from what I've heard.

I find that it is rather difficult in terms of balance in skill level distributed across the class. Although, I find this is common in language classes. 1 Columbia University: Arts & Sciences Spring 2022 Course: FRENUN2101_003_2022_1-INTERMEDIATEFRENCHI : FRENUN2101_003_2022_1 - INTERMEDIATE FRENCH I Instructor: Laurence Marie

TAKE HER CLASSES!! BEST FRENCH PROF I'VE EVER HAD. Heydari creates a welcoming environment in class and will frequently restate her questions or translate what she is saying if people look confused. You can ask the same question fifty times and she will explain it fifty ways because she genuinely wants you to understand the material. That being said, she will not hesitate to call you out in front of everyone if you don't do the homework/aren't paying attention/or are clearly slacking off. Heydari's practice tests are exactly like the exams and her review sessions are super helpful. If you participate in class, she will give you the benefit of the doubt. If you have a conflict, Heydari is kind and flexible and you can take exams during her office hours/at another time if needed. I am excited for intermediate 2 because of her!

Is a lot of work and this class has been very stressful for me. It frustrated me to not live up to my potential despite how much I studied. 1 Columbia University: Arts & Sciences Fall 2021 Course: FRENUN2101_001_2021_3-INTERMEDIATEFRENCHI : FRENUN2101_001_2021_3 - INTERMEDIATE FRENCH I Instructor: Laurence Marie

2 exams (20%), 1 midterm (20%), 1 final (20%), 3 compositions (20% but you submit two drafts, the second one revised after she gives feedback), homework after every class (workbook exercises and usually some reading; takes around an hour).

Madame Heydari is one of the best French professors/teachers I've ever had. She really prioritizes her students' comprehension over anything, meaning we can ask questions in English. She will also speak in English if she feels it will clarify something. You can tell she genuinely wants you to succeed, and because of this it's a very low-stress environment. She will occasionally cold call, but if you get caught not paying attention, she just guides you through the question she wants you to answer. She explains concepts thoroughly and spends a good amount of time on things to ensure you are prepared for exams. Overall, I strongly recommend this class (or any class) with Mme. Heydari!!

2 tests and a midterm (final was cancelled) and 3 compositions; it is super manageable especially because she is so understanding.

Literally the sweetest and nicest teacher ever. She is so understanding and wants all of her students to succeed. She really values people's effort in the class and how they progress over the semester (this is super helpful if you do bad on the first test of the year). Professor Heydari is genuinely the BEST FRENCH TEACHER I have ever had.