French · Columbia University
Only take Priya if you have no desire to speak French. She speaks in English most of the time, occasionally throwing in a word or two of French, and she doesn't really encourage you to do more than that. Let's say you don't care. Let's say you just want to get through the language requirement with a good grade. You still should not take Priya. The percent As in the class was only 33 percent, very low for a language class. Most of the people in my class failed their tests routinely, probably because our professor did not seem to speak French. I was really surprised to read the positive reviews. Most of the people in my class disliked her and thought she was a raging incompetant. We were all dumbfounded about the other positive CULPA reviews.
Not to be redundant, but Priya is fabulous. Not only is she a perfect instructor -- interested, caring, eager, intelligent, motivated, knowledgeable, and effective -- but she always has amusing anecdotes to share (the imitations of her parents [replete with Indian accents] are the best) and has great taste in clothes. She just finished her thesis, so who knows how much longer she'll be around, but if she's teaching a conversation class, grab it before it fills up. You'll both learn the language better than before and snag an easy A, and what could be better?
Priya is probably one of the kindest, smartest people you'll ever meet. She is always encouraging and supportive, and really makes an effort to make sure that students understand and enjoy what they are reading and analyzing. If you work hard, you'll do well.
Although we all know that the Columbia administration is oft-times off-base when handing out accolades, it merits being mentioned that Priya was the 2002-2003 recipient of the Graduate Student Teachers Award . And I can say this confidently because I know I wasn't the only person from our section who nominated her. Priya is amazing. You'll notice we all call her by her first name, and that's not mock-friendship, but a true indication of the role she assumes as your instructor. Her kindness is unparalleled in the faculty of this institution, and she won that award because she truly is an example of what a teacher should be. Not only a friend to her students, Priya forces you to learn a lot too. I don't think many of us could have felt prouder the day we read-and understood- Proust in French. To get a handful of scared undergraduates to tackle even the very beginning of such an opus is astounding, and I am so happy that Columbia has finally recognized Priya, because we, her students, sure know she deserves it.
three papers (work hard on them and you will get an a), a midterm (again, if you've read the material, you will be fine), and a final (haven't taken it yet....)
If you can take a class with Priya, definately take that opportunity. She's one of the most thoughtful and caring professors I've ever had and a pretty good teacher at that. Having lived in Paris for a number of years, she definately knows her stuff and speaks quickly though understandably. The class is really casual and it's pretty much all talking, with some grammar and pronounciation exercises thrown in between. If you're looking for something more than conversation, then this isn't for you. She really makes the atmosphere comfortable, and don't worry if you have a problem - she's always open to talk and ready to help. Make sure you participate - she loves it when you try. There are presentations, but they're not bad and they're about topics of your choice. If you want a professor who loves what she does and if you want a pretty low-key class, then Priya's the way to go.
if you can, TAKE THIS PROFESSOR. she is possibly the best teacher i have had at columbia. she is interesting and caring. she genuinely wants all of her students to do well. she clearly loves the material she is teaching, and the students she is teaching it too. i don't think she is teaching anything next semester, but if she teaches anything in the future, make sure you take it. i would take any course with her, without hesitation. she is incredibly intelligent, a fair, even generous grader. all around amazing.
Priya is the best french professor I've ever had. And I have been taking French for 14 years and I lived there for awhile. Seriously, take her class-- she is intelligent, warm, caring, and most of all, inspiring. A true gem within the Columbia sometimes-cold system.
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.
mandatory attendance and one or two [fun] presentations to the class