I was interested in taking an “elementary intensive” French class this upcoming fall semester.
I assumed that languages courses at the 100 level would be okay for a beginner who only has limited knowledge of the language (I started self-studying French this summer).
However, while I was reading reviews of the classes/professors, it seems that this isn’t the case. I noticed several people making comments like “class was easy for me since I took 4 years of French in high school” under the beginners French class (100 level). Many people mentioned that they took French in high school. There were even reviews like this for several other foreign language courses.
I’m concerned that this elementary French class I signed up for is going to expect me to have an intermediate knowledge of French already.
So, as I asked in the title… Are “elementary” languages classes ACTUALLY for beginners? Will I (probably) be okay in this beginning French class as someone with no formal instruction in the language?
Other than the reviews, have you looked at the syllabus or course description? Does the class have prerequisites?
That should provide you a definite answer.
@Niquii77 Yes, I’ve checked that a while ago. The course description is very vague - it just says “covers listening, speaking, writing, reading, and culture of the French-speaking world”. The syllabus aren’t available online. As for prereqs, it just says proper language test placement.
Yes, elementary language classes are appropriate for beginners. However, college language classes move at a MUCH faster pace than high school - one semester in college is equivalent to a year in high school. Additionally, it looks like the class you’re talking about is an intensive class. Intensive classes cram two semesters’ worth of content into a single semester, which makes them harder than normal elementary language classes.
Oh, wow, such vagueness. The class should be fine for you to take. It’s a 100 level course, which I noticed just now you said in the OP.
As a former language student, I second jazz’s comments.
A 100 level language class is for absolute beginners. (Students who take it after 4 years of high school French are just looking for an easy A.)
And while it’s true that intensive classes cover more material in a shorter period of time, it’s also true that they often produce excellent language students. At my school, an intense class that covered 3 years worth of French in one long summer session resulted in some of the best French undergraduates in the French department – that’s been the case for decades.
Not that I’m suggesting you cram 3 years worth of a language into 3 months… but intensive courses are very effective. If you’re interested in French, go for it.
Yes, elementary language courses are for those who have no experience.
At my university, you are not even allowed to register for an elementary foreign language course in a language you have experience in that language.