<p>How's the French Department at Northwestern? Are they pretty good? Anyone here going for French?</p>
<p>I'm a tutor in the French department ... I've heard some negative things about the classes, and personally I didn't really enjoy the French lit class I took last quarter, but I know that some of the profs are great. Northwestern is better known for its German and Slavic departments though.</p>
<p>what is objectonal about some of the classes?</p>
<p>I am in French 4 now and I want to start from the beginning and take French 1 over again. Can I do that? Are there any "easy" French classes. I really don't want to be stuck taking a hard language class for the next 2 years.</p>
<p>bumping for more responses...isn't there anyone else who can speak on the French dept?</p>
<p>Usually you take a test to be placed into a certain level. If you feel that it's going to be too advanced for you, I'm sure that you'd be able to talk to someone in the French Department to address your case individually.</p>
<p>I took 4 years of French in high school and 1/3 of French 5 (i dropped it), and I usually got Bs. I wasn't really confident with my French ability... I had a pretty good grasp of grammar, but very limited vocabulary. I went into French 201 (skipping over the yearlong 12_ sequence of French for intermediatish learners), and it wasn't too bad at all. The class wasn't very demanding; vocabulary tests every few days based on lists distributed early on with about 3 very short essays during the quarter (1-4 pages). Also, a lot of your grade was based on participation and attendance. If you're pretty good about saying at least a couple things in each class to the teacher during discussion, or even just asking questions, that'll keep your participation grade up. I usually got between 70% and 85% on essays in that class (usually due to idioms that I didn't know), so I was a little worried about my grade... So I was pleasantly surprised to find an A- on my grade report; apparently the participation paid off. Plus, although I didn't take advantage of it nearly as much as I should have, the profs are really nice about making themselves available. If you want extra help or want to check your essay before you turn it in, just go to office hours and you'll be able to get plenty of aid.</p>
<p>I've heard languages are not particular strong here, except Slavic is supposed to be great.</p>
<p>I can comment a bit, but I'm not the best person to really evaluate the program as I come from a hs where the french program was AWFUL. So taking french here at NU has been like a dream (but again, I'm just happy to have teachers that make sense)...one thing I am very happy with is the willingness of the teachers to help...I've had french all 3 quarters so far, each time with a different teacher, and each one has been fantastic in office hours and has helped me immensely to improve outside of class. all three have also been native french speakers (2 from france, one from belgium), but maybe that's not so impressive in college french? </p>
<p>I'm also studying abroad in Arles, France this summer through NU, which promises to be a fantastic experience...so I've been pretty happy with my experience here.</p>
<p>"one thing I am very happy with is the willingness of the teachers to help"</p>
<p>I completely agree with that. They are wonderful with office hours!!!</p>
<p>and you have us wonderful tutors to help too :)</p>