<p>As an incoming freshman, I placed into this course and would like to hear any opinions about it. Even though I won't be majoring in Spanish, I want to continue studying Spanish in some way and study abroad.</p>
<p>I've never taken a linguistics class before, which is why I have no idea what to expect. </p>
<p>I'd also like to hear some general feedback about the Spanish department if that's possible, too.</p>
<p>Spanish department is AMAZING. The classes vary in degree of difficulty depending on who you have as an instructor. The exams are uniform but the way in which they are graded is not. I did not place quite as high as you did (placed into 232) but you will definitely enjoy the class if you have the right instructor. I though it was ridiculously easy and alot of fun. They speak in spanish from the first day until the final and you are expected to do the same. The classes are really small and personal. Have fun</p>
<p>I’m a Spanish major and senior, so I can help you out with this. 330, as you said, is an introductory linguistics course. The class is not particularly hard, and you get to do all homework and exams (yes, exams) in groups, using open books, open notes, etc. The professor, Teresa Satterfield, is quite awesome and very nice, and quite renowned in her field. The subject matter is also quite fascinating, as you get to learn about different dialects, variations in pronunciation, and just really get to dissect the language as a whole. I knew people in the class who had quite a bit of linguistic experience and they told me that the class didn’t go into things as in-depth as they would have likes, but it’s just an intro course. It’s also very different from any other course the Spanish department offers, with the exception of the more advanced syntax/phonetics classes. Overall, if you put in the effort and pay attention, getting an A is quite easy, and the class is very interesting.</p>
<p>If you placed into this course as a freshman, that’s quite impressive. I’m assuming, then, that you received credit for all the pre-reqs to the major and minor (i.e. 275 and 276). If so, then you would need 21 credits for a minor in Spanish, which, regardless of your major, is quite doable in 4 years I think. </p>
<p>The Spanish department has its pros and cons. The good thing is that in virtually any class, participation is like half the battle, and if you are active and engaged, the prof will like you more and you will quite likely receive an A (grading can be pretty subjective). In general, getting good grades in Spanish courses is not hard, especially if you have solid command of the language (which you seem to, given that you placed into 330). Also, most of the professors are fantastic, especially in 300 and 400 level classes. They know their stuff quite well and explain it beautifully. </p>
<p>Since Spanish classes are so small (compared to other departments where there is a lecture+discussion format), the teacher will certainly know you by name, and it will often be much easier to secure a recommendation if you ever need one for grad school, internships, jobs, etc. The most important thing is to come to class prepared and to participate.</p>
<p>The downside is that the department does not hire enough faculty to teach the courses. This is problematic because TONS of people take Spanish, either as a major, second major, or minor, and there are not nearly enough classes to fit all of these students. That’s why, if you go to the course guide and see the 300 and 400 level classes, virtually all of them will have wait lists of 20-30 or more people. This is a big deal, and people often find it a pain in the ass to get a decent schedule worked out. With that being said, the classes that are offered can be really cool as far as subject matter goes.</p>
<p>If you are looking to do study abroad, the university offers many options, both for fall/winter and summer semesters. There are programs in Madrid, Salamanca, Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Santiago, Guadalajara, and many other places. If you go to the OIP (office of international programs) located in the chemistry building, they will give you more infor about these. Also, I did study abroad myself, so if you want more detailed info about where I went, how credits transfer, etc., feel free to pm me and I’ll be happy to help you out.</p>
<p>Finally, if you are really interested in Spanish, you can become a tutor for the Spanish club. This is a volunteer position, but it will allow you to use Spanish on a very frequent basis.</p>
<p>If you have other questions, feel free to pm me. Best of luck.</p>
<p>Does anyone have any opinions on both french 101 and italian 101?</p>
<p>I placed into 231. I’m not necessarily good at spanish, but I’ve taken it for a long time. Is there a method to do well in spanish because I always struggled in high school. Since you are a senior that is majoring in spanish, do you have any advice regarding study habits, resources and any piece of advice that can help me get a sense of what I need to do to excel. I’m trying to get an A in everything(Pre-Med here). Sorry if I sound grade conscious.</p>
<p>I’m actually pre-med as well (applying to med school right now). First of all, though you are trying to get an A in everything (isn’t everyone), you almost certainly won’t. I’m not saying this to be mean or pessimistic, but rather because the science courses at U of M are incredibly rigourous. Sure, you can do well if you are smart and work extremely hard, but getting all A’s is incredibly difficult. Kudos if you can pull it off.</p>
<p>As far as doing well in Spanish classes, it really depends on the course. For 231, here’s what I would advise:</p>
<p>1) Practice, practice, practice. The best way to learn a language is to get stuff wrong, because then you reinforce it correctly. I think you get like workbooks and worksheets and stuff in that class, so work at that and just constantly keep practicing.</p>
<p>2) Participate in class. Honestly, this is almost always half the battle. Your prof will love you because you will make their job easier.</p>
<p>3) If you find yourself struggling, come see a Spanish tutor, Mon-Fri 1-4 pm in the LRC. It’s free tutoring, and we can help you with grammer, vocab, journals, conversation, etc.</p>
<p>4) Go to office hours if you ever have any questions.</p>
<p>I knew someone who taught 231, and they told me that though not everyone can get an A, absolutely everyone can get a B. So, I think, if you put in the work necessary, you should be able to get above that and into the A range. Who is your professor?</p>
<p>Honestly, that’s all I can tell you. This is not one of those classes where you study a ton and then the exam is impossible, because there is really no way to make a Spanish exam that hard. Just really take the time and put effort into the course. </p>
<p>Good luck, and with pre-med as well. It’s a long road.</p>