Semester.ly

Johns Hopkins University | AS.210.309

The Sounds of French

3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

(4.49)

This course introduces students to the sound system of French: its development over centuries, its standardized Parisian form versus regional and international dialects and accents, and the popularity of "word games" (abbreviations, acronyms, and verlan). The course will include extensive practice in perceiving, articulating, and transcribing sounds, words, and intonation groups through viewing film clips, listening to songs, and completing in class lab assignments. Recorded speech samples obtained at the beginning, middle, and end of the semester will allow students to track their progress in moving toward more native pronunciation and intonation. Recommended Course Background: AS.210.202 or equivalent

Fall 2012

(4.6)

Fall 2013

(4.55)

Fall 2014

(4.33)

Fall 2012

Professor: Bruce Anderson

(4.6)

The best aspect of the course was the structure, which included a good mix of in-class discussions and assignments to ensure that the students had maximum practice with the Spanish language. The professor was extremely approachable and always provided good feedback to help the students improve their work. The worst aspects of the course included the LanguageTwin program, which was 159 not very effective, as well as the repetitive and dul lectures. The course would improve if the material could be spiced up somewhat with more in-class activities and also if the LanguageTwin program were replaced with something more effective. Prospective students should have prior Spanish knowledge and they should know that this course moves at a steady pace with a focus on grammar and speaking.

Fall 2013

Professor: Bruce Anderson

(4.55)

Students felt that the best aspects of this course were the rigorous pace and immersive course lectures. Students liked the immersive set up of the course and felt that the assignments helped promote language learning. However, they thought that the work outside of the classroom was excessive, and that there was not enough emphasis on speaking. Suggestions for improvement included adding in more conversational and speaking activities, adding more practice for the exams, and providing additional feedback on the assignments. Prospective students should be prepared for a heavy workload and feel comfortable learning in an immersive Spanish-speaking environment.

Fall 2014

Professor: Bruce Anderson

(4.33)

Students praised this course for having a passionate and knowledgeable instructor who worked to improve students’ accents in this interactive course. Perceived issues with the course varied; some students thought that it was hard sometimes to understand the instructor’s feedback while another student thought there weren’t enough oral practices. Suggestions for improvement varied as well. Some students wished the instructor’s feedback was better explained while another student wanted the course to be conducted entirely in French. Prospective students should know that students found the 174course was a great way to improve their French language skills and that it gave them a new insight on the French language.