Semester.ly

Johns Hopkins University | AS.211.401

La France Contemporaine

3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

(4.15)

Students will explore contemporary French society and culture through a wide variety of media: fiction and non-fiction readings (graphic novels, news periodicals, popular magazines), films, music, art, websites, and podcasts. A diverse range of hands-on activities in addition to guided readings will help students develop cultural awareness as we discuss topics such as education, politics, humor, sports, cuisine, immigration, slang, and national identity, as well as the historical factors that have influenced these facets of French and francophone culture. Recommended Course Background: AS.210.301 or AS.210.302 or permission of instructor.

Fall 2012

(4.12)

Fall 2013

(4.7)

Fall 2013

(3.88)

Fall 2014

(3.9)

Fall 2012

Professor: Auriane Bel

(4.12)

The best aspects of this course were the small class size, which allowed for discussions, as well as the interesting course materials that helped students learn about French history. The worst aspects of this course included the lack of feedback students received on their assignments and unclear assignment guidelines. The course would improve if there was more structure and if students received more feedback on their work. Prospective students should know that this is a great course with a light workload. However, some level of French speaking and writing is necessary in order for them to be successful.

Fall 2013

Professor: Bruce Anderson

(4.7)

Students broadly praised the multimedia this course used, including movie clips, videos, PowerPoint slides, readings and other media. Students felt this was a great way to get an overview of French culture and modern politics. Issues with the course included a lack of feedback and a lack of clarity on what was expected of students on assignments. Suggestions for improvement included a broad desire for quicker feedback and grades on assignments. In addition, some students wanted to see increased opportunities for group discussion in class, given the small number of students. Prospective students should know that the course is an interesting look at contemporary France and a good foundation of French grammar and language was helpful.

Fall 2013

Professor: April Wuensch

(3.88)

Students praised this course for being a comprehensive look at contemporary French society. Many students complained that it took a long time to receive grades and feedback on assignments. In addition, some students found the instructor rushed through important points in the lecture. Suggestions for improvement included a desire for quicker feedback on assignments as well as a desire for the instructor to be more responsive to e-mails. Prospective students should know that the course was interesting but had a demanding workload.

Fall 2014

Professor: April Wuensch

(3.9)

The best aspect of the course was the breadth of material covered. Students thoroughly enjoyed learning about French history and culture. The worst aspect of the course was that many students found the course to be disorganized and complained that there was a lack of timely feedback. Students urged that assignments be return in a more timely fashion, in addition to more organization overall. Prospective students should know that the course has a moderate workload, with heavy emphasis on the French political system.