Tends to pick favorites, makes fun of your pronunciation in front of the class. Very nit-picky. However, she knows the subject exceedingly well.
Grade Distribution
21 Reviews
This class will increase your pronunciation tenfold . . however Mme Saunder can be a bit overbearing at times. If your accent isn't on par with the class, be prepared to be singled out frequently. Tests aren't too bad, most everyone gets an A or a B overall
This class is designed to correct your bad pronunciation habits through constant oral repetition of a native French speaker model. Tapes are used extensively for this purpose, and Mme. Saunders supplements by explaining phonological theories. A lot of the class is memorizing phonemic symbols and rules, as well as doing transcriptions. In the end, it will make you more aware of French sounds and your own pronunciation. Do not expect to be able to converse better--this is not a conversation class.
She is definitely knowledgeable, however, I think only a true linguist could ever enjoy her class. Also, she sends out homework the day before and in our semester she had us do an impromptu mini-research project thing with very short notice.
Mme. Saunders knows her stuff. She's very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Make sure to study your phonetic rules for tests but other than that no real work was necessary.
Mme Saunders is very thorough and precise, as well as extremely fair and flexible. She tends to grade holistically on exams. I loved this class, but it is taught from a strongly linguistic standpoint and will not improve or give you opportunity to practice your French; it will only improve your pronunciation.
This class has done more to improve my french than any other class. Although we spent almost all of our class time learning how to make strange French sounds, carefully analyzing each sound actually improved my listening comprehension the most. Mme Saunders is awesome!
A must take for anyone who wants to improve his French pronunciation. Class is not hard, but practice is necessary to achieve the best pronunciation.
Pros: There is minimal work required, and the grading/exams are fair--if you actually take this class seriously. Cons: It’s pretty difficult to take this class seriously. If you enjoy being humiliated for 75 minutes, twice a week, this class is for you. Class was often redundant and mainly consisted of listening to strange recordings or watching your peers go up to the board to complete exercises. While my awareness of French sounds has exponentially increased, there is no discernable improvement in my pronunciation. FREN 3030 is largely theory based; tests were all written, and you don’t really get to practice your oral skills. If you’re into linguistics, you may enjoy this class. As far as improving your pronunciation goes, there are far more effective and worthwhile ways (that don’t come at the expense of your dignity) to do so. I felt like I needed to be exorcised after taking this class.
Course work is a little tedious, but you will finish the class with a great accent and knowledge of French phonetics.