Tsien was an extremely engaging professor and most of the course was interesting, albeit with a lot of poetry. 45% of your grade in this course is from essays and half of each essay is just grammar, so make sure you have a solid handle of French grammar before you take the course, because it mostly will not be taught. However, if you are strong in this, you will do well. The readings aren't bad but aren't optional, she calls out individually to see if you've done them in class. Overall however, the course really improves your understanding of French and French culture, so if you're interested in that it's worth the effort. #tCFfall2021

The teacher is pretty strict about deadlines and grading, but overall it's a good class. It's not too much work, most of your grade comes from 3 essays throughout the semester, a couple small writing assignments, 3 short quizzes, a final presentation, and class participation. As long as you read the assigned readings and use proper grammar in your writing you'll be fine.

Interesting class! Like an English class, but in French. Not much about grammar and learning more of the language though. Although she's sometimes kinda scary to approach, the professor is very knowledgeable about French poetry, literature, and modern culture. She knows her stuff. It's low-key pretty difficult, especially the papers you have to write. But take it seriously and put in the work. It'll pay off. She acknowledges how hard you try. And it can be really intimidating to contribute to discussions and speak up, but do it. 1) you're being graded on participation in them and 2) the more you talk/contribute, the better and more confident you'll get.

Tsien really knows her stuff. The poetry section during the first half of the semester is incredibly easy, but don't let that get you off your guard. The second half is definitely much harder because the literature readings can take a lot of time. The papers can be hard if you don't plan ahead, but do-able if you organize. Make sure you always get your topic 100% approved by here beforehand. Tsien will make you participate if she sees that you aren't on your own, but she will never put you down (directly). She can be engaging, but does sometimes make things awkward.

very nice, but boring at times. really knows the material, so it is worth taking, but not the most fun.

She tries really hard to make the class fun, but sometimes she just makes it awkward. Really easy to ask her questions if ever confused about anything.

Tsien is very sweet and has a beautiful accent. She's helpful if you need her, and she always tries to make the class more fun (one time we performed skits to explain literary devices). I enjoyed the readings a lot, and I improved my French writing. Pretty typical preq.

Very nice, but very difficult grader. The readings are hard, and essay topics complicated. She really likes students who go to her office hours and is willing to go over topics and rough drafts.

She's a very energetic teacher. The material is a little tough at times, (we read Balzac). I like the poetry and drama section, but covers literature as well. I highly recommend Tsien for this class.