Student Spotlight

1. I'm studying French literature as a minor. I've loved to write since I was young, and I particularly developed a passion for French literature in high school. 
2. French is actually my first language, but I chose to take literature courses at the u of w to have more opportunities to write literary and academic papers in French and continue to fortify my passion. I also wanted to learn more about the history and develop my knowledge of French literature. 
3. The 19th century poetry and drama class (taught by Dr. Sebastien Roldan) inspired me a lot (hence the feature in Balad'art podcasts). I especially loved learning about the female poets that had a huge impact on the literature and literary movements of the time - but that are often forgotten or unknown by most people. I'm therefore very much looking forward to taking the French Women's Writings course next semester.  
4. Female Poets (described in question 3). A lovely discovery for me was Judith Gautier, a poet and writer from the parnasse movement in the 19th century. Her works, like the collection of poems "Le Livre de Jade", (heavily inspired by orientalsim/japonism) feature beautiful, minimalistic, picturesque poetry. 
5. See answer 3. 
6. To continue their studies and keep persevering, though learning a language is hard (and for french students - even I, as a native french speaker, admit that the language is quite difficult). I advise getting involved/attending community/cultural activities, going to the theatre, watching movies and listening to music in the language they are learning. Mastering the accent makes a huge difference (and can also be a confidence booster while speaking the foreign language).
7. As a film student, filmmaker and writer, I plan to continue my professional and artistic endeavours in French (as well as English). 
8. It has enriched my knowledge of foreign (and Canadian) literature and continues to fuel my passion. 

Axelle recently published six different podcasts in the local weekly newspaper La Liberté, as part of a series of thirty podcasts created by local youths. As part of the series, Axelle spoke with one of our faculty members, Dr. Sébastien Roldan, about his area of expertise in 19th Century French Prose. You can find her work by searching her name at the link provided.  

1. I am studying German. I was interested in learning German as my Oma is from Cologne. I wanted to learn so she had someone to speak with in her native tongue. 
2. I’m in my second year studying German, about to enter Advanced German. 
3. History of Modern Germany with Dr. Alexander Freund has taught me a lot about German culture. As an Art History student studying German, learning about German history has illuminated the cultural implication present in art from Germany. 
4. Expressionism is one of my research interests, especially activity within Germany and Austria. Learning more about the culture in these German speaking countries gives me a deeper understanding of the culture of the time and better art history insights. 
5. I think the most valuable learning experiences I have had in my German classes are from oral presentations. Learning new vocabulary on my own and practicing my script out loud really makes me feel like I’m using the language.
6. Practice, practice, practice! It sounds cliché, but practicing and talking with your classmates improves not only your skills but helps your peers. I think language learning is the most fun and fulfilling when done collaboratively. 
7. In my personal life, I’m looking forward to talking with German-speaking family and friends. In my career as an art historian, it gives me an opportunity to be able to study and work in Germany and broaden my horizons as a researcher. Knowing German is invaluable for having access to a larger range of texts, and the opportunity for potentially translating texts to English. 
8. Learning German has given me a better understanding of grammar and syntax, not only in German but in English as well; it has made me a more adventurous and inspired writer by broadening my understanding of how language is constructed and used.

Camilla was awarded the Der Berliner Club 1954 Scholarship this year, in recognition of her accomplishments in German so far. Congratulations! 

1. I am studying French; I was drawn to the language because ever since I began learning it, I felt connected to culture and getting to speak another language. 
2. I have been studying French since kindergarten - being enrolled in French Immersion throughout my entire schooling it played a big part throughout my learning. 
3. Many courses have sparked my interest, one that stood out to me was Littérature du ‘je’ au Canada.  This course explored how the French culture has developed and changed throughout Canada over the years which opens your eyes to the big picture of francophone culture. 
4. I don’t think I can choose one text that sparked my interest in the culture of the language. I love the variety of texts we get to read and how it opens you up to new perspectives and ideas you may have never seen before. 
5. My most memorable learning experience in my courses has been engaging with others in the language and learning from them.  Everyone comes from a different French background and the Modern Languages and Literature department has opened me up to new friendships with others who share the same language.
6. Be open to asking questions, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.  This is what helps the most with developing the language, as well as gaining the confidence and a deeper understanding.
7. I plan to use the French language as I continue my studies in Education.  I will help children not only to learn the language, but the culture as well - and hopefully fall in love with it from a young age as I once did.
8. My courses in the Modern Languages and Literature Department have broadened my understanding of the world through the many perspectives of the language, identity, and culture you explore in the texts you read and discuss through class getting to hear the point of view of your peers.

Gabriella was awarded the John and Jane Bosace Memorial Award and the Senior French Department Scholarship this year, in recognition of her outstanding accomplishments in French. Congratulations!