GERM 2010

Overall, Frau Parker's class was an enjoyable experience for me and not too difficult. She has you talk with the people around you quite a lot in German which is a nice low stress environment both to practice your German speaking and to get to know the other people in the class. I will say there was always homework of some kind for each class meeting that focused either on vocabulary or grammar. On average each homework took about an hour (so 3 hours a week); however, it did sometimes vary. I have had a variety of German professors while learning German and I believe Frau Parker to be one of the better ones. She is pretty kind and understanding. She does offer extra credit for the class and the tests are not too difficult if you study the grammar and make sure to memorize irregular verbs.

One thing I will note about this class is that she cancels class all the time, it felt like at least once a week or once every two weeks. So if you are trying to actually learn German that may not be the best. In addition, she does not make what your current grade in the class is clear at all so you sort of have no idea what your final grade will be until she puts it in SIS.

**EDIT: I have gone back and reduced my review of this class. Upon consideration and GERM 2020, I cannot in good conscience recommend this teacher.**

Frau Parker is an aquired taste. She is extremely German - she expects additional studying from the book to meet requirements, she speaks almost entirely in German in class, and regularly leaves early from class/cancels class. All of those traits are neither good nor bad - just parts of what you get with her as your professor.

If you are mildly interested in German or just taking it to fulfill a requirement, the class is fine. You'll learn and find yourself needing to put in minimal work to make the requiremetns she sets forward. If you're looking to actually learn the language, you may find yourself frustrated from the missed class time adding up and the amount of work that needs to be done to retain knowledge outside of class.

All this being said, Frau Parker is an extremely nice person. She is more than willing to offer extra resources if you're interested, and is a lovely person to chat to. She's a great person to get to know - even if I don't enjoy her teaching style.

This was my first year at UVA, and this course was fulfilling. I learned to understand and apply the grammar learned. Parker really worked to understand each of us. She made me feel comfortable, and gives out reasonable assignments. Tests are straight-forward. Have a growth mindset and you will do very well in this class.