Students report that languages “really push you to learn your shit” and are “A LOT OF WORK”. One student even claimed, that in Latin, “one must be on crack to keep up”. Of course if you’re one of the private school elites mentioned earlier, you likely have money for such stimulants and thus we recommend you continue on to the wonderful world of Latin on speed and the specifics of the grammar of Ancient Greek. In all seriousness, the opinions of USYD languages are very mixed and what you think of it largely depends on your love for language and your dedication to your studies. We won’t kid you, you won’t be able to get through without doing any work like some of the arts subjects (sociology we’re not saying we’re looking at you… but you might reasonably infer that…). You will have to attend your tutorials and seminars, and study hard. However, students report immense satisfaction from the majority of the courses and a lot of the staff are consistently awarded high praise. We got comments such as “French had a wonderful teacher (Christel Rome), so the two hour break-free tutes passed by quickly, as she is engaging, enthusiastic and structures her classes well.” And Japanese was described as “…a really fun language!” with students claiming, “I really enjoyed learning it, probably my favourite subject all year… The tutors are (mostly) really sweet and enthusiastic and helpful.”
In all seriousness, the opinions of USYD languages are very mixed and what you think of it largely depends on your love for language and your dedication to your studies. We won’t kid you, you won’t be able to get through without doing any work like some of the arts subjects (sociology we’re not saying we’re looking at you… but you might reasonably infer that…). You will have to attend your tutorials and seminars, and study hard. There are also students who state that the pace was manageable, especially under certain teachers. “Sonia Wilson was particularly inspiring and encouraging and taught grammar very clearly and helpfully. FRNC2611 and FRNC2612 (both which Sonia coordinated) were well designed… [and provided] the chance for our speaking, listening, writing and reading skills to develop at a healthy pace.” University languages are thus not to necessarily be avoided at all costs. If you’re willing to put in the effort, it will pay off and you’ll not only learn useful skills, but also have a lot of fun. Students report feeling overwhelmed at first, but once having had time to adjust to the structure and pace they become their favourite classes and their highest grades. So if you want to continue perfecting that language you’ve been learning, or finally start on that second language you’ve always wanted to learn – DO IT! There won’t be a better time than when you’re an undergrad. Just be aware: the exams can’t be crammed for the night before, as vocabulary and grammar must be progressively learnt over the semester. The textbooks should be bought, as more than any other subject, you WILL USE THEM. And you won’t have many contact hours but you will be expected to put in a lot of time outside of classes. But who cares when
ARTS
languages
If you’ve spent high school learning that second or third language (or even fourth for all you private and selective school nerds) and are ready to continue on to the great new heights of university languages, don’t expect a particularly smooth transition. University languages are taught very differently to how you will have learnt them at school. You will never find the piece of advice “university won’t spoon feed you like high school did” more applicable than you do in the languages department. Expect to be thrown in the deep end. Grammar is to be gained muy rapido, English is to be abandoned and revision is to be done at all possible instances.
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