She doesn't grade projects until the very end of class. She gave positive feedback throughout the year on my projects, but then at the end of the course, graded one of them a 90%, which isn't worthy of zero constructive criticism. Participation grading is frustrating at best.Rate My Professors ↗
Current instructor
Heather Allen
What students say
Original student reviews · all captured dates
This course was a great mix of learning the French language and learning more about French culture and current events. Participation is required, as is attendance, and you need to read the assigned readings to be successful. Prof. Allen is great and really wants students to succeed, so don't worry about grades, and don't hesitate to ask questions!Rate My Professors ↗
Heather is so kind. She makes an effort to get to know all of the students during individual conferences and makes you feel like you're best friends. The papers aren't heavily graded and you have enough time to complete them. The analyses and outils languistiques take forever to complete but if you write something, you'll get full credit.Rate My Professors ↗
For my first french class at UW, I'm glad I had Prof Allen. She is the sweetest. She allows you to participate to the level you are comfortable with. Her grading is super fair, as long as you do what is expected. Homework includes some reading, discussion posts, 3 tests, 3 papers, and two 2-3min speeches (presented to small groups). Great class!Rate My Professors ↗
Prof Allen was a wonderful professor, and was able to both provide a challenge to students, but also provide great help. She was very insightful, and made me only more excited to pursue French. I loved how often we did small group and partner discussions, and the essays/debates/tests were given very clear instructions and expectations.Rate My Professors ↗
Heather is amazingdefinitely my favorite professor in the French department. Genuinely cares about her students and is very helpful. The material in 228 is very relevant to anyone slightly interested in studying abroad/travelling in France or just generally knowing more about the culture and politics, and Heather made it that much better.Rate My Professors ↗
Personal experiences, not a representative survey. Profile matching and captured coverage are shown in the source details.
Classes with Heather Allen
Intermediate Language and Culture
3–4 creditsFRENCH 228 is an intermediate language and culture course that enhances writing and speaking proficiency through cultural readings on France and the francophone world.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
Recent recorded grades — Spring 2016: 3.68 GPA, 90.9% A/AB (n=22 letter grades); Fall 2018: 3.60 GPA, 84.6% A/AB (n=26 letter grades); Spring 2023: 3.92 GPA, 95.8% A/AB (n=24 letter grades).
historical GPA · grades
Spring 2022–Spring 2026Independent Study
1–6 creditsFRENCH 799 is an independent study course arranged with a faculty member.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
historical GPA · grades
Spring 2022–Spring 2022 · limited sampleIndividual Research
1–12 creditsFRENCH 990 provides mentored reading and research opportunities for students holding dissertator status.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
No recorded grade history
Recorded teaching history
Explore courses taught by this instructor →Browse recorded courses
| Term | Course | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | FRENCH 228 | Intermediate Language and Culture |
| Fall 2026 | FRENCH 799 | Independent Study |
| Fall 2026 | FRENCH 990 | Individual Research |
Teaching history may be incomplete. Course pages contain course-specific feedback and citations.
Instructor identity & provenance
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