Excerpts from Student Evaluation of the Module

1-  Did you enjoy the wine classes as a whole, and if so, could you say
why in a few words ?

Absolutely. It was a lot of fun because of the topic and because nothing like this has been done my last 3 years here.

Initially I thought that the wine classes were going to be boring. I didn't understand the scientific discussion in the radio discourse that we listened to and I didn't see the relevance in learning about wine. However, as we continued the unit, I really came to understand the significance of wine to the French people and to French culture. The film, Mondovino really helped to portray this.

Yes - a sophisticated cultural learning experience - something very different from the ordinary lessons

2-  What was the part or parts of the module that you preferred? Any
that you feel could be improved?


The film and discussion of Mondovino and the aspects of globalization and marketing interested me the most. I'm a political science/international affairs major and at the time in my western comparative politics class we were learning about how the culture of wine had affected French political development, so being able to relate the two, from political development to current issues that Europe as a whole is facing (globalization, identity crises etc.) was very interesting to me.

I enjoyed each of these aspects of the module - wouldn't change a thing.

3-  Are there any activities or topics related to French wine making and
marketing that you think could be added to the module?

Other than actually trying the wine, I think you hit up every aspect.

I can't think of any aspect of wine making that we did not cover, perhaps a better, more simple diagram (maybe?) of the actual production of wine would be helpful for background information about oxygenation, tanins etc.

4-  Did you learn a lot of new vocabulary that you will be able to use
in the future?

I was suprised but I actually did learn a lot of vocabulary! I've become so informed about wine, which was something I never really had an interest in! And now, I'll be able to read the label of a wine bottle and understand the information it is giving me!

Yes I did, both in English and French.

5-  How do you feel about the direct contact you had with French
wine-producers?

I thought that this was a really hands-on way to get us to understand one particular French wine-making region. I was interested however, after viewing Mondovino, of what position the wine-producers took on globalization, Robert Parker or if they used the consulting services of Rolland.

Pretty cool thinking these people around the world know we exist -- they were very nice in their letters, too.

6-  Will your knowledge of French wines be useful for you in the future?

I'm not sure if it will directly be reflected in my career but I certainly think that as it does play such an important role in the history, culture and economy of France, it is an extremely important subject that all serious French students should learn about.

7-  Would you recommend this project for future students?

Definitely!

Yes, like I said, it was unique and interesting.