You learn vocabulary relevant to academic essays and some basic structure/transition words that get you to about an early high school level of writing. 3 compositions are the bulk of the grade, around 2 pages double-spaced, and the main thing is to use as much of the relevant vocab as possible. For example, you want to do a clear introduction, set up your body paragraphs (En premier lieu, en second lieu, en dernier lieu etc) and follow a very regimented kind of writing process.

Some of the readings can be a pain in the ass, which is bad because there's regular homework where you have to summarize the main points. She's a really tough grader on these assignments so make sure you really know what the readings are about.

Mme. Laurence is great though, and I'd recommend this class for people serious about trying to improve their French writing - just beware of the day-to-day reading and writing workload.

Laurence is an incredibly sweet, nice and open-minded person. Her classes are a lot of fun. Her French is very charming. She encourages you to participate, helps you with any questions or difficulties you may have, she's always available at office hours and she really cares about her students. To all those complaining about her giving homework on a regular basis... Of course she gives you homework, this is college and I would assume that if you want to learn something, you should expect that. She's very understanding and she pushes you to truly improve your French. I'm taking Fr101 and I can definitely see that my written skills are so much better now. Take her!