Major in French
Course Planning
The French program aims to prepare students to achieve levels A1, A2, B1, B2 and up to C1 of the the European Common Frame of Reference for Languages, an international benchmark (CEFR). Courses offered include language studies as well as courses in literature, culture, film and translation. Our language courses are designed to improve skills in written and oral communication, and foster critical analysis of cultural material as well as intercultural understanding. Our literature courses cover francophone literatures across historical periods and from a range of geographical regions.
A note on program length
The major in French can be completed in four years by students who have already completed Grade 12 French (or equivalent) or who have a certified A2 level of competency in French prior to enrolment in the French program. Students without these prerequisites may need more than four years to complete the major in French as they will have to start with beginner-level courses (FREN 101, 102, 103, 104). The exact entry point can be determined through a placement test, by contacting a French faculty advisor. Students may declare a major in French at any time in their degree.
In order to complete a Bachelor of Arts with a major in French, students need to complete 78 required credits, that includes BA requirements and major requirements, and 42 elective credits for a total of 120 credits.
Year 1
Students develop their skills in reading, writing and speaking French at an intermediate level (FREN 122 and 123). As an option, students can register in FREN 115 to develop their oral communication and listening skills. Corresponds to CEFR level B1.
Sample Year One
- FREN 122: Language and Literature I
- First Year Communications requirement
- BA requirement OR Elective
- BA requirement OR Elective
- BA requirement OR Elective
- FREN 123: Language and Literature II
- First Year Communications requirement
- BA requirement OR Elective
- BA requirement OR Elective
- BA requirement OR Elective
Year 2
Students develop their skills in reading, writing and speaking French at an high intermediate level (FREN 222 and 223). Students must also register in FREN 215 to develop their oral communication and listening skills. Optionally, student can register in FREN 221 to gain access to upper-level literature courses. Corresponds to CEFR level B2.
Sample Year Two
- FREN 221: Literature and Textual Analysis
- FREN 222: French Language and Style I
- BA requirement OR Elective
- BA requirement OR Elective
- BA requirement OR Elective
- FREN 223 French Language and Style II
- FREN 215 Second-Year Oral French Practice
- BA requirement OR Elective
- BA requirement OR Elective
- BA requirement OR Elective
Years Three and Four
Students need to complete 10 FREN courses at the 300 and 400 level over the last two years of their study. Course selection will vary from year to year.
Sample Year Three
Students deepen their knowledge of grammar, linguistics (FREN 353) and composition (FREN 355), as well as their oral communication and listening skills (FREN 344, 345, 444, 446) and have a choice of courses covering French literature and culture, and translation methodology.
- FREN 353 Grammar (required)
- FREN 357 Translation
- FREN 362 Topics in French literature
- BA requirement OR Elective
- BA requirement OR Elective
- FREN 355 Composition (required)
- FREN 345 Oral Expression (two of FREN 344, 345, 444, 446 are required in the last two years of study)
- BA requirement OR Elective
- BA requirement OR Elective
- BA requirement OR Elective
Sample Year Four
Students may choose from any 300 or 400-numbered FREN courses to complete their major.
- FREN 380 Selected Topics : La Provence
- FREN 330 Québec Literature
- FREN 344 or FREN 345; and FREN 444 French for Work: Professional Oral Performance, or 446 French for Play: Creative Oral Performance
- BA requirement OR Elective
- BA requirement OR Elective
- FREN 420 Selected Topics : French Caribbean literature and culture
- FREN 459 Translation
- BA requirement OR Elective
- BA requirement OR Elective
- BA requirement OR Elective
Note: The courses listed in each term are examples only, course offerings change every year. We recommend you meet with an advisor or program coordinator to decide which required, elective or BA requirement courses you take in each term as there are many choices available.
Academic Advisor
In FCCS, we have a dedicated advisor for the programs and degrees that we offer.
Jessica Beck
Academic Advising, UNC 207D
250.807.9214 or 1.866.596.0767
jessica.beck@ubc.ca
The Academic Advising office also has a number of knowledgeable and helpful staff to assist you with all of your questions about your degree.
French Student Advisor
Stephanie Tolman
stephanie.tolman@ubc.ca