Major in French

Course Planning

The Bachelor of Arts with a major in French offers courses at all four undergraduate levels. Students can declare a French major or minor at any time. 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

Depending on their language proficiency level, students may need to complete some or all of FREN 101, 102, 103, and 104. 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

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. Corresponds to CEFR level B2.

Sample Year Two

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, as well as their oral communication and listening skills (FREN 344, 444) and have a choice of courses covering French literature and culture, and translation methodology.

Sample Year Four

Students need 27 credits at the 300 and 400 level, may choose from any of those FREN courses to complete their major.

Note: The courses listed in each term are examples only, course offerings change every year. We recommend you meet with an academic or program advisor to decide which required, elective or BA requirement courses you take in each term as there are many choices available.