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French Studies


French Studies develops your abilities in the language while increasing your awareness of French, French-Canadian, and francophone literatures and cultures.

Overview

French Studies develops your abilities in the language while increasing your awareness of French, French-Canadian, and francophone literatures and cultures.

The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures is committed to teaching and research in the areas of French language, literature, and culture so that you can gain knowledge and experience in a language that is at the centre of many cultural domains, from food to philosophy.

At a Glance

Degree options
Bachelor of Arts (BA), major or honours
Minor

Curriculum

ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Allison offers an extensive French Studies program with a variety of language, literature, and culture courses.

First and second-year courses provide the opportunity to establish a sound foundation in written and oral French*.

The study of grammar at these levels is reinforced in the language laboratory or tutorial groups.

Upper year courses are specifically intended to refine your command of spoken and written French, while other courses examine the various areas of French and French-Canadian literatures and cultures as well as theories of literary criticism.

Most courses in the French curriculum are generally delivered in French, while some culture courses are taught in English.

*There is a minimum standard of competency in French required for certain courses. Placement of students in their first French course will be decided on the basis of a French Language Skills Assessment.

French Studies is available as:

  • BA major (60 credits)
  • BA honours (66 credits)
  • Minor in any degree (24 credits)

Not sure about the difference between a major, a minor, an honours, and a certificate?

 

Language Lab

The Language Lab, located within the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, provides students studying languages with a dedicated space to practice their language skills in French, German, Japanese, and Spanish.

Careers

Whether you're entering the job market or continuing your education, your ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Allison degree will stand out.

ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Allison has been recognized by Maclean's as the top primarily undergraduate university in Canada more times than any other university.

With and career development opportunities available in every degree, you'll also graduate with hands-on learning and real-world experience.

Our graduates also boast extraordinarily high acceptance rates to top graduate programs and professional schools such as law and medicine.

Popular career paths for French Studies graduates include:

  • teacher
  • translator/interpreter
  • researcher
  • foreign service officer
  • public relations officer
  • bilingual customer relations specialist
  • immigration officer
  • customs officer
  • market research analyst
  • community support worker

Alumni Spotlight

David White ('13)
Bachelor of Arts, French and English, minor in Drama Studies
French teacher, La Ronge, SK

"Tintamarre (ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Allison's bilingual theatre troupe) opened my mind to different ways of teaching and learning French."

Testimonials

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I first started studying French out of personal interest, but quickly realized the ways that knowledge of this language could open doors for me in my future career in international relations. As a formerly self-taught learner, my experience in the French Studies program at ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Allison was nothing short of exceptional. I entered the department with a foundational knowledge of French and left fluent! The French professors I had the pleasure of learning from at ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Allison are outstanding; personable, encouraging and always willing to go the extra mile to help you succeed.


Olivia Sage
Shaheen
'20
International Relations, minor in French
Maine, USA
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Adding French as my minor added to my interdisciplinary experience at ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Allison. In literature classes, I was able to make connections with my psychology, sociology, and history classes that really broadened my overall learning experience. Plus, all of the professors in the department were approachable and made classes like grammar into a fun experience. I have used French in many work settings, both during my degree and after, French has really opened so many more doors for me.


Elizabeth
Hanselmann
'20
Psychology, minor in French
Ottawa, ON

Extras

Dr. Kirsty Bell's class, Domicile, voyage, et exile au Canada Français

Certificate of Bilingualism/ Certificat De Bilinguisme

ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Allison students who can demonstrate a high level of competence in both of Canada's official languages may qualify for a Certificate of Bilingualism.

The Certificate, which is awarded upon graduation, attests to your ability to speak, understand, and write English and French with ease and proficiency.

Any student may apply to be examined for the Certificate, whether you have taken French or English courses at ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Allison.

International Relations student Chloe Duguay on exchange in Strasbourg

Study abroad and work opportunities

You may choose to further your experience in French Studies through study abroad and other study programs. Transfer credits may be earned and applied toward the fulfillment of your course requirements for French Studies.

Students can also apply to work abroad as an English-language teaching assistant, or on campus as a language lab monitor.

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Bachelor of Arts

Admission Requirements

Our admissions decisions are based on your academic record, leadership skills, a high level of commitment, and the potential for personal growth. The drop down menu below will help you find information on what pre-requisites are recommended for a Bachelor of Arts.

Academic Awards

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ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ A is #2 in student awards


²Ñ²¹³¦±ô±ð²¹²Ô’s ranks ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Allison second in student and faculty awards in its latest University Rankings. To date, 56 ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Allison students have become Rhodes Scholars — one of the best per capita records in Canada.

Next Steps

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