French

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. Whether you are coming from a French Immersion program or are a newcomer to language studies, the French program can be both an excellent focus for your degree or a perfect complement to any program you might be pursuing. French is one of the two official Canadian languages and is spoken by millions of people. Studies in French Language, Culture or Literature are an invaluable asset for prospective health providers (psychologists, nurses, kinesiologists), educators, business and policy developers, engineers and researchers. On top of enhancing global mobility, French language training can prepare students for many Canadian French Immersion B. Ed program requirements, as well as graduate programs. Language students at UBCO also have the invaluable opportunity to study abroad in a French-speaking university for one or two terms through UBC’s Go Global exchange program.

Major in French

Students may declare a major in French at any time. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative average of 65% in their FREN_O courses to graduate with a French major.

Students interested in pursuing a Major in French should consult with a departmental academic advisor during the first year of their B.A. program (consult Languages and World Literatures for a list of advisors). Students interested in studying abroad should inform the departmental advisor as soon as possible.

To complete a major in French, students must accumulate 48 credits in French, with a minimum of 30 credits at the 300 and 400 level. The major prepares students for a strong B2-C1-level in French (CEFR).

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 are likely to need more than four years to complete the major in French.

100- and 200-Level Requirements

Students must complete all of the B.A. requirements, as well as any prerequisites for the required upper-level courses.

• all of FREN_O 122, 123
• FREN_O 215
• all of FREN_O 222, 223

300- and 400-Level Requirements

• all of FREN_O 353, 355;
• two of FREN_O 344, 345, 444, 446
• 18 additional French credits at the 300 and 400 level.

Elective

• 3 credits of FREN_O at any level

Combined Major with French

Students may declare a combined major with French at any time. Students must maintain a cumulative average of 65% in their FREN_O courses to remain in the combined major.

The combined 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 program. Students without these prerequisites are likely to need more than four years to complete the combined major in French.

A combined major is created by satisfying the requirements for a combined major in French and another B.A. program that offers a combined major (currently Art History and Visual Culture, Creative Writing, Cultural Studies, and English). A single course can only fulfill the combined major requirement for one program.

The French requirements for the combined major include the following:

First and Second Years

B.A. requirements, including the following:

• FREN_O 122, 123
• FREN_O 215
• FREN_O 222, 223

Third and Fourth Years

• FREN_O 353, 355
• two of FREN_O 344, 345, 444, 446
• 9 additional credits of FREN_O at the 300 and 400 level

Minor in French

Students may declare a minor in French at any time. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative average of 65% in their FREN_O courses to graduate with a French minor.

To complete a minor in French, students must accumulate at least 30 credits in French with a minimum of 18 credits at the 300 or 400 level. The minor prepares students to achieve a B1-B2-level in French (CEFR).

The minor 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 minor in French.

100- and 200-Level Requirements

Students must complete all of the B.A. requirements, as well as any prerequisites for the required upper-level courses.

• all of FREN_O 122, 123
• all of FREN_O 222, 223

300- and 400-Level Requirements

• all of FREN_O 353, 355
• 12 additional credits of 300- or 400-level French courses.

Elective

• 3 credits of FREN_O at any level