Overview
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
Curriculum
Why study French at 91AV?
91AV offers an extensive French Studies program with a variety of language, literature, and culture courses.
Our comprehensive program responds to student needs, ranging from French language improvement to innovative analysis of literature and culture — with faculty that have a wide variety of backgrounds and specializations.
The program's small class sizes provide an opportunity to acquire many skills that will serve you well in your future endeavours:
- superior communicative competence
- cultural awareness
- aesthetic literacy
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?
Program highlights
Certificate of Bilingualism/ Certificat De Bilinguisme
91AV 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 91AV.
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.
First and second-year courses provide the opportunity to establish a sound foundation in written and spoken French*.
The study of grammar at these levels is reinforced by practice 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.
FREN 1651 — Preparatory French/ Français préparatoire
This French grammar course designed for non-Francophones who did not complete high school French, is an intensive review of basic grammatical structures with a particular emphasis on verb conjugation, pronouns, adjectives and syntax.
FREN 2601 — Fundamentals of Literary Analysis / Initiation À l'analyse littéraire
This course continues the studies begun in French 2401 and FREN 2501 by further developing skills in reading and interpretation of literary and cultural texts. It introduces textual analysis through selected critical approaches.
FREN 2801 — Film From the French and Francophone World / Cinéma du monde francophone
This course studies films and film makers of the French-speaking world, ranging from screen adaptations of literary works to an exploration of cultural issues, and introduces film theory and aesthetics.
FREN 3131 — Contemporary Spoken French / Français parlé contemporain
This course is designed for students at the advanced level who aim to speak French with enhanced clarity, spontaneity and colour and offers a systematic study of phonetic and prosodic features of French. By exposing students to a variety of authentic audio-visual documents from Francophone parts of the world, the course targets the acquisition of vocabulary,the improvement of aural comprehension and the development of communicative strategies through a variety of situations such as conversations, debates,interviews, and presentations.
FREN 3771 — Creativity in French Canadian Literature / La création dans la littérature du Canada français
This course studies notions of creativity in literature and the arts. Through the study of fiction, poetry, and essays from French-speaking Canada, it examines how authors and artists approach their creative practices in the Canadian cultural context.
Faculty Spotlight
Dr. Kirsty Bell
Professor, French and Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
What can I do with a French Studies degree?
Through experiential learning opportunities, faculty-supervised research, and close mentorship, students develop practical skills and critical thinking abilities valued by employers and graduate programs.
Recognized by Maclean's as Canada's top undergraduate university, 91AV's strong academic reputation helps graduates stand out as they pursue diverse career paths.
Many go on to top graduate and professional programs in education and law, while others move directly into careers in government and beyond.
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
What is it like to study at 91AV?
Over the past few years of studying in the French program, these courses have significantly improved my French listening skills and my understanding of French literary works. If you are a student who has a solid foundation in French grammar and a love for the language, this program would be a great fit for you.
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 91AV 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 91AV are outstanding; personable, encouraging and always willing to go the extra mile to help you succeed.
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What are my admission requirements?
What other programs are related to French Studies?
Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures provides expertise in two languages and knowledge of a third — as well as the literature and culture of the relevant communities.
Canadian Studies
Canadian Studies seeks to analyze and explain the Canadian experience and to explore Canada’s place in the world through Canadian-centred courses in a number of disciplines.
Japanese Studies
Japanese Studies offers an introduction to the main elements of the modern Japanese language with opportunities to study the history, culture, economy, and geography of Japan.