Études françaises et québécoises

Honours in French as a Second Language (HONFRA)

(60 credits)

These programs are designed for students who wish to specialize in French as a second language or in Études françaises et québécoises. Often, but not necessarily, students who complete the Honours program continue to graduate studies. Each program is made up of 60 credits (20 courses) to be completed within the department: a combination of FRE and FRA courses for the Honours in French as a Second Language, and only FRA courses for the Honours in Études françaises et québécoises. Up to 9 credits (3 courses) completed in related fields of study may be recognized by the department. The student will have to maintain a grade point average of at least 70%, to be calculated over the best 60 credits of their Honours subject (including courses taken in related fields), in order to graduate with the Honours program mention, as is the case all across the Arts and Science Division.

Students who have studied in a French school or have declared French as their first language or language most often spoken at home cannot register in a Major or Honours in French as a second language.

Major in French as a Second Language (MAJFSL)

(48 credits)

This program is designed for students who wish to become bilingual, teach a second language (in partnership with the School of Education), or pursue a career where a very good knowledge of French is a strong asset.

Major in French language and Francophone cultures (48 crédits)

The Major in French language and Francophone cultures is aimed at Francophone or advanced allophone students who wish to expand their knowledge and mastery of the French language as well as explore the various forms of cultural expressions in the Francophonie, with a focus on Quebec.

Students will meet with the Chair of the Department d’Études françaises et québécoises to discuss their selection of courses, which will allow them to explore many disciplines such as composition, grammar, translation, and creative writing. A maximum of 3 advanced FRE courses (level 300) could be counted as part of this major.

Major in Modern Languages with a French component (MAJMLA+CONFLS)

(60 credits)

The Major in Modern Languages offered by the Department of Modern Languages requires the completion of 60 credits in two languages (30 credits in each language) and French may be chosen as one of the two languages.

Minor in French as a Second Language (MINFSL)

(24 credits)

This program is intended for students with little or no French who wish to acquire a good working knowledge of the French language. To complete this minor, students must have at least completed FRE 141 at Bishop’s.

Mineure en Études de la langue française (MINFRA)

(24 credits)

This program is intended for students with a good knowledge of French who wish to improve their grammar and develop a wider knowledge of the francophone culture. Students in this program can focus on the various language skills and/or on culture and literature courses. To complete this minor, the student should choose 8 courses from our “FRA” offering, although a maximum of two (2) FRE Level 3-advanced courses can be accepted in this minor.

Certificate in French as a Second Language

To obtain the Certificate in French as a Second Language, students must complete 10 courses in FRE French as a Second Language (which might include FRA courses according to the student’s level). The B2 level (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) in all four language competencies (oral comprehension, oral production, written comprehension, and written production) is mandatory to graduate from this program. Experiential learning components and outings in the local Francophone community are also strongly encouraged in the curriculum.

The objectives of the Certificate in French as a Second Language is to train non-Francophone students —mature, immigrant, refugee, second-degree, etc.— in becoming functional and fluent in all four language competencies (oral production, oral comprehension, written production, and written comprehension), and reach the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) or Level 7 of the Échelle québécoises des niveaux de compétence en français des personnes immigrantes adultes.

The TEFAQ or the TEF exam, offered at Bishop’s University, is strongly recommended as an exit evaluation for the program.

The Department d’Études françaises et québécoises offers courses in the following areas:

• French as a Second Language, French as a Foreign Language
• French grammar
• Translation
• Linguistics
• Quebec literature
• French literature