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French Major
Admission Requirements
Students may be formally admitted to the program after successfully completing FREN 210 (or its equivalent), with a minimum grade of C or better.
For information about initial FREN course selection, the French language placement test, and FREN course disciplines, visit https://www.sfu.ca/french/undergraduate.html.
Program Requirements
Students complete 120 units, as specified below.
Depending upon the point of entry, students must complete the lower division requirements (see list below) with a minimum grade of C or better in each of the specified courses (or equivalents).
Lower Division Requirements
Students complete a total of 18 units, including all of
An introduction to French literary studies with selected works in poetry and prose, including theatre. Attention will be given to methods of analysis. The course will be conducted in French. Prerequisite: FREN 222 (students with B+ in FREN 221 can take 222 concurrently with 245). Students with credit for FREN 240 or 230 cannot take FREN 245 for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
Introduces to some fundamental questions about human behavior that can be answered by the study of the language forms, structure, and use. Topics such as how did language begin? Where is French from, and how did it change over the years? How does French vary from place to place, from context to context? Prerequisite: FREN 222 (students with B+ in FREN 221 can take 222 concurrently with FREN 275). Students who have credit for FREN 270 or 370 or LING 222 cannot complete this course for further credit. May not be taken concurrently with LING 222. Breadth-Social Sciences.
and one of
Designed to improve listening and reading comprehension. Emphasis on accuracy in oral and written communication. Instruction in class and in lab. Prerequisite: Grade 12 French with a grade of A or FREN 122 with a grade of A or FREN 210 (or equivalent based on placement test). May not be taken by FREN 212 students.
Designed for French immersion program students who wish to refine their oral and written language competence. Instruction in class and in lab. Prerequisite: Grade 12 French immersion (or equivalent based on placement test). Students with credit for FREN 211 may not take this course for further credit.
and one of
Designed to develop listening comprehension and oral expression. Instruction in class and in lab. Prerequisite: FREN 211. May be taken concurrently with FREN 212 and 221. Students with credit for FREN 222 or FREN 300 may not take this course for further credit. Students with native or near-native proficiency are not allowed to take this course and must contact the instructor for evaluation or exemption prior to enrolment.
Through the study of French pronunciation, students will improve their listening and speaking abilities. Drill exercises, intensive practice, as well as the rehearsal of drama skits and short French plays will allow students to speak French individually and in groups. Prerequisite: FREN 211. May be taken concurrently with FREN 212 and 221. Students with credit for FREN 222 or FREN 300 may not take this course for further credit. Students with native or near-native proficiency are not allowed to take this course and must contact the instructor for evaluation or exemption prior to enrolment.
* exemption is gained by successful completion of a more advanced French language course. Lower division language courses may be challenged for credit.
Upper Division Requirements
Students complete a total of 30 units, including
and at least one of the following group A courses
An introduction to notions paramount to the study of French accents such as linguistic norm, representations and attitudes, phoneme and allophones for instance. Analyses on short corpora will provide students a hands-on experience and will lead to discussions about relevant methodologies. Prerequisite: FREN 275 or 270 or LING 222.
The aim of this course is to offer students a comprehensive view of a set of issues pertaining to the French language in society. The topics studied in class include: social categories and language variation, new technologies and language evolution, language and identity, and language ideology. Prerequisite: FREN 275 or 270 or LING 222.
An introduction to the study of the form, structure, evolution and use of French words. Selected topics related to the study of French words in Morphology, Terminology, Orthography, Etymology, Diaphasic and Diatopic Varieties and Language use. Prerequisite: FREN 275 or 270 or LING 222.
The study of selected topics in French Applied Linguistics. The course may be developed around one or a combination of areas such as Computer-mediated-communication, language pathology, language socialization, translation, error analysis, language in contexts, language planning. This course may be repeated once for credit if the topic is different. Prerequisite: FREN 275 or 270 OR LING 222.
and at least one of the following group B courses
Intermediate study of issues in Quebecois Literature. Prerequisite: FREN 245 or 240. Students with credit for FREN 230 may not take this course for further credit.
Survey of works, themes, or movements in French Literature from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. Prerequisite: FREN 245 or 230 or 240.
An introduction to the history of French literature from the late eighteenth century to the late twentieth century. Prerequisite: FREN 245 or 230 or 240.
and 21 units of FREN courses, 12 of which must be from 400 division FREN courses, and the remaining nine FREN units can be from either 300 division or 400 division or a combination. (See FREN courses for details about the FREN courses that the department offers.)
NOTE: SFU students enrolled in the accelerated master's program within the Department of French may apply a maximum of 10 graduate course units taken while completing the bachelor's degree to the requirements of the master's degree. For more information go to: https://www.sfu.ca/gradstudies/apply/programs/accelerated-masters.html and https://www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/programs/french/master-of-arts.html.
Concentration for Prospective Teachers
Lower Division Requirements
Students complete a total of 21 units, including
An introduction to a small but representative sample of basic questions and issues in education. Students will examine questions relating to: the concept or idea of education; learning and the learner; teaching and the teacher; and more generally, the broader contexts of education. This course also introduces students to different ways of exploring educational questions and issues from philosophical and critical analysis, to historical and cross-cultural studies, to empirical research. Cannot be taken for credit by students with credit for 300 and 400 level education courses. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| OL01 |
Michele Schmidt |
Online | |
| OL02 |
Michele Schmidt |
Online | |
| OL03 | Online |
and one of
Designed to improve listening and reading comprehension. Emphasis on accuracy in oral and written communication. Instruction in class and in lab. Prerequisite: Grade 12 French with a grade of A or FREN 122 with a grade of A or FREN 210 (or equivalent based on placement test). May not be taken by FREN 212 students.
Designed for French immersion program students who wish to refine their oral and written language competence. Instruction in class and in lab. Prerequisite: Grade 12 French immersion (or equivalent based on placement test). Students with credit for FREN 211 may not take this course for further credit.
and one of
Designed to develop listening comprehension and oral expression. Instruction in class and in lab. Prerequisite: FREN 211. May be taken concurrently with FREN 212 and 221. Students with credit for FREN 222 or FREN 300 may not take this course for further credit. Students with native or near-native proficiency are not allowed to take this course and must contact the instructor for evaluation or exemption prior to enrolment.
Through the study of French pronunciation, students will improve their listening and speaking abilities. Drill exercises, intensive practice, as well as the rehearsal of drama skits and short French plays will allow students to speak French individually and in groups. Prerequisite: FREN 211. May be taken concurrently with FREN 212 and 221. Students with credit for FREN 222 or FREN 300 may not take this course for further credit. Students with native or near-native proficiency are not allowed to take this course and must contact the instructor for evaluation or exemption prior to enrolment.
and all of
An introduction to French literary studies with selected works in poetry and prose, including theatre. Attention will be given to methods of analysis. The course will be conducted in French. Prerequisite: FREN 222 (students with B+ in FREN 221 can take 222 concurrently with 245). Students with credit for FREN 240 or 230 cannot take FREN 245 for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
Introduces to some fundamental questions about human behavior that can be answered by the study of the language forms, structure, and use. Topics such as how did language begin? Where is French from, and how did it change over the years? How does French vary from place to place, from context to context? Prerequisite: FREN 222 (students with B+ in FREN 221 can take 222 concurrently with FREN 275). Students who have credit for FREN 270 or 370 or LING 222 cannot complete this course for further credit. May not be taken concurrently with LING 222. Breadth-Social Sciences.
Upper Division Requirements
Students complete a total of 50 units, including
29 units at the 300 level:
all of
Designed to further develop ability in oral expression. Instruction in class and in lab. Prerequisite: FREN 222 or, with a grade of A and permission of instructor, FREN 215 or 217. Students with native or near-native proficiency are not allowed to take this course and must contact the instructor for evaluation or exemption prior to enrolment.
and three of
Choosing the right word for the right context is the principal aim of this course. Through practical exercises and a variety of simple translation techniques students will expand their vocabulary and become more familiar with the nuances of French. Prerequisite: FREN 222.
A multidisciplinary analysis of socio-cultural aspects of French speaking countries, involving written work and oral participation. Prerequisite: FREN 222 or permission of instructor. Breadth-Humanities.
and one of group A
An introduction to notions paramount to the study of French accents such as linguistic norm, representations and attitudes, phoneme and allophones for instance. Analyses on short corpora will provide students a hands-on experience and will lead to discussions about relevant methodologies. Prerequisite: FREN 275 or 270 or LING 222.
The aim of this course is to offer students a comprehensive view of a set of issues pertaining to the French language in society. The topics studied in class include: social categories and language variation, new technologies and language evolution, language and identity, and language ideology. Prerequisite: FREN 275 or 270 or LING 222.
An introduction to the study of the form, structure, evolution and use of French words. Selected topics related to the study of French words in Morphology, Terminology, Orthography, Etymology, Diaphasic and Diatopic Varieties and Language use. Prerequisite: FREN 275 or 270 or LING 222.
The study of selected topics in French Applied Linguistics. The course may be developed around one or a combination of areas such as Computer-mediated-communication, language pathology, language socialization, translation, error analysis, language in contexts, language planning. This course may be repeated once for credit if the topic is different. Prerequisite: FREN 275 or 270 OR LING 222.
and one of group B
Intermediate study of issues in Quebecois Literature. Prerequisite: FREN 245 or 240. Students with credit for FREN 230 may not take this course for further credit.
Survey of works, themes, or movements in French Literature from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. Prerequisite: FREN 245 or 230 or 240.
An introduction to the history of French literature from the late eighteenth century to the late twentieth century. Prerequisite: FREN 245 or 230 or 240.
and two of
Practical and theoretical approaches to international and intercultural education, including examinations of the relationships between culture, learning and schooling, and contemporary issues in teacher education from an international perspective. Prerequisite: Completion of at least 60 units, including 3 units in Education.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| D100 |
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Fri, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
For students contemplating becoming teachers of Immersion, Core French at the secondary level, or for intermediate and middle school generalists who want to have an introductory overview of second language teaching in general and French education in British Columbia specifically. The general objective is to help prospective French teachers to better understand Canadian bilingualism, its historical, sociopolitical and cultural context, as well as gain a basic understanding of French education programs in British Columbia. The language of instruction will be French, but the class will be "English-friendly". Prerequisite: FREN 301 or 304 or 370 or equivalent.
An examination of the impact of social diversity on schooling in Canada exploring contemporary issues and perspectives on diversity education as they relate to cultural, ethnic, racial, linguistic, religious, economic, and gender differences. Prerequisite: 60 units.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| D100 |
May 6 – Aug 2, 2024: Mon, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
| F100 |
Jun 25 – Aug 2, 2024: Tue, Thu, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
and 12 units at the 400 level chosen among the following:
Translating from English to French allows students to explore and understand the nuances of French as well as language transfer. Through the precise use of vocabulary, grammar, and syntax, students will improve their writing skills. They will also learn how to identify context in a variety of documents. Prerequisite: FREN 301W and one of FREN 304 or FREN 307 or permission of the department. Writing.
and at least one of group A
Examines cognitive, linguistic and social processes involved in the acquisition of a second language, with a focus on the acquisition of French, especially as an official language and in a minority language context. Prerequisite: FREN 270 or 275 or LING 222, FREN 301W, and at least one 300-level group A (ling.) course.
Selected topics in the structure of French. Topics will vary according to the faculty and student interests. Develops one or a combination of subjects pertaining to French morphology, syntax, (lexical) semantics and phonology/phonetics. Prerequisite: FREN 270 or 275 or LING 222, FREN 301W, and at least one 300-level group A (ling.) course. Students with credit for FREN 411, 412, 413 or 415 may not complete this course if topic is the same. Quantitative.
This course aims at providing analytical tools for studying different genres of discourse in French such as billboard advertising, political speeches, literary texts, scientific papers, and pamphlets. Prerequisite: FREN 270 or 275 or LING 222, FREN 301W, and at least one 300-level group A (ling.) course.
Study of selected topics in French dialectal variation. Subject matter may include, but is not limited to, French Dialects, Canadian French and French Creoles. Prerequisite: FREN 270 or 275 or LING 222, FREN 301W, and at least one 300-level group A (ling.) course. Students with credit for FREN 421 and/or 422 may not take this course for further credit.
and at least one of group B
Advanced study of selected works belonging to a literary genre (novel, theatre, poetry, etc). May be organized by author, period, movement, theme or approach. Prerequisite: FREN 230 or 240 or 245, FREN 301W, and at least one 300-level group B (lit.) course. Students with credit for FREN 472, 474 or 475 must seek permission of the Department to take this course for further credit.
Advanced study of selected works composed between the Middle Ages and the late eighteenth century. May be organized by period, movement, theme or approach. Prerequisite: FREN 230 or 240 or 245, FREN 301W, and at least one 300-level group B (lit.) course. Students with credit for FREN 461, 462 or 463 must seek permission of the Department to take this course for further credit.
A study of French and Francophone literature from an interdisciplinary point of view. Topics will vary to include different disciplines: history, cultural studies, gender studies or the study of the relationships between literature and other arts. Prerequisite: FREN 230 or 240 or 245, FREN 301W, and at least one 300-level group B (lit.) course.
and nine EDUC units from the Student Exchange at the Université de Sherbrooke (Québec) or the Université François Rabelais (France)
NOTE: SFU students enrolled in the Accelerated Master's program within the Department of French may apply a maximum of 10 graduate course units taken while completing the bachelor's degree to the requirements of the master's degree. For more information go to: https://www.sfu.ca/gradstudies/apply/programs/accelerated-masters.html and https://www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/programs/french/master-of-arts.html.
* Exemption is gained by successful completion of a more advanced French language course. Lower 200 division language courses may be challenged for credit.
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Degree Requirements
For all bachelor of arts (BA) programs, students complete 120 units, which includes
- at least 60 units that must be completed at Simon Fraser University
- at least 45 upper division units, of which at least 30 upper division units must be completed at Simon Fraser University
- at least 60 units (including 21 upper division units) in Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences courses
- satisfaction of the writing, quantitative, and breadth requirements
- an overall cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and upper division overall CGPA of at least 2.0, and program CGPA and upper division program CGPA of at least 2.0 on the course work used to satisfy the minimum program requirements. FASS departments may define additional GPA requirements for their respective programs.
Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements
Students admitted to Simon Fraser University beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements for university-wide information.
WQB Graduation Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit
| Requirement |
Units |
Notes | |
| W - Writing |
6 |
Must include at least one upper division course, taken at Simon Fraser University within the student's major subject; two courses (minimum three units each) |
|
| Q - Quantitative |
6 |
Q courses may be lower or upper division; two courses (total six units or more) | |
| B - Breadth |
18 |
Designated Breadth |
Must be outside the student's major subject, and may be lower or upper division: Two courses (total six units or more) Social Sciences: B-Soc |
|
6 |
Additional Breadth |
Two courses (total six units or more) outside the student's major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements). Students choosing to complete a joint major, joint honours, double major, two extended minors, an extended minor and a minor, or two minors may satisfy the breadth requirements (designated or not designated) with courses completed in either one or both program areas. |
|
Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit
- At least half of the program's total units must be earned through Simon Fraser University study.
- At least two thirds of the program's total upper division units must be earned through Simon Fraser University study.
Elective Courses
In addition to the courses listed above, students should consult an academic advisor to plan the remaining required elective courses.