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French Cohort Program in Public and International Affairs Political Science Major with a French and Francophone Studies Minor

Bachelor of Arts

The French Cohort Program in Public and International Affairs (FCP) consists of a political science major with a French and francophone studies minor, or a French and francophone studies major with a political science extended minor and offers students the opportunity to study in Canada's two official languages. This multidisciplinary program in political science, French, and history is taught primarily in French and includes a student exchange program.

Admission Requirements

The FCP normally admits students in the fall term only and is most suitable for those entering directly from French immersion or francophone secondary schools who plan to undertake full-time study. However, admission is not limited to such applicants and all interested students who have a high level of French are encouraged to inquire about admission. A French language placement test will be conducted to verify proficiency prior to enrollment. As the cohort program has a set sequence of courses, those with substantial university transfer credit may need to complete more than the normal 120 units to complete their program.

Cohort Program

Students follow a set sequence of courses together as a cohort, including many specially designed cohort-specific courses and course sections taught in French. Some required and elective courses will be taught in English. The FCP Student Advisor will provide information about course offerings and cohort-specific course sequences. See the sample course sequence. CS below denotes cohort-specific courses.

Non-FCP students who wish to enroll in cohort-specific courses taught in French may contact the FCP student advisor to inquire about special permission, providing space is available in the course.

Program Requirements

Students complete a minimum of 120 units, including all required courses below the Political Science Major Requirements and the French and Francophone Studies Minor Requirements, and at least one term of studies at a francophone university in Canada or abroad, as well as all faculty-level requirements.

Students wishing to complete a double major will complete, in addition to the requirements below, all upper division requirements of the French and Francophone Studies Major Requirements.

Political Science Major Requirements 

Students complete 26 lower division units and 36 upper division units. A minimum political science cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.0 and political science upper division CGPA of 2.0 (calculated on SFU POL courses only) is required for successful completion of the program.

Lower Division POL Requirements

Students complete the following six POL courses, of which four will be taught in the French language

POL 100 - Introduction to Politics and Government (3) *CS

A comprehensive introduction to the study of politics and government for both political science majors and students specializing in other disciplines. The course will explore the major concepts, methods, approaches and issues in political science, as well as the primary components of government structure and the political process. Students with credit for POL 101W may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Logan Masilamani
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D109 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D900 Logan Masilamani
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
Surrey
D901 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Surrey
D902 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Surrey
D903 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Surrey
D904 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Surrey
D905 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Surrey
POL 200W - Investigating Politics: Research Design and Qualitative Methods (4) *

Introduces different aspects of research design in political science, as well as different qualitative research techniques and the epistemological perspectives that inform them. Introduces important analytical and conceptual skills necessary to understand and evaluate political science research. Students with credit for POL 200 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

POL 201 - Introductory Quantitative Methods in Political Science (4) *

Introduces quantitative research techniques in political science. Introduces important analytical and conceptual skills necessary to understand and evaluate quantitative political science research. Corequisite: POL 200W or permission of department. Quantitative.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
B100 Mark Pickup
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 3:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 5:30–7:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B104 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 5:30–7:20 p.m.
Burnaby
POL 210 - Introduction to Political Philosophy (3) *CS

An examination of concepts presented by the major political thinkers of the western world. The course surveys those ideas which remain at the root of our political institutions, practices and ideals against a background of the periods in which they were expressed. Prerequisite: POL 100 or permission of department. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
B100 Genevieve Fuji Johnson
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
Burnaby
B103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
F100 Remi Leger
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
F101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
POL 244 - Canada in the World (3) CS**

Explores Canada's identity, role and status in the world in a comparative perspective. Examines the main internal and external constraints that shape Canadian politics and policies, taking as illustrations a number of key issues and concerns.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
F100 Jeremie Cornut
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Burnaby
F101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
POL 253 - Introduction to Public Policy (3) CS

Explores the political dimensions of public policy making in Canada. Reviews theories and techniques in policy analysis, and focuses on the contemporary dynamics of public policy in various economic and social sectors from the point of view of political ideas, interests, institutions, and decision-making. Breadth-Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
F100 Aude-Claire Fourot
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
F101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby

*Minimum C grade required.

**In lieu of POL 121 or POL 141.

and in lieu of one additional lower division POL course, FCP students complete two courses taught in the French language

INDG 101 - Introduction to Indigenous Studies (3)

Introduces the nature and goals of Indigenous Studies as an academic discipline that emphasizes cultures and homelands of First Peoples. Students with credit for FNST 101 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Bryan Myles
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D900 Bryan Myles
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Surrey
F100 Sarah Henzi
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
OL01 Alix Shield
Online
OL02 Natahnee Winder
Online

and one of

HIST 102W - Canada since Confederation (3) CS

Canadian social, political, and economic history from 1867, examining Indigenous/colonial settler relations, immigration, regionalism, foreign policy, economic development, culture, and political movements. Students with credit for HIST 102 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 John-Henry Harter
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D101 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D102 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D103 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D104 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D105 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D106 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D107 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D108 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D109 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D110 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D111 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
D112 Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
HIST 214W - Quebec Society, Culture, and Politics (3) CS

Covers Quebec history from the French regime to the recent past, focusing on the evolution of cultural identity, on the nationalist movement, and on the long-standing tension between tradition and modernity. Students who have taken HIST 214 or HIST 328 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

Upper Division POL Requirements

Students complete at least four of the following cohort-specific POL courses taught in French at SFU

POL 325 - Language and Politics (4) CS

Explores the relationship between language and politics, including the relations of power that shape the choice of state language(s), the origins and effects of language regimes, the politics of linguistic minorities and concerns relating to linguistic justice and equality. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department. Students with credit for POL 329 Selected Topics in Canadian Government and Politics under the title Language and Politics may not take this course for further credit.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
F100 Remi Leger
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
POL 347 - Canadian Foreign Policy (4) CS

An overview of Canadian foreign policy post World War II. Various perspectives are discussed including realism, economic nationalism, liberal internationalism and political economy/dependency analysis. A variety of analytical perspectives are used to examine issue-areas such as foreign trade including the role of NAFTA, defence policy and alliance relations, foreign investment, foreign aid, immigration policy, energy policy and the role of domestic political factors in foreign policy decision-making. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.

POL 351 - Immigration, Integration, and Public Policy in Canada (4) CS

Explores the governance challenges related to immigration and integration in Canada using a public policy approach. The course deals with topics concerning immigrant selection (including immigration categories, temporary/permanent Immigration, intergovernmental agreements, etc.) and focuses on immigrant's integration into society (such as nation-building strategies, integration Indicators and discrimination). Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department. Students who have taken Selected Topics course POL 359 with this topic may not take this course for further credit.

POL 359 - Selected Topics in Governance (4) CS

Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.

POL 459 - Selected Topics in Governance (4) CS

Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.

POL 463 - Diversity in Cities (4) CS

Explores diversity in cities. It examines how different social and identity markers (ethnicity, religion, race, gender, class, sexuality, handicap or language) shape cities and how diversity is in turn shaped by public policies. The primary focus is Canada but we also look at these issues outside Canada. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department. Students with credit for POL 458 under the title "Canadian DiverCities", URB 463 or URB 695 under the title "Diversity in Cities" may not take this course for further credit.

POL 472 - Diplomacy and Global Governance (4) CS

Examines diplomacy and its role in global governance. Introduces students to the theory and practice of diplomacy, both bilaterally and multilaterally, with particular emphasis on how interactions between state actors and non-state actors contribute to the resolution of global problems. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
F100 Jeremie Cornut
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
POL 497 - Experiential Learning in Political Science (4) CS

Involves interpretation of, and expansion on, practical experience in political science. Under the supervision of a faculty member, students will undertake a political science research project, involving the participation of local community organizations. Prerequisite: Permission of the department. Students may count only one POL 497 towards meeting their upper division political science requirements.

and an additional 16 upper division units of POL courses are required. Eight of these 32 required upper division POL units must be from 400 division courses. Normally, the equivalent of at least eight upper division units will be selected from transferable political science courses completed in French during the mandatory exchange program.

and one of

HIST 430 - French Americas (4) CS

Social, cultural, intellectual, economic, and political aspects of the French and Francophone presence in the Americas, from the colonial era to the present. Prerequisite: 45 units, including nine units of lower division history or permission of the instructor. Recommended: HIST 101, 102W, 104.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
F100 Nicolas Kenny
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
HIST 436 - British Columbia (4) CS

Selected problems in the social, cultural, economic and political development of British Columbia. HIST 436 may be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine units of lower division history. Recommended: HIST 101 and 102W.

French and Francophone Studies Minor Requirements

Students complete nine lower division units and 18 upper division units. A minimum French cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.0 and French upper division CGPA of 2.0 (calculated on SFU FREN courses only) is required for successful completion of the program.

Lower Division FREN Requirements

Based on previous experience and/or placement test results, students may be required to complete other lower division coursework prior to or concurrently with these courses.

Students complete the following three courses

FREN 203 - Contemporary Francophone Issues in the Humanities and Social Sciences (3) CS

The aim of this course is to enable students to deepen their ability to read and understand French texts on contemporary socio-political issues. Students will do close readings of essays, newspaper articles or short excerpts from opinion pieces, so as to develop an analytical and critical reading methodology. Prerequisite: FREN 202 with a minimum grade of C-.

FREN 245 - Introduction to French and Francophone Studies (3) *CS

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: Grade 12 French Immersion or FREN 202 with a minimum grade of C+ or permission of the Department of French. Students with credit for FREN 240 or 230 cannot take FREN 245 for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Jorge Calderon
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
FREN 275 - French Inside Out: Introduction to French Language, Culture, and Society (3) *

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: Grade 12 French Immersion or FREN 202 with a minimum grade of C+ or permission of the Department of French. 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.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Gaelle Planchenault
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby

*Minimum C+ grade required.

Upper Division FREN Requirements

Students complete all of the following

both of

FREN 301W - Writing Your Way Toward French Proficiency (3) *CS

A writing course to improve precision, organization and style when writing academically or creatively in French. Prerequisite: Grade 12 French Immersion or FREN 202 with a minimum grade of C+ or permission of the Department of French. Students with credit for FREN 301 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Paola De Rycke
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
Burnaby
F100 Sessional
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
F200 Guillaume Girard
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby
FREN 302 - Critical Thinking & Public Speaking on Contemporary Francophone Cultural, Social & Political Issues (3) *CS

The aim of this course is to help students strengthen their ability to express themselves orally and debate contemporary Francophone cultural and sociopolitical issues. Students will work with audiovisual productions such as documentaries, news reports, interviews, talk shows and podcasts, and critically analyze the ideas presented in them. Prerequisite: FREN 202 with a minimum grade of C-.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
D100 Anas Atakora
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby

*Minimum C+ grade required.

and an additional 12 upper division units of FREN courses, of which six units must be from 400 division FREN courses, and the remaining six units can be from a combination of either 300 or 400 division FREN courses. (See the Department of French list of courses.)

NOTE: SFU students accepted in the accelerated master's within the Department of French may apply a maximum of 10 graduate course units, taken while completing the bachelor's degree, towards the upper division electives of the bachelor's program and 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.

FCP French Language Requirement

French cohort program students are required to complete a minimum of 73 units of courses taught in French, including courses taken at a francophone university in Canada or abroad during the exchange program.

Canadian college and university transfer students and SFU students who wish to change programs will normally have to complete this required minimum. Exceptions to this requirement may be made following a French language assessment and/or if a lower division course equivalence is granted. However, all required upper division courses taught in French are required to be taken at SFU. Final decision is made on a case-by-case basis by the FCP administration in agreement with the departments.

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
Two courses (total six units or more) Humanities: B-Hum
Two courses (total six units or more) Sciences: B-Sci

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.