Études françaises et québécoises

Études françaises et québécoises

French: An Important Asset

French has played a prominent historical role in the formation of the Western civilization and it is the language of communication chosen by a large number of people and societies. Having a good knowledge of French and of its literature constitutes an important asset in a wide range of careers.

Parlez-vous français?
Acquire skills that will benefit you in all aspects of your career

Why study French at Bishop’s?

Learn more about why studying French is a good career move, and the opportunities you’ll have during your studies.

Crossroads image representing career choices
Where can this lead you?

Career Possibilities

The common career prospect for the student in language or literature is teaching. Other career options are: communications, translation, public relations, diplomatic relations, speechwriting, law, or government services. Want to set academic goals?

Awards and scholarships
Money matters

Some departmental prizes

Find out which prizes are specific to EFQ and how to apply for a general scholarship at Bishop’s.

Courses & Programs

The Département d’études françaises et québécoises puts the emphasis on the acquisition, and the improvement of the French language at all levels, and intends to serve beginner, intermediate, and advanced students as well as native speakers. The program is composed of five levels, each of which contains a minimum of two grammar and writing courses, combined with a course focusing on oral comprehension and expression. This provides the students with a coherent and logical learning process by the end of which they can understand, read, speak, and write French correctly.

B.A. ProgramHonours

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 Études françaises et québécoises. Often, but not necessarily, students in these programs are planning to pursue their studies at the Master’s level. Each is composed of 60 credits (20 courses) with the combined designations FRE and FRA for Honours in French as a Second Language, and FRA only for an Honours in Études françaises et québécoises. Up to 9 credits (3 courses) in appropriate fields, previously approved by the Department, could be counted as cognates. Students must maintain an average of at least 70%, calculated on the best 60 credits in the Honours discipline (including cognates), in order to graduate with an Honours degree in any Division of Humanities.

B.A. ProgramMajors

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.

Majeure en études de la langue française et des cultures francophones (48 crédits)

La Majeure en études de la langue française et des cultures francophones est un programme qui s’adresse aux étudiant.e.s francophones ou allophones de niveau avancé désirant acquérir les connaissances nécessaires pour bien maîtriser la langue française et explorer les différentes expressions culturelles de la francophonie et particulièrement du Québec.

Les étudiant.e.s devront consulter la directrice ou le directeur du Département d’études françaises et québécoises au sujet de leur sélection de cours, qui les mènera à explorer diverses disciplines, comme la rédaction, la grammaire, la traduction et la création littéraire. Un nombre maximal de trois cours FRE, de niveau 3-avancé (voir la section Progression par année de l’annuaire universitaire), peuvent être inclus dans cette majeure qui compte un total de 16 cours.

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.

B.A. ProgramMinors

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

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.

Types of courses offered

The Département 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
EXCITING NEW PROGRAMS!

Micro-Certificates in French as a Second Language

Learn French in one semester thanks to our new intensive programs: the Micro-Certificate in French for beginners or the Micro-Certificate in French for Professional Integration. This will give you a competitive advantage in the job market, plus you can potentially save a lot of money on school fees!

Students taking an exam
Interested in taking French courses? Read this section!

French Placement Test

We have set up a French Placement Test to be taken online, anytime, anywhere, prior to registration. This test is mandatory for all non-francophone students wishing to take a French course for the first time at Bishop’s, and who have NOT completed Grade 11 French anywhere in Canada.

Students in front of McGreer
For current students

French Help Centre

At the French Help Centre, our tutors can help you improve your writing skills and answer specific questions pertaining to French grammar, syntax, and pronunciation. It’s the perfect place to go to polish a written assignment or oral presentation.

TEF and TEFAQ test
For the community and Bishop’s students

TEFAQ / TEF

Those who need to demonstrate an internationally-recognized standard of French competency – such as New Canadians settling in Quebec, for instance – can now conveniently pass their test at Bishop’s University.

Professor Sarah Theberge with a student
Engaged professors with an open door policy

About your professors

We are a young team of creative instructors and professors that proudly represent different areas of the Francophonie, namely Sénégal, France, and of course Québec. Our faculty members specialize in various disciplines such as second language acquisition, translation studies, linguistics, and Québec literature. Join us to study this beautiful language while exploring the wide range of vibrant francophone cultures, and all the possibilities they offer.

Questions?

Want to know more about studying in our department?

Contact Us