You are reading the 2024/25 Academic Calendar. The 2023/24 version remains in effect until August 31, 2024 and is available here.

French

The French program aims to prepare students to achieve levels A1, A2, B1, B2 and up to C1 of the the European Common Frame of Reference for Languages, an international benchmark (CEFR). Courses offered include language studies as well as courses in literature, culture, film and translation. Our language courses are designed to improve skills in written and oral communication, and foster critical analysis of cultural material as well as intercultural understanding. Our literature courses cover francophone literatures across historical periods and from a range of geographical regions. Whether you are coming from a French Immersion program or are a newcomer to language studies, the French program can be both an excellent focus for your degree or a perfect complement to any program you might be pursuing. French is one of the two official Canadian languages and is spoken by millions of people. Studies in French Language, Culture or Literature are an invaluable asset for prospective health providers (psychologists, nurses, kinesiologists), educators, business and policy developers, engineers and researchers. On top of enhancing global mobility, French language training can prepare students for many Canadian French Immersion B. Ed program requirements, as well as graduate programs. Language students at UBCO also have the invaluable opportunity to study abroad in a French-speaking university for one or two terms through UBC’s Go Global exchange program.

Major in French

Students may declare a major in French at any time. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative average of 65% in their FREN courses to graduate with a French major.

Students interested in pursuing a Major in French should consult with a departmental academic advisor during the first year of their B.A. program (consult Languages and World Literatures for a list of advisors). Students interested in studying abroad should inform the departmental advisor as soon as possible.

To complete a major in French, students must accumulate 48 credits in French, with a minimum of 30 credits at the 300 and 400 level. The major prepares students for a strong B2-C1-level in French (CEFR).

The major in French can be completed in four years by students who have already completed Grade 12 French (or equivalent) or who have a certified A2 level of competency in French prior to enrolment in the French program. Students without these prerequisites are likely to need more than four years to complete the major in French.

100- and 200-Level Requirements

Students must complete all of the B.A. requirements, as well as any prerequisites for the required upper-level courses.

  • all of FREN 122, 123
  • FREN 215
  • all of FREN 222, 223

300- and 400-Level Requirements

  • all of FREN 353, 355;
  • two of FREN 344, 345, 444, 446
  • 18 additional French credits at the 300 and 400 level.

Elective

  • 3 credits of FREN at any level

Combined Major with French

Students may declare a combined major with French at any time. Students must maintain a cumulative average of 65% in their FREN courses to remain in the combined major.

The combined major in French can be completed in four years by students who have already completed Grade 12 French (or equivalent) or who have a certified A2 level of competency in French prior to enrolment in the program. Students without these prerequisites are likely to need more than four years to complete the combined major in French.

A combined major is created by satisfying the requirements for a combined major in French and another B.A. program that offers a combined major (currently Art History and Visual Culture, Creative Writing, Cultural Studies, and English). A single course can only fulfill the combined major requirement for one program.

The French requirements for the combined major include the following:

First and Second Years

B.A. requirements, including the following:

  • FREN 122, 123
  • FREN 215
  • FREN 222, 223

Third and Fourth Years

  • FREN 353, 355
  • two of FREN 344, 345, 444, 446
  • 9 additional credits of FREN at the 300 and 400 level

Minor in French

Students may declare a minor in French at any time. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative average of 65% in their FREN courses to graduate with a French minor.

To complete a minor in French, students must accumulate at least 30 credits in French with a minimum of 18 credits at the 300 or 400 level. The minor prepares students to achieve a B1-B2-level in French (CEFR).

The minor in French can be completed in four years by students who have already completed Grade 12 French (or equivalent) or who have a certified A2 level of competency in French prior to enrolment in the French program. Students without these prerequisites may need more than four years to complete the minor in French.

100- and 200-Level Requirements

Students must complete all of the B.A. requirements, as well as any prerequisites for the required upper-level courses.

  • all of FREN 122, 123
  • all of FREN 222, 223

300- and 400-Level Requirements

  • all of FREN 353, 355
  • 12 additional credits of 300- or 400-level French courses.

Elective

  • 3 credits of FREN at any level

UBC Crest The official logo of the University of British Columbia. Urgent Message An exclamation mark in a speech bubble. Caret An arrowhead indicating direction. Arrow An arrow indicating direction. Arrow in Circle An arrow indicating direction. Arrow in Circle An arrow indicating direction. Chats Two speech clouds. Facebook The logo for the Facebook social media service. Information The letter 'i' in a circle. Instagram The logo for the Instagram social media service. Linkedin The logo for the LinkedIn social media service. Location Pin A map location pin. Mail An envelope. Menu Three horizontal lines indicating a menu. Minus A minus sign. Pencil A pencil indicating that this is editable. Telephone An antique telephone. Plus A plus symbol indicating more or the ability to add. Search A magnifying glass. Twitter The logo for the Twitter social media service. Youtube The logo for the YouTube video sharing service.