French Placement
Which French course should I take?
One of the most frequently asked questions from students is “Which language course is right for me?” Students come to the University of Saskatchewan with a wide range of differences in previous study and background in languages. Many factors can impact a student’s language background and preparedness such as:
- diversities in language high school programs
- differences in language course levels and offerings in other universities world-wide
- ongoing language program renewals in pre-university and post-secondary language departments
- percentage of pre-university education taken in immersion schools or in an immersion setting
- exposure to the language via family background and travel
- results achieved in the last language course taken
- number of years since last course taken in the language
All of the above factors can create atypical situations for students who register for their first language course at the University of Saskatchewan. The following table can serve as a guideline in determining appropriate course placement for most students and provides answers to the most frequently asked questions. Online self-testing language placement tests may also provide some guidance. Please consult our home page for links to these. Students who feel that the recommended course may not be appropriate for them due to their particular circumstances or who do not fall into any of the following typical situations due to unique language backgrounds resulting from any of the above or other special circumstances should contact the French undergraduate advisor. Their situation may need to be evaluated on a case by case basis.
N.B. Students with some French background who are unsure of which French course is appropriate for them may wish to take the self-testing French placement tests available on our website.
Typical Placement and Entry Course Points for FRENCH Students |
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Level Obtained |
Course |
Description |
Notes |
No previous French study |
FREN 103.3 |
An introduction to written |
Not recommended for students who completed Grade 11 French (French 20) nor for students who completed Grade 12 French
|
French 20 or
|
FREN 106.3 |
Level 2 of Beginner written & oral French. |
Normal entry point for students who completed Grade 11 French (French 20.) Not usually appropriate for students who finished Grade 12 (French 20) in nor for students with French Immersion up until grade 7. |
French 30 |
FREN 122.3 |
First year university level French course. Instruction in French written & oral French. Grammar review & vocabulary development. Readings & discussions in French. |
Typical entry level for students who completed Grade 12 / French 30 |
French High School Immersion |
FREN 128.3 |
First year university level French language course for Immersion, Bilingual or Francophone students. Grammar review & vocabulary development. Readings & discussions in French. |
This is the entry level recommended for French Immersion, bilingual or francophone students. Students with partial High School French Immersion studies should contact the French undergraduate advisor for appropriate course placement. Their placement will largely depend on French High School results and placement test results. |
N.B. Fransaskois students |
FREN 128.3 (language) Although FREN 128.3 is recommended, students with high proficiency in French may take the following courses concurrently with FREN 128.3. FREN 230.3 (literature – FREN Canada) |
Course Descriptions vary. |
FREN 200 level courses in language, culture, or literature can be eligible for a prerequisite waiver for 200 level French courses through permission of the instructor or the Department. Permission will be granted according to the student’s French proficiency level. |