French Undergraduate Studies

Contact information

Department Head

Dr. Marie-Diane Clarke (she/her)
  mariediane.clarke@usask.ca
 ARTS 415
 306 966-5645

French Coordinator & Undergraduate Advisor

Dr. Romain Chareyron (he/him)
  roc104@usask.ca
 ARTS 422
 306 966-2782


Students of French are presented with a broad range of courses and programs in our department. Students can choose to do:

  • a 3-Year B.A.,
  • a 4-Year B.A.,
  • an Honours B.A. in French,
  • a French Double Honours B.A.,
  • a French Minor,
  • a French Language Recognition.

Our French curriculum is wide-ranging, including:

  • language courses (Beginners’ to Advanced);
  • literature courses (from the 17th to the 20th century);
  • courses in Quebec literature and theatre;
  • courses in Western Canadian Francophone literature and theatre;
  • French and Francophone cinema;
  • translation studies;
  • French civilization;
  • linguistics

 

French Certificates

Students who wish to complete a Certificate in French can choose from the following options.


Certificate in Intermediate French Language and Culture

Goals: Express yourself in French, understand texts and conversations on different subjects, develop coherent arguments, and gain a better understanding of the richness and diversity of Francophone cultures in Canada and around the world.

Requirements15 cu: FREN 122.3 and 125.3 + 9 cu from 200-level courses (excluding FREN 212.3 and 128.3).


Certificate in Advanced French Language and Culture

Goals: Speak French fluently, understand and express complex ideas for social, academic, and professional purposes, learn how to write in a clear and well-structured manner, and understand the diversity and richness of Francophone cultures in Canada and around the world through the analysis of complex texts and films.

Requirements: 15 cu: FREN 212.3 and 218.3 + 9 cu from courses at the 300 and 400-level.


French-English Translation Certificate

Goals: Acquire the skills necessary to take a professional translation certification exam administered by ATIS, the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Saskatchewan.

Requirements:

Option 1 (18 cu) - For students who completed High School Core French:  FREN 122.3 and 125.3, 212.3, 213.3 or 214.3, 314.3, 305.3 or Linguistics 230.3 (Aspects of Translation Theories and Practice).

Option 2 (18 cu) - For students who are bilingual / completed High School French Immersion: FREN 212.3, 213.3 and 214.3, 305.3 or Linguistics 230.3 (Aspects of Translation Theories and Practice), 314.3, 218.3 or 312.3.

French Placement Test

An online placement test is available for students who wish to enroll in a French class but are unsure which level is best suited to them.

To take the placement test, students should contact Dr Romain Chareyron or Dr Marie-Diane Clarke. Alternatively, students may contact any of the French instructors to request access to the placement test.

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. 

Typical Placement and Entry Course Points for FRENCH Students

Level Obtained

Course

Description

Notes

 

No previous French study 
OR
Less than Grade 11 (French 20) of
 Core French completed.

 

 

FREN 103.3
French for Beginners
Level 1

 

An introduction to written 
& oral French
Study and practice of basic simple French affirmative, interrogative and negative sentences, the present tense of “–er” and some irregular verbs, articles, demonstrative and possessive adjectives, basic vocabulary related to themes such as the family, food, travel.

 

Not recommended for students who completed Grade 11 French (French 20) nor for students who completed Grade 12 French  
(French 30) at any point in time.

 

 

French 20 or 
Grade 11 Core French completed
3 cu of Beginner Level I French completed at any university.
 Limited French Immersion (grade 7 or less) completed.

 

 

 

FREN 106.3
Beginner French
Level 2

 

Level 2 of Beginner written & oral French. 
Further study of present tense French verbs (“-ir”, 
“-re” & irregular verbs), past & future tense verb forms, study of the imperative and reflexive verbs, personal pronouns. Theme-based vocabulary development.

 

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
(Grade 12 Core French)
Partial French Immersion High School completed*

 

 

FREN 122.3
Intermediate French
Level 1

 

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 
Core French in. Not recommended for students with High School French Immersion up until Grade 12 (French 30.)

 

 

French High School Immersion
Grade 12 / French 30

 

 

FREN 128.3
Advanced French
Level 1

 

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
(French School Board graduates with some French family background whose pre-university studies were all conducted in French), bilingual or francophone students with high French proficiency levels may receive prerequisite waivers to register in 200 level French courses.

 

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)
FREN 220.3 (literature - France)
FREN 251.3 (culture - France - past)
FREN 252.3 (culture – France – contemp.)
FREN 258.3 (Business French)
FREN 272.3 (culture – 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.