French

Faculty List

University Professor Emeritus
B.T. Fitch, BA, D 3e C (T)

Professor Emeriti
C. Bertrand-Jennings, LsL, PhD (University of Toronto Scarborough)
P.A.R. Bouissac, LsL, DES, D Phl (V)
A.-M. Brousseau, MA, PhD (SM)
N. Boursier, DES, CAPES, D 3e C (U)
D. Clandfield, MA, D 3e C (N)
P. Collet, AM, PhD (SM)
D. de Kerckhove, MA, PhD (SM)
L.E. Doucette, BA, PhD (University of Toronto Scarborough)
C. Elkabas, MA, PhD (University of Toronto Mississauga)
A.G. Falconer, MA, D 3e C (U)
P. Fitting, MA, PhD (N)
C.M. Grisé, MA, PhD (SM)
E.A. Heinemann, MA, PhD (N)
E. Lehouck, AGR ESS, D Phl (U)
M. Lord, MA, PhD (University of Toronto Mississauga)
P. Martin, IRAL BR, D 3e C, D Sc A (SM)
N. Maury, LenD, D 3e C (T)
J.A. McClelland, MA, PhD (V)
W.A. Oliver, MA, D 3e C (T)
J. Paterson, MA, PhD (I)
P.J.G.O. Perron, BA, D 3e C (U)
Y. Roberge, MA, PhD (SM)
D.W. Smith, BA, PhD (V)
R.A. Taylor, MA, PhD (V)
C.D.E. Tolton, AM, PhD (I, V)
T.R. Wooldridge, BA, D 3e C (T)

Chair of the Department
E. Nikiema, MA, PhD (University of Toronto Mississauga)

Graduate Chair, Graduate Studies
P. Thériault, MA, PhD (SM)

Associate Chair, Undergraduate Studies
M. Friesner, MA, PhD (SM)

Professors
J. LeBlanc, MA, PhD (V)
P. Michelucci, MA, PhD (University of Toronto Mississauga)
M. Pirvulescu, MA, PhD (University of Toronto Mississauga)

Associate Professors
J. Cahill, MA, PhD (I)
S. Drouin, MA, PhD (University of Toronto Scarborough)
F. Hamlaoui, MA, PhD (SM)
B. Havercroft, MA, PhD (V)
D. Kullmann, MA, PhD (SM)
A. Motsch, MA, PhD (V)
J. Ndayiragije, MA, PhD (University of Toronto Scarborough)
E. Nikiema, MA, PhD (University of Toronto Mississauga)
A. Rannaud, L.èsL., M.èsL., Ph.D. (University of Toronto Mississauga)
P. Riendeau, MA, PhD (University of Toronto Scarborough)
J. Steele, MA, PhD (University of Toronto Mississauga)
P. Thériault, MA, PhD (SM)

Associate Professors, Teaching Stream
M. Friesner, MA, PhD (SM)
S. Sacré, MA, PhD (SM)
M.-A. Visoi, MA, PhD (SM)

Assistant Professors
E. Dunbar, MA, PhD
L. Tieu, MA, PhD (SM)

Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream
S. Bello, MA, PhD (SM)

Part-time Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream
P. Bessler, MA, PhD (OH)

Introduction

French is not only one of the official languages of Canada: it is also one of the world’s major international languages. Courses in French Studies provide a varied, flexible, and in-depth examination of the French language and the multitude of cultures that it serves. The skills and knowledge acquired lay the groundwork for careers in teaching, journalism, translation, publishing, law, and government service as well as research in a variety of fields. On the Canadian job market, command of the French language is an enormous asset. The Department offers students a diversified curriculum, which brings together courses in language and language learning, linguistics, literature, and French culture. Unless specified otherwise, the language of instruction of all courses is French.

Language Placement

The Placement Test, available at https://uttf.artsci.utoronto.ca/login, is mandatory for all students who have studied French as a Second Language outside the Faculty of Arts & Science at the University of Toronto prior to enrolment in an FSL or FRE course. Since FSL 100-, 200-, 300-, and 400-level courses reflect language proficiency rather than year of study, students may be placed in a course level that does not correspond to their academic year. Students will receive their results by email shortly after taking the test. If your test results indicate placement in FSL320 or higher, you may also take FRE courses that have no other FRE courses as prerequisites.

You will normally only receive credit if you enrol in the level indicated by the test. Self-placement is not allowed in the Department of French, and student must take FSL courses in the appropriate sequencing (100>200>300>400) and may not repeat a course that they have completed. No auditing is allowed in FSL courses.

If you have absolutely no prior experience studying French, do not take the placement test. Instead, enrol directly in FSL100H1. Misrepresenting previous knowledge of French is considered a serious academic offence. If you have any questions about your placement level, please contact the Department.

Native, near-native or fluent speakers of French should not take the placement test unless asked to do so after contacting the Department. They are not allowed to enrol in FSL courses without special permission. Instead, they are invited to enrol in FRE and FCS courses, provided that these courses include no additional FRE prerequisites. Students who have prior experience studying in a French-medium institution or studying literature or linguistics at the university level in a language other than French may be eligible for exemption from certain prerequisites. Please contact the Department of French for more information.

Near-native and fluent speakers of French are invited to enrol in most Department programs (with the exception of the Minor in French Language); they will need to replace most or all of the required FSL program credits with additional credits in other course categories.

Explanation of Course Codes

FCS (French Cultural Studies) courses are taught in English. Enrolment is open to the entire University community and does not require prerequisite courses. Some FCS courses may count towards Department program requirements if certain components of the course are completed in French.

JFL (Joint French-Linguistics) courses are taught in English in collaboration with the Department of Linguistics. Certain JFL courses are required for programs in French Language Learning and French Linguistics programs and may count towards requirements in other Department programs if certain components of the course are completed in French.

FSL courses are taught in French. Their primary objective is to develop nonnative speakers’ language proficiency. Near-native and fluent speakers are only allowed to enrol in FSL courses under special circumstances with Department permission. If this applies to you, contact the Department for details.

FRE courses are taught in French and are content-based. Topics covered include French literature, linguistics, language learning and culture. All FRE courses require students to have either completed FSL222H1 or to have been placed at the 300-level or higher in FSL courses, based on the Department of French placement test. Native and fluent speakers are typically exempted from this FSL requirement.

For further inquiries, please contact the Department.

Programs

It is possible to enrol in more than one program in the Department of French. In such cases, students are allowed to double-count a maximum of 1.0 credit towards their French programs. All programs include FSL courses to help students improve their French writing and speaking skills in a variety of contexts.

The major program in French Language Learning focuses on allowing students to achieve the highest possible level of French proficiency, as well as readiness to function in professional environments requiring the use of French, including the ability to discuss the linguistic structures of French with accuracy and precision. This program has the most significant FSL component of all Department programs and also includes a variety of courses related specifically to language-learning and teaching strategies, French and Francophone culture, and linguistic theory as related to second language acquisition and bilingualism.

The specialist and major programs in French Language and French Linguistics include FRE and JFL courses that introduce students to the analysis of contemporary French and its sociohistorical development, including formal linguistic theory, quantitative and computational methods and sociolinguistics.

The specialist and major programs in French Language and French Literature include FRE courses that introduce students to concepts, methodologies, and critical tools explore disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives on the analysis of French and Francophone literature and culture.

The Minor in French Studies allows students flexibility to choose from a variety of topic courses conducted in French, based on their interests. Students can either concentrate in French Literature or French Linguistics, or take a combination of courses in both areas. Students often choose this program as a starting point if they are unsure of which Major program to pursue before deciding to focus on French Literature, French Linguistics or French Language Learning by switching to a Major program.

The Minor in French Language is designed to enhance the French language proficiency of non-native speakers—encompassing grammar, reading, writing, and oral communication—for both personal and professional development. The program requires the completion of a minimum of 3.0 credits in FSL-designated courses for a total of 4.0 credits.

The Certificate in French Language is designed to recognize the completion of coursework conducted in French to enhance personal and professional development. The program requires the completion of a minimum of 2.0 credits of FSL and/or FRE courses conducted in French.

Faculty of Arts & Science Language Citation

The Department of French will no longer participate in the Faculty of Arts & Science’s Language Citation initiative going forward. Students who complete one or more of the courses required for the Language Citation with the minimum required mark by the end of the Winter 2027 term will remain eligible for the citation going forward (students can find the requirements for the Language Citation published in the archived 2025-26 Arts & Science Academic Calendar, or contact the Undergraduate Administrator french.undergraduate@utoronto.ca). Interested students are also encouraged to refer to the Department of French Language Certificate.

Important Policies Related to French as a Second Language (FSL) Courses

Options for Studying Abroad

For more information on Study Elsewhere programs, please go to https://www.french.utoronto.ca/undergraduate-program/study-elsewhere or email: french.elsewhere@utoronto.ca.

Students who have completed at least one year of full-time studies and wish to study abroad for one or two semesters should contact the University of Toronto Centre for International Experience Office, or consult their website. Students may request credit for a course offered by the Department of French, subject to the general rules for eligibility.

Transfer Credits

Please note a maximum of 5.0 credits may be applied toward the Specialist Program, 3.5 credits toward the Major Program, 2.0 credits toward the Minor Program and 0.5 credit toward the Certificate in French Language.

1. For FSL Courses:
   Students may apply for transfer credits for language courses taken at any accredited or degree-granting university in Canada or abroad; this is done through the Office of the Faculty Registrar. In order to be recommended for transfer credits, students should arrange, before returning to Toronto, for the university in which the course(s) were taken to send an official transcript of their results directly to the Office of the Faculty Registrar. As soon as possible upon their return from the program, students who wish to obtain a transfer credit are required to book an appointment to take the placement test at the Department of French. They should email french.secretary@utoronto.ca or call 416 926 2302. They must qualify for entry in the next language course above the level of the one for which they desire credit. Students must enrol in the course recommended by the placement test results. No self-placement is allowed.
2. For FRE Courses:
   Transfer credits for studies in areas other than language may be requested directly upon return through the Office of the Faculty Registrar and will be processed in the normal way. It is recommended that a Letter of Permission and pre-approval of proposed courses be requested through the Office of the Faculty Registrar well in advance of departure from Toronto. Students are reminded that only courses taken at accredited universities or degree-granting institutions will be considered for credit.

Exclusions and prerequisites: Students must abide by all requirements stated in the exclusions and prerequisites to register in a course. Students who do not have the prerequisites for a given course must obtain permission from the Department prior to registration. The Department will assess the students’ eligibility for the course in consultation with the instructor. For FSL courses, exclusions ensure that students follow the best progression in language learning.

More detailed information concerning courses and programs in the Department of French is available on our website.

Faculty of Arts & Science Language Citation

The Department of French will no longer participate in the Faculty of Arts & Science’s Language Citation initiative going forward. Students who complete one or more of the courses required for the Language Citation with the minimum required mark by the end of the Winter 2027 term will remain eligible for the citation going forward (students can find the requirements for the Language Citation published in the archived 2025-26 Arts & Science Academic Calendar, or contact the Undergraduate Administrator Interested students are also encouraged to refer to the Department’s French Language Certificate.

Contact Information

Website: www.french.utoronto.ca/undergraduate

Undergraduate Office

Email: french.undergraduate@utoronto.ca

Note About Program Completion

Students can complete only one program type – Specialist, Major, or Minor – in an individual area referenced with the same four-digit program code.

The French programs impacted by this policy: ASSPE0525 and ASMAJ0525; ASSPE1295 and ASMAJ1295