- 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, linguistics, literature, and French culture. Unless specified otherwise, the language of instruction of all courses is French.
Placement
If you have absolutely no prior experience studying French, FSL100H1 is the appropriate starting point for French classes. Do not take the Department of French placement test.
If you are a native, near-native or fluent speaker of French, you are invited to enrol immediately in FRE and FCS courses that have no other prerequisite FRE courses (see the description below). You are typically not allowed to enrol in FSL courses or FRE courses that have other prerequisites. 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. Special permission from the Department is required if your personal history justifies exemption from FRE prerequisites and/or exceptional permission to enrol in a specific FSL course. Do not take the Department of French placement test unless asked to do so after you have contacted the Department.
Otherwise, you must take the Department of French placement test. You will normally only receive credit if you enrol in the level indicated by 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.
Explanation of Course Codes
FCS (French Cultural Studies) courses are taught in English and 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 improve students’ language proficiency. FSL courses are required as part of all Department programs. 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 in FRE courses are centred around French literature, linguistics, language learning and/or 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 any 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 receive the highest possible level of French proficiency, as well as readiness to function in professional environments requiring the use of French, as well as 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, contemporary French and Francophone culture, and linguistic theory focused on 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 historical development, including formal linguistic theory, bilingualism, second language acquisition, computational methods and language contact.
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 French and Francophone literature and literary thought.
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.
Important Policies re French as a Second Language (FSL) Courses
The following policies must be respected when registering for French courses. Failure to do so may result in students being automatically withdrawn by the Department from the course in which they are registered:
- Placement in French language courses is based on the results of the Department’s Placement Test, which assesses linguistic competence. 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. The Placement Test, available at https://uttf.artsci.utoronto.ca/login, is mandatory for all students who wish to register in an FRE or FSL course for the first time (except true beginners with no knowledge of French who may enrol directly in FSL100H1). The Test can be taken only ONCE and the results of the first test will prevail in the event of multiple attempts. Ideally, the Placement Test should be taken in the term preceding the one in which students wish to register in (e.g., for a course starting in September, students should take the Placement Test in the summer term, prior to their registration date on ACORN and before the beginning of classes). Students will receive their results by email shortly after taking the test. Self-placement is not allowed in the Department of French. The administration reserves the right to conduct an additional test if in doubt about a student's undeclared proficiency in French.
- Sequencing: Students are reminded that they must take FSL courses in the appropriate sequencing (100>200>300>400).
- Auditing: No auditing is allowed in FSL courses.
Study Elsewhere Programs
For more information, please go to https://www.french.utoronto.ca/undergraduate-program/study-elsewhere or email: french.elsewhere@utoronto.ca
Quebec and France
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, and 2.0 credits toward the Minor Program.
- 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 call 416 926 2302 or email french.secretary@utoronto.ca. They must qualify for entry in the next language course above the level of the one for which they desire the credit. Students must enrol in the course recommended by the placement test results. No self-placement is allowed. - 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 the permission of the Department prior to registration. The Department will assess the students’ admissibility to the course in consultation with the instructor. For FSL courses, exclusions ensure that students follow the best progression in language learning.
Further Information: The French Studies Undergraduate Brochure, available online at www.french.utoronto.ca/undergraduate, contains more detailed information concerning the courses and programs listed below.
Associate Chair, Undergraduate: Room 227, Odette Hall, 50 St. Joseph St., 416-926-2312, french.undergradchair@utoronto.ca
Undergraduate Counsellor: Room 226, Odette Hall, 50 St. Joseph St., 416-926-2333, french.undergraduate@utoronto.ca
General Enquiries: Room 210, Odette Hall, 50 St. Joseph St., 416-926-2302, french.secretary@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