Undergraduate Calendar 2011-2012

French Studies

Programme Objectives and Structure

Introduction
Programme Objectives
Programme Structure
Structure of the 3rd and 4th Year Courses

Introduction

The Department of French Studies offers a programme that focuses on French literature in the francophone world and other aspects of French studies such as civilization and language (linguistics and stylistics).

The Department offers an Honours Bachelor of Arts (French Studies) and a Bachelor of Arts (French Studies). In order to be admitted to these programmes, students must have taken FRF152 and FRF262 or equivalent courses.

French is the only working language within the Department. Most courses may be taken by all students possessing the required knowledge and ability. The final decision on eligibility will be made by the course instructor, with the approval of the Department Head.

Programme Objectives

The French Studies programme is intended to provide students with university education, promote their intellectual development and give them the knowledge and abilities that can be gained through the study of literature and language.

The courses offered by the Department have four main objectives:

  1. to teach students how to express themselves clearly and accurately, orally and in writing, and how to discuss various subjects rigorously and at length;
  2. to make students aware of interference from the second language;
  3. to draw students' attention to the importance of cultural and social values in the evolution of civilization and the contemporary world, particularly the French-speaking world; and
  4. to develop students' intellectual faculties, especially the ability to think and to analyze. These skills are often required in the exercise of their profession, particularly in the areas of human relationships and problems.
Ability to communicate:

While the mastering of oral and written communication is emphasized in the First and Second Year courses, these skills are also stressed in the Third and Fourth Year courses, particularly for students doing an Honours or a Major in French Studies. The analytical study of literary works helps to assess situations with a critical mind.

The analysis of literary texts is useful in developing a critical mind; knowledge of critical and analytical methods leads to a better appreciation of language's potential and limitations.

Perceptual development:

Literary studies enable students to fully understand and appreciate the cultural and social values of a people or community and help them to recognize the forces that shape the evolution of a society. The French Studies programme demonstrates, at all levels, that the influence of cultural and social forces is as important as the influence of political, economic, strategic and historical realities in understanding the past evolution of societies and the complex nature of the contemporary world.

Intellectual development:

French studies, like studies in other disciplines, enable students to acquire the methods involved in logical analysis and evaluation. However, because of the very nature of literature, French studies also help to promote less Cartesian forms of thinking, such as intuition, imagination and a sense of aesthetics. These kinds of thinking are particularly useful for resolving human problems.

A literary work generally deals with human problems and the measures taken to resolve them. These problems require intellectual flexibility and an ability to analyze. Such abilities are extremely useful for people in management and other positions of responsibility.

Programme Structure

First Year

Courses designed to improve the student's composition, style and understanding of French literature in general and French-Canadian literature in particular.

Second Year

Courses designed to perfect the student's style and to teach an appreciation of the most important French literary works of the 19th and 20th centuries. These courses can also serve as a foundation for future studies in the humanities, social sciences or administration.

Third and Fourth Years
Courses designed mainly for students doing a Major or an Honours in French Studies. These courses may also be taken by students enrolled in other programmes.

The courses cover two main areas:

  • literature, and
  • linguistics

There are three categories of literature courses:

  • French literature,
  • French-Canadian literature, and
  • literature by French-speaking authors from other cultures.

Structure of the 3rd and 4th Year Courses

Most of the courses offered are given every two years. It is highly recommended that students choose their courses in advance, seek advice from the professors in the Department and discuss their choices with the Department administration.