French

Location:	Marion McCain Arts and Social Sciences Building 6135 University Avenue Room 1114 P.O. Box 15000 Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
Telephone:	(902) 494-2430
Fax:	(902) 494-1626
Website:	www.dal.ca/french
Email:	french@dal.ca

Introduction

The Department of French offers students the possibility of studying the literature and culture of France, French Canada and the other countries and regions of the French-speaking world, as well as the linguistic structure and development of French.

Courses are available for beginners and for those with a background in the language who wish to improve and maintain any or all of the following skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Other courses are specially designed for students who are interested in translation, or other areas of language study. The role of French in Canada and in the Maritimes is stressed in courses in Acadian and Québec literature and civilization. The literature of France and French-speaking nations is brought to life in courses organized around a theme, a genre, or an historical period.

The Department of French urges students to practise the language as much as possible. The French Club organizes activities including films, French meals, parties and plays in which all students may participate. Participation in immersion programs and individual student travel and study are encouraged. Please consult the Department for information and see below: Studies in a Francophone Environment.

A BA degree in French with Honours, or with Honours in French and another allied subject, may lead the student to a career in education, translation or interpreting, or may provide the background for careers in many fields, including radio, television, new media, public service, tourism, law, social work, public relations, business, politics, diplomacy, journalism, and library and information science. Students considering French as a Minor in a BA, BSc or other degree program are invited to discuss the matter at any time (the earlier the better) with a departmental advisor. The focus is on the particular needs and aspirations of the individual. An Honours degree is normally required for access to graduate studies: MA and PhD degrees may be pursued in the Department (see the Calendar for Faculty of Graduate Studies).

The French Department offers a number of academic awards to students, including the Ruth Murray Scholarship, the French Department Scholarship, the Marcelle Cendres Sandhu Memorial Prize, the Sabah Metlej French Scholarship, the Prof. and Mrs. Robert Lloyd Mcintosh Prize, the Prix de l’Alliance française, and Embassy and Consular book prizes. The Department encourages graduating students to apply for an eight month teaching assistantship in France, offered by the French Embassy.

Students may, with the approval of the Department of French, take up to one year of study at a University in a francophone environment and receive credit at Dalhousie. In particular, students may spend a semester or year of study abroad through our Dijon Study Abroad Program. Bursaries may be available for students selected to participate in a Dalhousie "Studies in a Francophone Environment" program.

The BA language requirement exemption test in French is given in the April examination period. Students should register at the Registrar’s Office before mid January by completing an Application for Exemption from the BA Language Requirement. A copy of the form must be provided to the French Department. Please note that passing the BA language requirement exemption test does not give a course credit.

Degree Programs

In addition to the departmental requirements listed below, students must satisfy the requirements outlined in the Degree Requirements section.

Requirements for the four degree programs are set out in the following sections. Electives from other departments, when chosen with care, can enrich and enhance the major courses. Departmental Advisors can provide information on recommended electives. All Majors and Honours Students must consult with the Undergraduate Advisor.

Students interested in a degree in European Studies should consult the European Studies section.

Students interested in an emphasis or a combined degree in Canadian Studies should consult the Canadian Studies section.

Students interested in the Certificate of Intercultural Communication should consult the Calendar entry.