French
French Specialist (HBA)
Program Overview
U of T Scarborough French students will study both the structure and mechanics of the French language, and will also learn practical French for business and everyday use. Studies in French allow for a wide range of interests: French history and culture; the enhancement of practical language skills including translation; the study of how the language is structured and how it evolved and spread; the development of approaches to the teaching of French; and the exploration of the rich literature and cultures of the francophone world.
Complementary Programs: Linguistics, Psycholinguistics, English, English Chinese Translation, Management and International Business, Public Policy, Political Science
Check out future career opportunities and skills acquired from completing this program:
Competencies & Skills
- Communicate effectively and spontaneously in spoken and written French
- Understand and analyze literary texts and other media
- Translate
- revise and edit documents
- Understand and apply linguistic theories
- Conduct independent research in French
- Recognize
- interpret and use socio-cultural cues
Careers for Graduates
- Foreign Service or Immigration Officer in Government Services
- Translator in Technical Writing
- Tour Operator in Travel and Leisure Services
- Research Associate in Publishing
- Donor Relations Coordinator in Charities
- Case Manager in Social Services
- Communications Assistant in Public Relations
- Market Research Analyst
- Human Resource Assistant
Further Education
- French Literature
- Linguistics
- Translation
- Speech Language Pathology
- Education
- Law School
- Paralegal Studies
- Human Resources
- Marketing
Program Pathway
Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4
Year 1
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 1.0 credit as follows: FREA01H3, FREA02H3. French Immersion/Francophone students will start at either FREB01H3 or FREC01H3. If you have advanced proficiency, please contact the Associate Chair for placement.
- Explore different kinds of courses; this will also help with fulfilling breadth requirements and electives.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Schedule an appointment with your Program Librarian for in-depth research assistance with your assignments.
- Get writing support at the CTL Writing Centre.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Attend the UTSC Faculty Mix & Mingle Fair to connect with professors and learn more about their specialties.
- Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning opportunities.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Get involved with the French Department Student Association (FDSA); also explore other relevant student clubs and activities on campus.
- Volunteer in DSL’s Alternative Reading Week volunteer program to gain experience and knowledge about social change and community development.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Volunteer with organizations to explore your interests; check listings on CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
- Attend the UTSC Get Experience Fair in September and register with SCSU’s Volunteer Network Program to explore opportunities.
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 1.0 credit as follows: FREB01H3, FREB02H3.
- 2.0 credits in French Linguistics and 1.5 credits in Culture and 1.0 credit in French Literature (see UTSC Calendar for course lists) - taken in year 2 to 4 depending on course level.
- 1.0 credit as follows: FREB50H3, FREB35H3 and 2.0 additional credits in Literature (see UTSC Calendar for course lists).
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Seek support from professors and TAs during office hours.
- Check the Research Catalogue on CLNx for possible research opportunities.
- Volunteer in research labs, hospitals, doctors offices, community organizations, foundations.
- Consider doing a directed research course.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Further develop your general academic skills by attending workshops offered by the Academic Advising & Career Centre (AA&CC) and Centre for Teaching & Learning (CTL).
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Explore volunteer opportunities with local organizations to get involved in the Francophone community.
- Practice and improve your French language skills through Global Learning opportunities such as a Summer Abroad through the International Student Centre (ISC).
Plan for Your Future Career
- Gain experience by applying for a summer, part-time or Work Study position via CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
- Considering grad school? Speak to professors and advisors early so you are on track.
- Explore careers through the AA&CC’s Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 1.0 credit as follows: FREC01H3, FREC02H3.
- 1.5 credits in French courses not already taken (see UTSC Calendar for course lists).
- Continue to fulfill the Linguistic, Culture, and Literature requirements outlined in year 2.
- Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track with your degree.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Consider competing for the UTSC Library Undergraduate Research Prize or Poster Forum.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Apply for a Summer Abroad in France Tours or an Exchange program in France, Belgium or Switzerland; visit ISC for details.
- Build on your skills and knowledge through relevant events offered through your department, student groups, DSL and the AA&CC.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Run for an elected position in the French Department Student Association (FDSA).
- Volunteer with DSL as a First Year Peer Advisor.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Plan a career path with a staff member at the AA&CC.
- Check CLNx for networking events and employer information sessions to attend.
- Attend the Graduate & Professional School Fair in September.
Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 1.0 credit as follows: FRED01H3, FRED06H3.
- Continue to fulfill the requirements listed in year 2/3 if necessary.
- Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track to graduate.
- Register your “Intent to Graduate” on ACORN by the deadline.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Apply for an Academic Travel Fund through Department of Student Life (DSL) to research, present at a conference, or engage with the international academic community.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Attend the Summer & Full-time Job Fair in January to meet with potential employers looking to hire students for summer and full-time positions relevant to your field.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Participate in the AA&CC’s Partners in Leadership program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning to work or further education.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Attend the AA&CC’s Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
- Attend a Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course” and for access to full-time job listings.
- Get your Personal Statement for grad school reviewed in the AA&CC.
Glossary
- AACC - Academic Advising and Career Centre (www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc)
- CCR - Co-Curricular Record (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/ccr/overview.htm)
- CLNx - Career Co-Curricular Learning Network (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/home.htm)
- CTL - Centre for Teaching and Learning (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/ctl)
- DSL - Department of Student Life (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife)
- FDSA - French Department Student Association (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/dls/french-department-student-association)
- ISC - International Student Centre (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/utscinternational)
- SCSU - Scarborough Campus Students Union (https://www.scsu.ca)
Contacts
- Departmental ContactSean Ramrattansean.ramrattan@utoronto.ca416-287-7125https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/dls/welcome-department-language-studies
- French LibrarianDeena Yanofskydeena.yanofsky@utoronto.caARC main floor416-208-4737https://utsc.library.utoronto.ca/librarians
- Academic Advising & Career CentreAC213416-287-7561https://utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc/
- Department of Student LifeSL157416-208-4760https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife/
- French Department Student Associationhttps://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/dls/french-department-student-association
Did You Know?
La Francophonie is a group of 88 member states and governments from five continents sharing French as a common language.