Please note:
To view the Spring 2024 Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/2024/spring.html.
French Language Minor
This program is for students who are enrolled in a degree program (other than French) and who wish to develop an in-depth knowledge of the French language.
This program is not intended
a) for students deemed native speakers
b) for students who completed grade 12 French Immersion
And, normally, it is not intended for students whose point of entry is FREN 210 or above.
This minor in French language cannot be combined with another minor in French studies.
Recommendations for the award of this minor will be made by the Department of French and the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
Program Information
For information about initial FREN course selection, the French language placement test, and FREN course disciplines, visit http://www.sfu.ca/french/en/undergrad.html.
Program Requirements
A minimum of GPA 2.0, calculated on all Simon Fraser University courses that are applied to a minor, is required for successful completion of the program.
Curriculum Requirements
Students starting at an introductory level must complete the requirements leading to FREN 210 before taking the courses required for the minor. This may include a placement test, completing other lower division coursework, or a combination of the placement test and coursework. Please refer to the Academic Calendar.
Students will have to complete the 12 lower division units and 15 upper division units required to obtain the minor in French language.
Lower Division
The following required courses are taken in sequence.
Lower Division: written
Designed to improve listening and reading comprehension. Emphasis on accuracy in oral and written communication. Instruction in class and in lab. Prerequisite: Grade 12 French with a grade of A or FREN 122 with a grade of A or FREN 210 (or equivalent based on placement test). May not be taken by FREN 212 students.
Lower Division: oral
one of
Designed to develop listening comprehension and oral expression. Instruction in class and in lab. Prerequisite: FREN 211. May be taken concurrently with FREN 212 and 221. Students with credit for FREN 222 or FREN 300 may not take this course for further credit. Students with native or near-native proficiency are not allowed to take this course and must contact the instructor for evaluation or exemption prior to enrolment.
Through the study of French pronunciation, students will improve their listening and speaking abilities. Drill exercises, intensive practice, as well as the rehearsal of drama skits and short French plays will allow students to speak French individually and in groups. Prerequisite: FREN 211. May be taken concurrently with FREN 212 and 221. Students with credit for FREN 222 or FREN 300 may not take this course for further credit. Students with native or near-native proficiency are not allowed to take this course and must contact the instructor for evaluation or exemption prior to enrolment.
Upper Division
One required course
and three of the following courses
Designed to further develop ability in oral expression. Instruction in class and in lab. Prerequisite: FREN 222 or, with a grade of A and permission of instructor, FREN 215 or 217. Students with native or near-native proficiency are not allowed to take this course and must contact the instructor for evaluation or exemption prior to enrolment.
Choosing the right word for the right context is the principal aim of this course. Through practical exercises and a variety of simple translation techniques students will expand their vocabulary and become more familiar with the nuances of French. Prerequisite: FREN 222.
Translating from English to French allows students to explore and understand the nuances of French as well as language transfer. Through the precise use of vocabulary, grammar, and syntax, students will improve their writing skills. They will also learn how to identify context in a variety of documents. Prerequisite: FREN 301W and one of FREN 304 or FREN 307 or permission of the department. Writing.
and one of the following courses
A multidisciplinary analysis of socio-cultural aspects of French speaking countries, involving written work and oral participation. Prerequisite: FREN 222 or permission of instructor. Breadth-Humanities.
Course Exemptions
It is possible to obtain exemption, up to a maximum of 12 units, from lower division French language courses by being placed in a more advanced French language course (Placement test). Students who gain, or hope to gain, course exemption should consult the advisor early.
Transfer Credits
Approved transfer credits for French courses completed at another post-secondary institution (subject to university transfer credits regulations) up to maximum of six units.
Note: A minimum of 15 upper division units is required, nine of which must be taken within the department.
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Degree Requirements
For all bachelor of arts (BA) programs, students complete 120 units, which includes
- at least 60 units that must be completed at Simon Fraser University
- at least 45 upper division units, of which at least 30 upper division units must be completed at Simon Fraser University
- at least 60 units (including 21 upper division units) in Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences courses
- satisfaction of the writing, quantitative, and breadth requirements
- an overall cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and upper division overall CGPA of at least 2.0, and program CGPA and upper division program CGPA of at least 2.0 on the course work used to satisfy the minimum program requirements. FASS departments may define additional GPA requirements for their respective programs.
For students in other faculties, please check your faculty's overall degree requirements: https://www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/faculties-research.html
Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements
Students admitted to Simon Fraser University beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements for university-wide information.
WQB Graduation Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit
| Requirement |
Units |
Notes | |
| W - Writing |
6 |
Must include at least one upper division course, taken at Simon Fraser University within the student's major subject; two courses (minimum three units each) |
|
| Q - Quantitative |
6 |
Q courses may be lower or upper division; two courses (total six units or more) | |
| B - Breadth |
18 |
Designated Breadth |
Must be outside the student's major subject, and may be lower or upper division: Two courses (total six units or more) Social Sciences: B-Soc |
|
6 |
Additional Breadth |
Two courses (total six units or more) outside the student's major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements). Students choosing to complete a joint major, joint honours, double major, two extended minors, an extended minor and a minor, or two minors may satisfy the breadth requirements (designated or not designated) with courses completed in either one or both program areas. |
|