COURSE CURRICULUM

The French Studies program at Waterloo offers a comprehensive range of courses designed to develop language proficiency and deepen cultural understanding. Starting from beginner levels such as Beginner French and Basic French, students progress through intermediate and advanced courses including French Language modules, Business French, and specialized linguistics classes like Introduction to Phonetics and Sound Structure of French. The program also explores a rich array of French and Francophone literature spanning centuries, from Medieval and 16th-century French Literature to 21st-century works, including Francophone literatures in Canada and minority Francophone communities. Cultural and historical aspects are covered through courses on French Civilization, Quebec Literature, French-Language Theatre, and Francophone Pop Culture, providing students with a broad appreciation of the French-speaking world. Advanced offerings include translation studies, examining both theory and practice, as well as independent cultural studies and senior tutorials for in-depth scholarly research. The curriculum highlights diverse perspectives with courses on African and Caribbean Literatures in French, Women’s Writing, and Children’s Literature. This blend of language skills, literature, and cultural studies prepares students for careers in translation, education, international relations, business, and more, all within a global bilingual context.