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French Language Proficiency
This program is for students who may or may not be enrolled in a degree program and who wish to improve oral and written French proficiency. It is also for those who wish to enhance their knowledge of the language for cultural or professional needs. The program is not intended for native French speakers.
Recommendations for the award of the certificate will be made by the Department of French and the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
Admission Requirements
For information about course challenge, initial FREN course selection, and the French language placement test, visit https://www.sfu.ca/french/undergraduate.html.
Program Requirements
Program completion normally takes five to six terms
A minimum 2.5 grade point average (GPA) is calculated on all Simon Fraser University courses that are applied to the certificate. Duplicate courses are counted only once.
Students complete a total of 30 units, including all of
Designed to consolidate and expand knowledge of the language. Strong emphasis on oral expression and listening comprehension to develop communicative skills. Instruction in class and in lab. Prerequisite: FREN 122 or grade 12 French (or equivalent based on placement test). May not be taken by students from French immersion, programme cadre or IB students.
and one of
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.
Designed for French immersion program students who wish to refine their oral and written language competence. Instruction in class and in lab. Prerequisite: Grade 12 French immersion (or equivalent based on placement test). Students with credit for FREN 211 may not take this course for further credit.
and 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.
and one of
An introduction to French literary studies with selected works in poetry and prose, including theatre. Attention will be given to methods of analysis. The course will be conducted in French. Prerequisite: FREN 222 (students with B+ in FREN 221 can take 222 concurrently with 245). Students with credit for FREN 240 or 230 cannot take FREN 245 for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
Introduces to some fundamental questions about human behavior that can be answered by the study of the language forms, structure, and use. Topics such as how did language begin? Where is French from, and how did it change over the years? How does French vary from place to place, from context to context? Prerequisite: FREN 222 (students with B+ in FREN 221 can take 222 concurrently with FREN 275). Students who have credit for FREN 270 or 370 or LING 222 cannot complete this course for further credit. May not be taken concurrently with LING 222. Breadth-Social Sciences.
and nine units from any other upper division FREN courses (excluding FREN 120, 121, 122, 198, and 342).
The following courses are recommended.
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.
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 required lower division French language courses by being placed in a more advanced French language course. Exempted courses must be replaced with credit obtained by
- approved transfer credit for French courses completed at another post-secondary institution (subject to university transfer credit regulations), up to a maximum of six units
- challenge credit for exempted courses (subject to university regulations governing approval of challenge credit), up to a maximum of six units
- successful completion of other French courses at the university, excluding FREN 120, 121, 122, 198, and 342.
Students who gain, or hope to gain, exemption should consult the advisor early. In accordance with the university's certificate regulations, units for the certificate may be applied also to majors or extended minors or to a bachelor’s degree.