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Program Overview
French Studies
Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences @ UWindsor
Program Overview & Highlights
- Co-op Available
- General 3-Year Program
- Honours 4-Year Program
- Combined Honours Programs Available
- B.A.
Maîtriser le français et ouvrez-vous au monde. Get a leg up on the competition for careers in the federal or provincial civil service, education, law, medicine, and much more by mastering this official language. Our faculty come from around the world, infusing the program with an international flavour. We keep class sizes small, guaranteeing you lots of one-on-one attention. Plus, you have the chance to earn while you learn and build your résumé with paid co-op.
French speakers are in-demand! There is a significant shortage of French-language professionals in Southwestern Ontario in education, health, law, and more.
Gain the communication skills you need to succeed in many careers
Go on an exchange in France and immerse yourself in the culture
Earn while you learn and build your résumé with paid co-op
Learn More About Our Program
- 20+ exchange and study abroad opportunities offered in diverse destinations including Australia, the UK, and France
- 97% of our graduates are employed within 2 years1
- 1 (OUGS Humanities, 2020)
- 40% Over 40% of Canadian public service positions are bilingual and nearly one quarter of businesses in Canada offer services in both French and English.
- 40,000 alumni worldwide in careers that range from marketing and corporate communications, to technical writing and translation, speech therapy, law, medicine, and more
What Lancers Are Saying
Enrolling in the French Studies program was one of the best decisions I've made..... I not only learned the roots of the language but also gained a deeper appreciation for French culture.
Jessica Akpagnonite
Student
French Studies and Minor in Psychology
Obtaining a French degree at the University of Windsor was the best decision that I have ever made. The professors are extremely knowledgeable and are always present to help students succeed. They have taught me the skills to successfully enter and complete the French Common Law Program in Ottawa.
Alexandra George
Associate Lawyer
French Studies and Criminology, 2019
The placements I had over the duration of my time at the University of Windsor allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge to various classroom settings. I had the opportunity to work closely with experienced teachers and advisors in order to hone my skills, develop a greater understanding of classroom dynamics and build meaningful connections. The French Studies / Concurrent Education program gave me numerous opportunities for placements in different schools and grade levels so as to better prepare me for the field of education.
Jordyn Mills
Educational consultant. CSC Providence
French Studies / Concurrent Education, 2015
In addition to strengthening my proficiency in French and preparing me for a teaching career in French as a first language, my undergraduate studies at the University of Windsor developed my critical and analytical skills, helped me gain an appreciation for international francophone culture and literature, and fostered an openness to the world. Classes led in an intimate setting by personable and knowledgeable faculty made my experience unforgettable, nurturing in me a desire to remain a lifelong learner.
Ashley Campagna
Conseil scolaire catholique providence
French Studies
Faculty & Staff
Student Recruitment Officer
Selena Randhawa
Recruiter - Business, FAHSS, Law, Education
Recruitment & Outreach Coordinator
Sheri Lowrie
FAHSS Recruitment and Outreach Coordinator
Selena Randhawa
Recruiter - Business, FAHSS, Law, Education
Admission Requirements
High School Student from Canada
- Course Requirements: Any French/FSF4U. English/ENG4U (min. avg. 60%)
- Minimum Average: 70%
- Minimum Average (Co-op): 80%; 70% minimum in English
- Mean Average: 80%
High School Student from Outside Canada and the United States (International)
- Course Requirements: Any French. Grade 12 English.
- Minimum Average: 70%
- Minimum Average (Co-op): 80%; 70% minimum in English
- Mean Average: 80%
Career Tracks
- Translator/interpreter
- teacher
- federal or provincial public official
- language advisor
- journalist
- archivist
- border services author
- communications specialist
- curator
- editor
- historical consultant
- lawyer
- librarian
- marketing manager
- media analyst
- museum director
- professor
- public policy advisor
- public relations officer
- reporter
- speech pathologist / therapist
- proofreader
Related Programs
- Political Science with French Specialization
- Modern Languages with Year Abroad
Plan Your Program
Term: Fall 2025
Important Notes
- ENGL 1010 : This Academic Writing course is required for all first-year Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences majors who obtained a final grade below 80% on Grade 12U English.** Students with 80% or higher in Grade 12 ENG4U (or equivalent) are exempt from this course requirement and will substitute it with an additional course from any area of study.If in co-op, it is recommended to take this course in summer. In its place, take FREN 2300 or an Open Choice elective.
- All FAHSS programs require students to take one course with Indigenous content, perspectives, or materials. This can be done at any time during the student’s undergraduate education. It is recommended that co-op students fulfill this requirement in the summer term. See this link for course options:
Not all Indigenous content courses are offered every term. - Students studying within the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences are encouraged to review the FAHSS Overview page.
Required Course Notes
Major Courses
- FREN 1210
- FREN 1410
- FREN 2300 [if you do not need to take ENGL 1010 or are in Co-op]
Required Course
- ENGL 1010
Recommended Other Courses
- GART 1210 (see note 2)
- One Social Science
- One Language or One Science
Required Courses
ENGL 1010: Academic Writing
An introduction to the fundamentals of effective writing in academic contexts. Topics may include language, essay writing conventions, critical thinking, research, editing and revising, and academic integrity. (1.5 lecture, 1.5 laboratory hours per week.) (Arts elective only; does not count for credit in the major or minor Fall 2025 Undergraduate Calendar 104 course requirements of any English or English and Creative Writing degree programs.) (Credit cannot be obtained for both ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1001 or GART 1510.)
FREN 1210: French Language Training I
A study of norms and functions of the French verb system, nouns, pronouns, and modifiers. Oral practice, pronunciation and composition. (Prerequisite: Grade 12“U” French or Français, or equivalent.) (Antirequisite: any previous 2000-level French language training courses.)
FREN 1410: Introduction to Literary Studies
An introduction to the analysis of literary genres: poetry, drama and prose fiction. (Prerequisite: Grade 12“U” French or Français, or equivalent.) (Note: FREN-1410 is a prerequisite course for all literature courses in French Studies.)
FREN 2300: Introduction to Linguistics I
A survey of fundamental linguistic concepts and ideas of language. Language analysis at the first three levels of description: phonetics, phonology and morphology. (Prerequisites: FREN-1210 and FREN-1220, or permission of instructor.)
GART 1210: An Introduction into Indigenous Topics
This course introduces students to Indigenous histories, perspectives, and modern realities through an Indigenous lens. The role of colonization is introduced as Indigenous relationships on Turtle Island changed as a result of contact and colonization. This survey course provides a learning opportunity for students to engage in Indigenous pedagogy and worldview as they learn how history impacts the contemporary lives of Indigenous people. Through exploring relationships, this course engages critical reading, writing and thinking skills through course lectures and seminar activities. The history of relations assists in understanding how colonization’s policies and statutory documents thereafter affected Indigenous peoples, such as the Royal Proclamation, Treaties, the Indian Act, the British North America Act (1867), and the Constitution Act (1982). Today, these colonial-state governance documents are a significant part of Indigenous-Crown and Indigenous-settler relations. (2 lecture hours and 1 tutorial hour per week.) (Also offered as SOSC-1210.)
