Program Overview

Introduction to the Master's Program in French Studies

The Master's program in French Studies at the University of Waterloo offers a comprehensive and flexible curriculum, allowing students to tailor their studies to their individual needs. The program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of French language, literature, and culture, as well as the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in academia, research, or other fields.

Program Options

The Master's program in French Studies offers three options: coursework, major research paper, and thesis. Each option is designed to provide students with a unique and challenging learning experience.

Coursework Option

• Graduate Academic Integrity Module (Graduate AIM)
• 8 courses, including FR600 (Research methods in French Studies)
  • Students may take 1 course in another department, upon approval of the Associate Chair, Graduate Studies.
• All courses should be completed successfully within three terms.
• The minimum average required for graduation is 72%.
• A student receiving a course grade below 70% may be asked to withdraw from the program.

Major Research Paper Option

• Graduate Academic Integrity Module (Graduate AIM)
• 6 courses, including FR600 (Research methods in French Studies)
  • Students may take 1 course in another department, upon approval of the Associate Chair, Graduate Studies.
• Research paper (mémoire) of approximately 50 pages, written in French.
• No more than one course with a grade lower than 70% is permitted.
• The research paper topic must be approved by the French Studies Graduate Committee.
• The paper will be written under the supervision of a professor of the Department.
• The research paper must be read and approved by a Reading committee of two professors, the supervisor and an internal reader.

Thesis Option

• Graduate Academic Integrity Module (Graduate AIM)
• 4 courses, including FR600 (Research methods and professional communication)
  • Students may take 1 course in another department, upon approval of the Associate Chair, Graduate Studies.
• Thesis paper of approximately 100 pages, written in French, and thesis defense.
• To be accepted to the thesis study option, you must first pass two graduate courses with a minimum average of 80%.
• A student receiving a course grade below 78% must revert to the course study option.
• The thesis paper topic must be approved by the Graduate Studies Committee of the Department.
• The paper will be written under the supervision of a professor of the Department.
• The thesis must be approved by the thesis supervisor and at least one of the two other readers appointed by the Graduate Studies Committee, and must be defended orally before the thesis committee.

Program Structure

The Master's program in French Studies is designed to be completed in one year, with the option to start in either September or January. Students may enroll on a full-time or part-time basis. The program is structured to provide students with a comprehensive education in French language, literature, and culture, as well as the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in academia, research, or other fields.

Research Areas

The Department of French Studies at the University of Waterloo has a strong research focus, with faculty members working in a variety of areas, including:

• French language and linguistics
• French literature and culture
• Comparative literature and cultural studies
• Translation studies
• French-Canadian studies

Conclusion

The Master's program in French Studies at the University of Waterloo offers a comprehensive and flexible curriculum, allowing students to tailor their studies to their individual needs. With its strong research focus and experienced faculty, the program provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in academia, research, or other fields. Whether you are interested in coursework, major research paper, or thesis, the Master's program in French Studies at the University of Waterloo is an excellent choice for those looking to advance their education and career in French language, literature, and culture.