Program Overview

Introduction to French Studies at the University of Waterloo

The Department of French Studies at the University of Waterloo offers a comprehensive range of programs for undergraduate and graduate students. The department is committed to providing students with a rich and diverse learning experience, with a focus on the study of French language, literature, and culture.

Graduate Studies in French

The department offers a Master of Arts (MA) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in French Studies. The MA program is designed to provide students with advanced training in French language, literature, and culture, while the PhD program is designed to prepare students for a career in academia or research.

MA Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the MA program, students must have completed an undergraduate degree in French or a related field, with a minimum average of B (75%) in a recognized four-year Honours BA degree program in a Canadian university (or its equivalent). Students who have not attained a cumulative average of B (75%) overall may be recommended and admitted as probationary students if certain conditions are satisfied.

PhD Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the PhD program, students must have completed an MA program in French Studies or a closely related field, with a minimum average of 80%. The PhD program is comprised of three distinct research fields: Digital archiving, editing, and publishing in a Francophone context; Early modern French literary studies and theory; and Cultural Studies in a Francophone context.

Degree Requirements

The MA program offers three study options: Course study option, Research paper (mémoire) study option, and Thesis study option. The PhD program requires students to complete a series of comprehensive exams, a dissertation proposal, and a PhD thesis.

Comprehensive Examinations

PhD students are required to complete a series of comprehensive exams, which include a set of written and oral components. The exams are intended to ensure breadth, to assess competence in the field of French Studies, and to prepare students for the writing of the PhD thesis.

The PhD Thesis

The PhD thesis is evaluated by a committee comprising the thesis supervisor, two additional members of the Department, one internal university reader, and one external examiner. Students must also successfully defend their thesis during an oral examination, open to the public.

Schedule for PhD Programme of Study

The PhD program is typically completed in four years, with the following schedule:

• YEAR I: Course work and selection of an area of research and thesis supervisor
• YEAR II: Comprehensive examinations
• YEAR III: Thesis
• YEAR IV: Thesis completion, submission, and defence

Research Areas

The professors of the French Studies Department are specialized in various research areas, including:

• Digital archiving, editing, and publishing in a Francophone context
• Early modern French literary studies and theory
• Cultural Studies in a Francophone context

Application Process

To apply to the MA or PhD program, students must submit an online application, which includes:

• Transcripts from all institutions attended
• 3 references
• An up-to-date résumé
• A writing sample
• A plan of study (for PhD application only)
• Proof of English language proficiency (for international students only)

Deadlines

Applications must respect the following deadlines:

• Fall Acceptance: February 1
• Winter Acceptance: July 1