About
The Intermediate and the Advanced Certificates in French Language and Culture are shorter programs that will help you build on your knowledge of the French language. You will learn how to express yourself in French, including understanding more complex texts and being able to have conversations on different topics. You will also gain a better understanding of the richness and diversity of francophone culture around the globe.
What you will learn
Based on your previous studies and starting French placement, you will can choose between two certificates that will help you reach your language goals by developing your writing, reading, listening and speaking skills.
Intermediate French Language and Culture
Through the courses required for this certificate, you will be able to express yourself in French,
understand texts and conversations on a variety of topics and develop coherent and well-structured arguments, both orally and in writing.
Upon completing this certificate, you will:
- Have attained the level B1: Independent User, based on the criteria established by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
- Develop an intermediate knowledge about the diversity of francophone cultures around the world, from Canada, including Fransaskois and Québécois cultures, to France, Africa, and the Caribbean
- Have choosen and completed a variety of courses at the 200 level about culture, civilisation, cinema, literature, translation, and more
Advanced French Language and Culture
You will take all your courses required for this certificate entirely in French to enhance your proficiency at an advanced level. You will be able to express yourself fluently, develop complex ideas, as well as use language flexibility for social, academic and professional purposes. You will understand long and difficult texts and your written and oral French will be clear and well-structured.
Upon completing this certificate, you will:
- Have attained level C1: Proficient User, based on the criteria established by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
- Develop an in-depth understanding of the francophone cultures around the world, from Canada, including Fransaskois and Québécois cultures, to France, Africa, and the Caribbean
- Have choosen and completed a variety of courses at the 300 level about culture, civilisation, cinema, literature, translation, and more
FREN 122.3: Intermediate French I
For students who have an adequate mastery of the basic grammatical concepts of French. You will practice in aural comprehension, speaking and writing, and an introduction to reading.
FREN 224.3: French Film Classics
An introduction to some of France's most prominent films and directors, from the beginnings to the present time. You will learn about the most significant aesthetic trends of French cinema and acquire the appropriate vocabulary to discuss specific aspects of mise-en-scène, such as scenery, lighting and framing. Some of the topics covered will include the silent era, the Avant-Garde, Poetic Realism, the New Wave and cinéma du look. This course will present students with some emblematic directors such as François Truffaut, Jean-Luc Godard, Agnès Varda, and more newly-established ones such as Mia Hansen-Løve). This course is taught online in French.
FREN 212.3: Advanced French I
A French language course that builds on skills acquired in FREN 122, 125 or equivalent. Greater emphasis is placed on the practical application of grammar through reading, writing and discussions.
FREN 306.3: Language and Society in the French Speaking World
This course aims to study the main varieties of the French language across francophone nations and cultures around the world. It will help familiarize yourself with key differences between standardized, non-standardized varieties, as well as semi-creolized and creolized varieties of French as it is spoken and written in the Americas, Europe, Africa, and in nations of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Special emphasis will be placed on concepts of language change, internal and external variation, linguistic restriction, convergence and divergence, the linguistic market, and social networks. You will also be introduced to the main variables and social factors used in variationist sociolinguistics. You will be required to give oral and written presentations, drawing on relevant cases in Canada and the French-speaking world.
FREN 419.3: Topics in 19th Century French Literature
This course will cover topics in 19th century French literature, such as representation and reality of women writers, intertextuality and the novel, or the works of Honoré de Balzac.
The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.
Study and work abroad programs
In addition to local opportunities to celebrate French and francophone culture, students are encouraged to participate in any one of many study and work abroad programs, including Explore, the federally-funded five-week French Immersion program in Québec and other provinces.
Faculty
All our French professors are involved in the Fransaskois community, and enhance their classes with trips to French movies, live theatre, musical events, variety shows, conferences and translation slams.
Flexibility
This program offers a great deal of flexibility through diverse course offerings of international, national and provincial importance.
Class size
Because class sizes are smaller than in other first year courses, and a second-language provides the ultimate level playing field, students become part of a close-knit community in the Languages, Literatures and Cultural Studies Department. Not only do the professors know their students by name, but they are also able to offer personal interaction both in class and in the francophone community at large.
Critical thinking development
By taking one of our certificates, you will develop your critical thinking skills, better understand other ways of thinking and reposition yourself in relation to both the global community and your own culture.
Careers
Some career opportunities include:
- Bilingual customer support officer
- Cultural events coordinator
- English as a Second Language teacher
- Foreign service officer
- Immigration officer
- International relations consultant
- International student advisor
- Librarian
- Researcher
- Tour guide
- Translator
- Travel agent
Tuition estimates
| Canadian students | International students | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $746 per 3 credit unit class | $3,611 per 3 credit unit class |
| Student fees | $1,121 per year | $1,121 per year |
Tuition will vary depending on the type and number of classes you take in a year. This estimate reflects a typical amount you could expect to pay per class (2024-2025 Canadian dollar rates).
Student fees are used to fund specific student benefits, including health, vision and dental coverage, a bus pass, recreational programs and fitness centre access. This estimate reflects the price you would pay if you are a full-time student.
The cost of books and supplies varies widely depending on the courses you choose. It is recommended that you budget between $1,500-$2,500 for this program.
Program options
The Intermediate Certificate in French Language and Culture and the Advanced Certificate in French Language and Culture are offered by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Arts and Science. You may earn the certificates on their own, concurrently with a degree, or after having already received a degree from here or another institution.
If you are already enrolled at USask, consult your academic advisor regarding enrolling in this program.
The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.
Admission requirements and deadlines
Deadlines
Ready to apply?
If you are a current USask student, consult your academic advisor about enrolling in this program.
To apply to this program as a new student, create an admissions account and apply for admission to any undergraduate program in the College of Arts and Science. When you are ready to submit your application, you will be assessed a non-refundable application fee of $120 CAD. After you are admitted, declare your plans to the college.
If you are interested in more information about this certificate, please contact student-advice@artsandscience.usask.ca