French & Francophone Studies

The School of Languages, Linguistics and Cultures

The Department of French and Francophone Studies is now part of UVic's new School of Languages, Linguistics and Cultures (SLLC)! For more information, click 'SLLC'. 

SLLC

Welcome to French and Francophone Studies!

Which French course should you take? Answer our French Placement questionnaire to find out!

French Placement

Plan your courses

We are ready to offer you a refreshing learning experience.

Courses offer

Our MA in French and Francophone Studies

Dynamic and designed to foster a close-knit cohort, our MA trains students in a myriad of disciplines, including French, Quebec, French-Canadian, African and Caribbean literatures, culture and theory, cinema, theatre, theoretical and applied linguistics. Our programs let you explore different topics and build your own skill sets. Former graduate student Phelan Hourigan says he’d like to use his bilingual language skills to contribute to Canadian society.

Our MA in French and Francophone Studies
Female student standing in front of a world map

Translate your skills

Expand your cultural horizons and discover the language, culture, history, current events, literature and film of French-speaking countries.

Undergraduate studies
Two people chatting

Vital research

Our faculty members explore many research areas and each have a unique perspective and specialization.

Our faculty
French student perfoming a theatrical play

Study what you’re passionate about

Whether you want to explore culture, cinema or literature, we offer courses that let you pursue topics that matter to you.

Our programs
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French beyond the classroom

Your education doesn't end in the classroom. We offer field schools in Paris and Eastern Canada, a 5-week summer language program in Québec, exchange opportunities and a co-op education program.

Co-op

French is spoken by over 325 million people around the world. Don't get left out of the conversation.

Whether you're a beginner or already fluent in the language, you'll find a place in our department that will allow you to study French language, literature and culture with an undergraduate or graduate degree or our unique Certificate in Language and Cultural Proficiency.

I could barely conjugate "être" when I first set foot on the UVic campus four years ago, and now I can't imagine myself choosing any other path besides becoming a French teacher. Learning from the brilliant and inspiring professors and students of UVic's French department has been an absolute privilege; I feel very lucky to have acquired so many valuable lessons, both personal and academic, which I will undoubtedly carry with me into my teaching career. I would not have completed this degree (or had nearly as much fun doing so) without the generous support and encouragement I received from many professors along the way, mes remerciements sincères à tous !

—Erin O'Toole, French and Francophone Studies (Bachelor of Arts - Major) 2021

There are so many reasons to study French: it's one of Canada's official languages and is spoken by millions of people across five continents. At UVic, you’ll explore everything from cinema and literature, to computer-assisted language learning and translation.

As a French Immersion teacher, I intertwine teaching philosophies and techniques unique to Core French with those of the French Immersion model so that my students are inspired to take a much more active and inquisitive role in developing their proficiency of French.

—Dylan Trerice, French and Francophone Studies (MA in French Literature, Language & Culture) 2015

Ready to translate your skills into French? Find your edge with us.

We acknowledge and respect the Lək̓ ʷəŋən (Songhees and Esquimalt) Peoples on whose
territory the university stands, and the Lək̓ ʷəŋən and W̱ SÁNEĆ Peoples whose historical
relationships with the land continue to this day.

 Avec respect, nous reconnaissons les peuples lək̓ʷəŋən et leur territoire traditionnel, où est établie l’Université de Victoria, ainsi que les peuples Songhees, Esquimalt et W̱SÁNEĆ dont les relations de longue date avec ces terres non-cédées continuent jusqu’à ce jour.

 

Statement 

The Department of French and Francophone Studies at UVic reaffirms its dedication to fostering a profound understanding of the rich tapestry of literatures and cultures across the French-speaking world through resolute action. 

French, though rooted in colonial history, is spoken by over 300 million individuals worldwide. Recognizing its complex legacy, the Department stands committed to dismantling and unlearning the colonial vestiges upon which French and Francophone Studies were developed as a discipline. This entails amplifying marginalized narratives and experiences while reshaping critical methodologies and approaches. 

Racism, homophobia, transphobia, linguistic discrimination, sexism, and all other forms of oppression have no place in the activities of the Department. Should you perceive any divergence from this transformative vision and the actions of the Department or its members, you are invited to share your feedback at . 

Through unwavering commitment and collective action, the Department strives to forge an academic community rooted in inclusivity, diversity, equity, and justice. 

Déclaration

Le Département de français et d’études francophones de UVic réaffirme son engagement à favoriser la compréhension profonde de la diversité des littératures et des cultures de la francophonie mondiale par des gestes concrets. 

Le français, bien qu’enraciné dans l’histoire coloniale, est parlé par plus de 300 millions de personnes à travers le monde. Conscient de la complexité de son héritage, le département s’engage à démanteler les vestiges coloniaux sur lesquels les études françaises et francophones se sont construites. Cela implique d’amplifier les récits et les expériences des personnes marginalisées ou minorées tout en remodelant les méthodologies et les approches critiques utilisées. 

Le racisme, l’homophobie, la transphobie, la discrimination linguistique, le sexisme et toutes les autres formes d’oppression n’ont aucune place dans les activités du département. Si vous percevez des divergences entre cette vision transformatrice et les actions du département ou de ses membres, vous êtes invité·es à transmettre vos commentaires à l’adresse  

Grâce à un engagement inébranlable et à des actions collectives, le Département de français et d’études francophones s’efforce de forger une communauté universitaire ancrée dans l’inclusion, la diversité, l’équité et la justice.