Language placement

Four students wandering through a maze painted on a Parisian sidewalk
Students a-mazed by the culture of Paris during the 2013 Field School Program

Normal entry points for first-year courses

Placement in a first year French course depends on your current level of proficiency.
See the recommendations below or contact the undergraduate adviser in French and Francophone Studies for more information.

Level obtained Course Description Notes

Beginner

 100: Intensive French I (3.0 units) Introduction to French for students with no previous knowledge of French. Acquisition of language and intercultural competencies.
Brings students to a A1 level of the European Common Framework for Languages.
  • Credit will be granted for only one of FRAN 100, FREN 100, FREN 102, FREN 103, FREN 105.
  • Students must register in one of the lab sections.
  • Intended for beginners.
  • Next course in sequence: FRAN 120.
  • Not open to students with French 11 or equivalent in the last two years.
  • Not open to students with French 12.

French 11

 120: Intensive French II (3.0 units) Acquisition of language and intercultural competencies to enable reading, writing, speaking and comprehension at the intermediate level. Brings students to a A2 level of the European Common Framework for Languages.
  • Credit will be granted for only one of FRAN 120, FREN 106, FREN 107, FREN 160.
  • Students must register in one of the lab sections.
  • Normal entry point for students with French 11.
  • Not open to students with French 12 in the last two years, or French Immersion to Grade 7.

French 12 or French Immersion to Grade 11

 170: Intensive French III (3.0 units) Acquisition of intermediate language and intercultural competencies to facilitate communication and interaction in everyday and diverse contexts, in oral and written forms. Exploration of differences and cultural diversities in French-speaking regions and countries. Brings students to a B1 level of the European Common Framework for Languages.
  • Complete 1 of the following:
  • FRAN 120 - Intensive French II (3.0)
  • immersion up to Grade 10
  • French 12
  • permission of the department.

French immersion to Grade 12

 180: Intensive French IV (3.0 units) Acquisition of upper-intermediate language and intercultural competencies. Emphasizes the four main skills of writing, reading, speaking and listening. Brings students to a B2 level of the European Common Framework for Languages.
  • Credit will be granted for only one of FRAN 180, FREN 175, FREN 180, FREN 181, FREN 182, FREN 190, FREN 195.
  • Normal entry point for student with French Immersion to Grade 10 or higher.

 

First-year program outline

Not sure what courses to take in first year? If you're interested in a degree in French, this outline will put you on the right track.

Transfer credits

Contact the Transfer Credit Adviser or Undergraduate Admissions and Records for information on how to obtain transfer credit. If you receive transfer credit from another institution, the equivalency granted will allow you to register for the appropriate level of course.

Francophone students

A francophone is defined for the purposes of these regulations as a person who has spoken French since childhood and who has received sufficient secondary instruction in French to be literate in French. Francophone students may not obtain credit for FRAN 100, 120, 150, 160, 170 or 180. They should contact the department for placement.

Questions?

If you have questions or are uncertain which course is most appropriate for your level, please contact the department for placement.

In order to ensure we are able to assist you as efficiently as possible, please include your full name and V# in all written communications.