Language Requirement

As part of the requirements for the Honours Program, students must demonstrate a reading knowledge of a language other than English. The language does not necessarily need to be related to your thesis research. This requirement can be met in one of three ways:

(1) For all languages except French, complete 3.0 units of language courses at the 200 level or higher, with a minimum grade of C in each course. If you have no prior knowledge of your chosen language, this will mean you need to take two full years of that language. For example, for German: 101 and 102 (Beginning German I and II) are the pre-requisites for 201 and 202 (Intermediate German I and II).

(2) In the case of French, students can meet the language requirement for Honours by passing one of FRAN 120, 170 or 180 with a minimum grade of C. Which of these courses you enroll in will depend on your highest achieved level of high school French or French immersion (see table at the bottom of this page); for more information on proper placement, contact the Department of French and Francophone Studies.

(3) Alternatively, students may elect to sit a translation exam administered by the Department of History. The exam involves the translation of two passages from two different secondary sources. Students are allowed a paper dictionary and have two hours to complete the exam. The translation does not need to be perfect, but it must demonstrate that there is no misunderstanding of the meaning and implications of the text. For more information on this option please contact the Honours Advisor.

Enrolment requirements for French language courses

FRAN 100   Intensive French I   For students with no previous knowledge of French. Not open to students with French 11 or equivalent in the last two years; not open to students with French 12, or with French immersion at any time. Pre-requisite for FRAN 120.        
FRAN 120 Intensive French II "Intermediate". Normal entry point for students with French 11. Not open to students with French 12 in the last 2 years, or French immersion to grade 8.
FRAN 170 Intensive French III Pre-requisite: FRAN 120, or immersion up to grade 10, or French 12.
FRAN 180 Intensive French IV Pre-requisite: FRAN 170, or FRAN 160 (French words in context), or French immersion to grade 12.

NB: Only FRAN 120, 170 or 180 may be used to satisfy the language requirement for Honours. FRAN 100 may be required as a pre-requisite for FRAN 120.