French Studies

French @ UWin

Earn while your learn with Co-op and earn experience to work towards a succesful career.

Open doors to in-demand careers in any field. Over 40% of Canadian public service positions are bilingual and nearly one quarter of businesses in Canada offer services in both French and English.

There is a significant shortage of French-language professionals in Southwestern Ontario in education, health, law, and more.

Immerse yourself in a rich and diverse culture. Study abroad in France and Quebec.

Program Highlights & Admission Requirements

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Maîtriser le français et ouvrez-vous au monde. Get a leg up on the competition for careers in the federal or provincial civil service, education, law, medicine, and much more by mastering this official language. Our faculty come from around the world, infusing the program with an international flavour. We keep class sizes small, guaranteeing you lots of one-on-one attention.

Sample Courses: French Language Training, Introduction to Linguistics, French Romanticism, History of the French Language, Oral Proficiency in French, Aspects of Translation

Career Tracks: Translator/interpreter, teacher, federal or provincial public official, language advisor, journalist

Terminez deux baccalauréats en même temps. You’ll learn from French professors from around the world in a program with small class sizes. The theory-practice connection is strong in the education portion of your program. You’ll gain the practical experience you need to be eligible to teach in grades 7 to 12.

Sample Courses: Teaching and Learning, Educational Psychology, Assessment and Evaluation, French Language Training, Introduction to Linguistics, Oral Proficiency in French

Career Tracks: Secondary teacher, principal, special education teacher, academic administrator, department head, translator/interpreter, federal or provincial public official, language learning specialist

Professional Designation Possible: OCT (Ontario College of Teachers)

If high achievement and diverse academic pursuits are in your DNA, this elite program is for you. It’s for students who want to develop knowledge and skills in the sciences, arts, humanities and social sciences. Blend your interests – drama with biomedical sciences or biochemistry with music. You can tailor your program to match your interests and career aspirations. Our students can pursue diverse career opportunities or go on to do research or graduate degrees in their field. This program is small by design to give your talents the attention they deserve.

Sample Courses: Introduction to Interdisciplinary Arts and Science; Modes and Methods of Inquiry; Inquiry and Communication; Science, Ethics and Social Policy

Specialization Options: Students choose a major or double major and a minor (in FAHSS or Science). Available major and minor concentrations: Anthrozoology; Biological Sciences; Biomedical Science; Chemistry and Biochemistry; Communication, Media and Film; Computer Science; Dramatic Art; Economics; English Language, Literature and Creative Writing; History; Languages, Literatures and Civilizations; Mathematics and Statistics; Music and Visual Arts; Philosophy; Physics; Political Science; Psychology; Sociology, Anthropology and Criminology; Women’s and Gender Studies

Career Tracks: Professional school (medicine, dentistry, pharmacy), law, graduate studies, medical director

Co-op Co-op Available
G General 3-year program
H Honours 4-year program
T Thesis Available
C Combined Honours programs available

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Connect with French Studies

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What Will I Learn?

Understanding human behaviour, communication, and interaction as shaped by social and cultural contexts
Speaking and writing effectively and persuasively in French
Reading, comprehending and analyzing primary texts in French; conducting original research

Understanding the science of language, and appreciating the ways in which language influences expression and communication

Determining and describing how people, places, and events have influenced modern cultures and human practices

Understanding significant differences and commonalities between groups, societies, religions, and cultures

Using this knowledge to identify commonalities and to bridge differences in the workplace and elsewhere

"In addition to strengthening my proficiency in French and preparing me for a teaching career in French as a first language, my undergraduate studies at the University of Windsor developed my critical and analytical skills, helped me gain an appreciation for international francophone culture and literature, and fostered an openness to the world. Classes led in an intimate setting by personable and knowledgeable faculty made my experience unforgettable, nurturing in me a desire to remain a lifelong learner."

Ashley Campagna (née Boutros)
BAH in French Studies with Minor in Psychology

“Obtaining a French degree at the University of Windsor was the best decision that I have ever made. The professors are extremely knowledgeable and are always present to help students succeed. They have taught me the skills to successfully enter and complete the French Common Law Program in Ottawa.”

Alexandra George
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.). Honours in French Studies and Criminology'19
Juris Doctor (J.D.),French Common Law,'22

Explore your opportunities

Administrative assistant
Archivist
Border services officer
Business advisor
Communications specialist
Curator
Editor
Historical consultant
Human resources manager
Immigration services
Industry instructor
Journalist
Language advisor
Lawyer

Librarian
Marketing manager
Media analyst
Museum director
Professor
Public official
Public policy advisor
Public relations officer
Reporter
Research co-ordinator
Speech pathologist
Teacher
Television/Radio analyst
Translator

First Year

Take required courses including Language Training I and II and Introduction to Literary Studies
Review degree course requirements
Enrol in first-year language training and literature courses; explore course options for the second year and consider what might become your areas of particular interest within French Studies
Meet with an academic advisor such as the program coordinator or a faculty advisor
Receive peer mentorship from upper-year students and Teaching Assistants; become involved in francophone activities on campus and in Windsor

Middle Years

Take required courses and consult with your faculty advisor to ensure that you are on the right path
Enquire about completing a research project in your final year HIP
Consider completing a minor or a second teachable to pair with your French Studies major
Seek out courses that offer field experience HIP
Start taking courses required as pre-requisites for graduate/professional school
Consider declaring a minor and/or specialization

Final Year

Meet with faculty and your academic advisor to go over degree requirements
Complete all required courses for your degree
Apply to graduate through UWinsite Student Portal
Work with a faculty member on a research project or publication HIP

First Year

Explore volunteer or placement opportunities relevant to your studies in the French language and/or in francophone literatures and cultures
Volunteer with local government or a language training organization
Investigate research opportunities as part of the Outstanding Scholars program HIP
Research student exchange opportunities for middle years, particularly within regions that are primarily French speaking HIP
Join a club like the French Club or UWSA
Participate in the Bystander Initiative workshop to gain skills that will help you be an effective and supportive ally to prevent sexual assault on campus

Middle Years

Join a professional association in your field such as the Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers or Canadian Education Association
Participate in the UWill Discover undergraduate research conference HIP
Attend an education or French culture conference
Apply for student exchange HIP
Expand your skills by taking a summer, part-time or volunteer position
Look for a leadership role in a club or society
Consider applying for a co-curricular experience such as VIP - Community Learning HIP

Final Year

Work as a teaching assistant HIP
Shadow a second language educator to learn applicable skills
Run for a UWSA executive position
Conduct research with faculty member HIP
Become a tutor for Students Offering Support (SOS) HIP
Join the UWindsor Model NATO or Model United Nations

First Year

Start by making a list of things you enjoy and areas in which you excel
Meet with a career advisor in Career Development and Experiential Learning (CDEL) for help developing a plan for your future years
Consider a career assessment workshop or appointment to help you identify possible career paths
Get involved with a part-time job, volunteer opportunity, campus group, or research assistantship
Attend CDEL workshops to learn how to find a summer or part-time job and write a university-level resumé
Chat with an advisor during CDEL's Drop In hours to get answers to your career and job search questions

Middle Years

Research career fields and occupations with the help of a CDEL career advisor
Explore opportunities and meet potential employers by participating in job fairs, industry networking events, or CDEL’s Job Shadow Experience
Explore further educational opportunities by attending the Graduate and Professional Schools Fair and researching admission requirements for programs you are interested in
Create a LinkedIn profile and have it critiqued by CDEL
Take part in informational interviews and join online communities like LinkedIn and Ten Thousand Coffees to connect with people in your targeted profession or industry
Search job postings to learn what skills, knowledge, and credentials you will need for potential careers

Final Year

If you are considering applying to graduate or professional school, be aware of early application deadlines
Meet with CDEL to prepare application documents like a resumé, cover letter, CV, or personal statement for jobs and Concurrent Education programs you are applying to
Attend CDEL's workshops on interview skills and job search strategies
Set up a mock interview with a career advisor for professional school or job applications
Take part in recruitment events and job fairs, including those organized by CDEL
Compile a portfolio of relevant academic and work experience
Explore professional development opportunities through Continuing Education

HIP

High-Impact Practices (HIP)

A HIP is an enriching educational experience that can be life-changing and often includes learning outside of the classroom while encouraging meaningful interaction and collaboration.

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