Laurentian University Programs
Available in English

French as a Second Language

Faculty of Arts

French proficiency is a valuable asset, in so many ways.

Program Overview

What is French as a Second Language?

The French as a Second Language program is designed for individuals whose first language is not French but who wish to speak and write fluently. Whether your goal is to communicate in professional, cultural, or personal settings, this program helps you build the skills needed to interact confidently in French across diverse contexts.

What you’ll learn

You will receive comprehensive instruction in the French language while exploring francophone literature, culture, and linguistics. Courses are designed to enhance your oral and written comprehension and expression, and to introduce you to the richness and diversity of the French-speaking world. You’ll also learn how to use technology to support language learning, analyze texts, understand language structures, and develop critical thinking.

Hands-on experience

With small class sizes and an interactive learning approach, you will actively practise French through conversation with peers, instructors, and local community members. Many courses integrate francophone cultural activities, allowing you to apply your learning in real-life settings.

Co-ops and Placements

Although the program does not include a mandatory placement, opportunities for community engagement in francophone environments may be available, depending on partnerships. You may also take part in tutoring, volunteering, or assistantship options to enrich your experience.

When you graduate

You will earn a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with a Specialization in French as a Second Language. This degree opens doors to many careers where fluency in French and bilingualism are highly valued.

You may pursue careers in education (especially within French-language school boards), translation, professional writing, journalism, communications, public relations, marketing, or the performing arts. Graduates also work at Radio-Canada, in provincial or federal government, in cultural organizations, and in bilingual private sector roles.

The program also prepares you for the many active job postings in sectors where French is required or an asset, both in Canada and internationally.

This B.A. also provides an excellent foundation for graduate studies in education, linguistics, literature, communication, interdisciplinary studies, as well as Laurentian University's Master of Relational Studies or the Maîtrise en Orthophonie program. You may also continue your studies in a French-speaking country, expanding both your cultural and professional horizons.

Program Accreditation

This program is not affiliated with a specific professional accreditation body, but it meets high academic standards for second-language education.

Optional credited placement (FREN-4515) and opportunities for local francophone community engagement.

Small class sizes offer personalized support and enhanced learning interaction.

Access to digital tools, the Language Learning Centre, and immersive francophone cultural experiences that support French language acquisition.

Career Outlook

With a B.A. in French as a Second Language, you will be qualified to work in many bilingual or French-language professional settings. Career options include:

  • Bilingual Journalist or Host
  • Bilingual Marketing Officer
  • Bilingual Public Servant (Provincial or Federal)
  • Communications or Public Relations Officer
  • French as a Second Language Teacher
  • French Language Instructor or Trainer
  • Project Manager in a Sociocultural Organization
  • Professional Writer
  • Research Assistant or Media Production Assistant
  • Translator

Program Details

Program language:

English

Delivery method:

On Campus

Contact info

School of Liberal Arts
fsl@laurentian.ca

Please contact the email above, and our recruitment team will get back to you!

More About The Program

The French as a Second Language program offers a progressive immersion experience in a bilingual and culturally vibrant environment. Located in Sudbury, at the heart of a dynamic francophone community, Laurentian University gives students access to artistic, theatrical, and media events in French.

Students benefit from excellent support thanks to small class sizes, close pedagogical relationships with instructors, information and communication technologies, and socio-cultural outings. The online placement test ensures a customized learning path for all levels, from beginner to advanced intermediate.

The university also offers several scholarships for francophones and French as a Second Language learners, including the Francophone Excellence Scholarship ($1,250/year renewable) and Consortium National en Formation en Santé (CNFS) bursaries. The program can also contribute toward a bilingualism certificate, highly regarded in the Canadian job market.

Laurentian also encourages student participation in local projects and community partnerships, including with Théâtre du Nouvel-Ontario, Radio-Canada, and regional educational and cultural organizations. These elements ensure graduates are well-prepared for the job market, particularly in fields where bilingual professionals are in high demand.

Admission Requirements

Ontario High School Applicants

Program Prerequisites:

  • 1 grade 12 English U/M course; 5 other grade 12 U/M courses
  • A minimum overall average of 70% in the 6 best grade 12 U/M courses


Additional information for applicants who have completed Advanced Placement courses.

Additional information for applicants who have completed the International Baccalaureate.

 

Applicants from outside an Ontario High School 

International Students

Canadian High School Applicants from outside Ontario

Applicants from Colleges

Applicants from other Universities

Mature Students

How To Apply

Canadian Applicants

If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you must complete your application through the Ontario Universities Application Center (OUAC).

For detailed instructions on the application process, see the How to Apply: Canadian Undergraduate Applicants page.


Apply Now as a Domestic Applicant

International Applicants

If you’re an international applicant, you must fill out the International Application Form.

For detailed instructions on the application process, see the How to Apply: International Students page.


Apply Now as an International Applicant

Degree Options

Bachelor of Arts (4 Year) in French

Total 120 credits

Students must follow these regulations in order to meet graduation requirements for the B.A. or B.Sc.

 

Specialization in French as a Second Language (French)

Requirement: A Placement Test.

Total of 120 credits (60 credits from specialization)
 

42 credits:

FREN-1505F     Le français oral et écrit appuyé par la technologie

FREN-2506F     Le FLS en contexte: interaction orale et écrite I

FREN-2507F     Le FLS en contexte: interaction orale et écrite II

FREN-2386F     Littérature et culture dans le monde francophone

FREN-3306F     Littérature encadrée I

FREN-3307F     Littérature encadrée II

FREN-3536F     Grammaire de l'écrit en contexte

FREN-3806F     Production et réception de messages écrits

FREN-3807F     Production et réception de messages oraux

FREN-4536F     Transformation de textes

FREN-4537F     La technologie et la rédaction française

FREN-4515F     Produits culturels canadiens-français appuyés par des stages

18 credits among the following courses:

     FREN-2717F     Thèmes de la littérature canadienne- française

     FREN-3816F     Le français dans le monde

     FREN-4816F     Psycholinguistique et didactique des langues

     cours des séries LITT ou LING 2000, 3000 ou 4000

General Requirements of B.A.

 

Major in French as a Second Language (French)

Requirement: A Placement Test

Total of 120 credits (42 credits of Major in French)
 

33 credits:

FREN-1505F     Le français oral et écrit appuyé par la technologie

FREN-2506F     Le FLS en contexte: interaction orale et écrite I

FREN-2507F     Le FLS en contexte: interaction orale et écrite II

FREN-3306F     Littérature encadrée I

   OR   FREN-3307F     Littérature encadrée II

FREN-3536F     Grammaire de l'écrit en contexte

FREN-3806F     Production et réception de messages écrits

FREN-3807F     Production et réception de messages oraux

FREN-4536F     Transformation de textes

   OR   FREN-4537F     La technologie et la rédaction française

FREN-4515F     Produits culturels canadiens-français appuyés par des stages

 

9 credits among the following courses:

     FREN-2386F     Littérature et culture dans le monde francophone

     FREN-2717F     Thèmes de la littérature canadienne- française

     FREN-3306F     Littérature encadrée I

     FREN-3307F     Littérature encadrée II

     FREN-3816F     Le français dans le monde

     FREN-4816F     Psycholinguistique et didactique des langues

     FREN-4536F     Transformation de textes

     FREN-4537F     La technologie et la rédaction française

General Requirements of B.A.

Must complete a minimum of a Minor (24 credits) or a second Major (42 credits) with elective courses.

 

Bachelor of Arts (3 years) In French 

Total 90 credits

Students must follow these regulations in order to meet graduation requirements for the B.A. or B.Sc.

 

Concentration in French as a Second Language (French)

Requirement: A Placement Test

Total of 90 crédits (36 credits of concentration in French)
 

24 credits:

FREN-1505F     Le français oral et écrit appuyé par la technologie

FREN-2506F     Le FLS en contexte: interaction orale et écrite I 

FREN-2507F     Le FLS en contexte: interaction orale et écrite II 

FREN-2717F     Thèmes de la littérature canadienne-française

   OR   FREN-2386F     Littérature et culture dans le monde francophone

FREN-3536F     Grammaire de l'écrit en contexte

FREN-3806F     Production et réception de messages écrits

FREN-3807F     Production et réception de messages oraux

 

12 credits among the following courses: 

     FREN-2386F     Littérature et culture dans le monde francophone

     FREN-2717F     Thèmes de la littérature canadienne-française

     FREN-2816F     Éléments de linguistique générale

     FREN-3306F     Littérature encadrée I

     FREN-3307F     Littérature encadrée II

     FREN-3816F     Le français dans le monde

     FREN-4515F     Produits culturels canadiens-français appuyés par des stages

     FREN-4816F     Psycholinguistique et didactique des langues 

General Requirements of B.A. 3 years

 

Minor in French as a Second Language

Requirement: A Placement test

18 mandatory credits:    

FREN-1505F     Le français oral et écrit appuyé par la technologie 

FREN-2506F     Le FLS en contexte: interaction orale et écrite I

FREN-2507F     Le FLS en contexte: interaction orale et écrite II

FREN-2717F     Thèmes de la littérature canadienne- française

FREN-3536F     Grammaire de l'écrit en contexte

6 credits among the following courses:

     FREN-2386F     Littérature et culture dans le monde francophone

     FREN-2816F     Éléments de linguistique générale        

     FREN-3816F     Le français dans le monde

     FREN-3806F     Production et réception de messages écrits

     FREN-3807F     Production et réception de messages oraux

     FREN-4515F     Produits culturels canadiens-français appuyés par des stages

Sample Courses

Students can build competency to begin the program with FREN-1050 Beginner French or FREN-1060 Intermediate French.

Faculty Members

Valérie Raymond
Assistant Professor, School of Liberal Arts
School of Liberal Arts
Valérie Gauthier-Fortin
Lecturer, School of Liberal Arts
School of Liberal Arts
Banafsheh Karamifar
Assistant Professor, School of Liberal Arts
School of Liberal Arts

Sessional Members:

  • Céline Desaulniers
  • Jacqueline Gauthier
  • Natalie Melanson-Martin
  • Marie-Ève Pépin
  • Normand Raymond, Ph.D.
  • Daniela Tomescu, Ph.D.

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We’re here to help you get started on your journey to Laurentian.

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