Faculty: Faculty of Arts
Degree options:
As part of the modern languages and literatures department, Mount Allison offers an extensive French studies program with a variety of language, literature, and culture courses to increase your awareness of the French and French-Canadian identities while developing your ability to function in the second language. To this end, all language and literature courses are taught in French.
First and second-year courses provide the opportunity to establish a sound foundation in written and oral French*. The study of grammar at these levels is reinforced in the language laboratory or tutorial groups.
Upper year courses are specifically intended to refine your command of spoken and written French, while other courses examine the various areas of French and French-Canadian literatures and cultures as well as theories of literary criticism.
Most courses in the French curriculum are generally delivered in French, while some culture courses are taught in English.
Find a list of French courses in the academic calendar – modern languages and literatures.
*There is a minimum standard of competency in French required for certain courses. Placement of students in their first French course will be decided on the basis of a French Language Skills Assessment.
Not sure about the difference between a major, a minor, and an honours?
Popular career paths for French studies graduates include:
- teacher
- translator/interpreter
- researcher
- foreign service officer
- public relations officer
- bilingual customer relations specialist
- immigration officer
- customs officer
- market research analyst
- community support worker
Alumni spotlight
David White ('13)
Bachelor of Arts, French & English
French teacher, La Ronge, SK
"Tintamarre (Mount Allison's bilingual theatre troupe) is probably the biggest reason that I am a teacher now. It opened my
mind to different ways of teaching and learning French. It is not only
something that happens in the classroom."
» A passion for drama — David White ('13) is extending Tintamarre's impact
“A French degree is much more interdisciplinary than you might think. During my time at Mount A, I've had the chance to take French courses focused on history, culture, politics, psychology, literature, poetry, and so much more. The classes are small and the professors are passionate about helping you succeed, so it's really a wonderful learning environment. Adding French to your degree opens up many doors, so I definitely recommend it!”
Hanna Garnier (’19)
French, minor in Japanese studies
Dartmouth, NS
“I think the thing I love most about the department is that it’s so
small. Not only do you get to know all the other students and
professors, but they get to know you as well. It really helps when my
professors recognize my quirks as a student: what my strengths and
weaknesses are, when I’m challenging myself or when I can push myself a
bit further — it really allows for a more academically enriching
experience.”
David White ('13)
Double major French and
English, minor in drama
Oakville, ON
“I would advise that students enter the French program with an open
mind. Sometimes, the thought of writing a research essay or reading a
novel in a second language can seem daunting. Accomplishing these tasks,
however, is possible, fun, and rewarding. Many of the novels that
intimidated me when I took my first French literature class at Mount A
are now featured on my list of favourite books.”
Claire
Manning ('15)
Double major French and English
Vancouver, BC
French placement
Before you register for a French course at Mount Allison, you must complete the French Skills Assessment. The assessment will determine the appropriate entry-level course for you.
If you have difficulty with the online version of the assessment, please contact the department office at (506) 364-2478 or mll@mta.ca
Language lab
Mount Allison's language lab provides students with a safe space to practice their language skills.
Strasbourg program
As part of Mount Allison’s study abroad and exchange program, you can choose to spend a year or semester at the Institut international d’Études françaises at the Université de Strasbourg. The program offers the possibility of earning up to 30 credits that can be applied toward your major, minor, or honours in French.
For more information, visit the Strasbourg program page.
Extracurriculars
The French studies program sponsors other programs and activities which support and enrich the course program:
- Le cercle français
- Guest speakers
- Tintamarre, Mount Allison’s bilingual theatre troupe – works collaboratively to write and produce an original show each year
Work opportunities
Apply to work abroad as an English-language teaching assistant in France through Assistants d’anglais en France or work on campus as a language lab monitor, an oral practice animator, or a private language tutor.
Certificate of Bilingualism
Mount Allison students who can demonstrate a high level of competence in both of Canada's official languages may qualify for a Certificate of Bilingualism. The formal recognition afforded by the certificate could prove particularly valuable to graduates seeking employment in the many business and government careers where knowledge of both languages is required or an asset.
Any student may apply to be examined for the certificate, whether or not they have taken French or English courses at Mount Allison.
Faculty spotlight
Dr. Mark Lee
Professor, modern languages and literatures
J.E.A. Crake Teaching Award and Paul Paré Excellence Award recipient, areas of expertise include twentieth and twenty-first century French literature
» Go to bio
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