Housed in the School for the Study of Canada / École d’études canadiennes, Trent’s French and Francophone Studies invites you on a journey far beyond language learning alone. Here, mastering French becomes a gateway to discovering the vibrant cultural, literary, and social landscapes that shape Francophone communities in Canada and around the world.
Our program offers an integration of language study with deep cultural exploration. From beginner to advanced levels, students engage with a rich array of courses that bring the Francophone world to life, including cinema, science fiction, translation, Indigenous literatures, and journalism. You’ll delve into the literatures and cultures of Québec, French Canada, France, and Francophone regions of the world, gaining insights into the histories, identities, societies, and creative voices that define the Francophone experience.
Our offerings include diverse pathways to match your interests and aspirations:
- The Bachelor of Arts in French Studies*, provides comprehensive training in language, literary analysis, cultural studies, and critical thinking, with opportunities for specialized focus. French Studies majors have the option of pursuing a comprehensive degree or a specialization in a particular area of study:
- Specialization in French Writing, for those seeking to craft impactful writing in professional, informal, and creative contexts.
- Specialization in Québec and Franco-Canadian Studies, to explore the unique cultural and societal fabric of Québec and Franco-Canadian communities, from New France to modern-day society.
* FREN 1101H and 1102H are the first courses that count toward the major and are open to students who have completed 4U (Grade 12) French; these courses should be taken before enrolling in any upper-level courses. See the Calendar for more details.
- The Bachelor of Arts in French and Canadian Studies integrates elements from both the French Studies and Canadian Studies major programming and designed for individuals seeking to deepen their knowledge acquired in Immersion and French high school from English Canadian regions, as well as those who have received English-language education in French-speaking areas.
- The Certificate in French* provides students with an opportunity to improve their French language skills and to receive recognition for their proficiency level for the purposes of career advancement or further study. Students who successfully complete the Certificate in French will have reached the BBB level required by the Public Service Commission of the Government of Canada.
* The program is especially designed for students who have not completed 4U (Grade 12) French. Before enrolling in courses leading to the Certificate, students must complete a placement test. See the Calendar for more details.
- The French and Francophone Studies Co-op Program combines academic excellence with hands-on work experience, and helps you apply your skills in diverse professional settings.
- The Study Abroad Program in Nantes, France, offers an unparalleled opportunity to live and study in a European context, immersed in the cultural intersections that link France and Canada.
At Trent, you gain a lens through which to understand and engage with the cultural currents, literary movements, and social dynamics that animate the Francophonie. Our integrated approach empowers you to think critically, communicate effectively, and participate meaningfully in the diverse, global community.
In addition, both majors and non-majors can enrich their studies by choosing from a diverse selection of courses offered through Options in which French and Francophone Studies actively participates, including Creative Writing, Linguistics, Pre-Modern Studies, and Theatre Studies.
Moreover, French is recognized as a teachable subject in Ontario. The School of Education at Trent offers French as a Second Language, which requires five full course equivalents when chosen as a first teaching subject, and four full course equivalents when selected as a second teaching subject. For further details, please consult the School of Education’s website.
A fully described list of courses can be found in the Academic Calendar.