French Language and Literature: French Language and Literature MA; Field: French Linguistics

The Master of Arts (MA) program is both a self-contained program and the first stage towards doctoral studies. It has two objectives:

  • to allow students to develop a thorough knowledge of the discipline through a program of coursework in French linguistics and

  • to develop an aptitude for research.

It is a 12-month program for full-time students; the program is available on a part-time basis.

At the beginning of their program, students meet individually with the Graduate Chair in order to determine course selection with the objective of ensuring that the student has a well-rounded program and broad knowledge of the discipline.

MA Program

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of French Language and Literature's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • B+ average standing or better, with at least B+ in French. A B+ average does not automatically lead to admission.

  • Competence in French.

  • Concentration in French linguistics, with a minimum of seven full courses, or equivalent, in French. A minimum of three of the seven full courses, or equivalent, should be in the proposed area of study (i.e., linguistics).

  • Admission is based upon the evidence of the supporting letters and the applicant's academic record.

Completion Requirements

  • Prerequisite work, if necessary.

  • Coursework. Students must successfully complete a total of 4.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • FRE1103H Séminaire de linguistique I : Phonétique et phonologie;

    • FRE1104H Séminaire de linguistique II : Syntaxe;

    • FRE1141H Séminaire de linguistique III : Linguistique expérimentale et linguistique de corpus;

      • 2.5 FCEs from the regular graduate offerings; or

      • 2.0 FCEs and FRE5001H Research Essay, a mémoire of approximately 35 pages; or

      • 1.5 FCEs and FRE5000Y Research Essay, a 65- to 75-page mémoire.

  • Students must maintain a B average in order to be recommended for the degree and must obtain a minimum of mid-B in the Research Essay if taken. Students must also obtain a minimum of mid-B for the graduate seminars in linguistics (FRE1103H, FRE1104H, and FRE1141H).

  • Up to 1.0 FCE may be taken outside the department, with the permission of the Associate Chair, Graduate.

  • Normally, part-time students take the graduate seminars in linguistics during Year 1.

Mode of Delivery: In person
Program Length: 3 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: FWS); 6 sessions part-time
Time Limit: 3 years full-time; 6 years part-time