Concordia launches new French language courses for all students
The Département d’études françaises is introducing a new series of language courses designed to give students more options and flexibility to learn French. These courses are also open to all members of the Concordia community.
With a focus on comprehension and oral expression, the six-credit immersive courses are intended for students from all disciplines.
“Our goal is to provide students from outside Quebec with a viable, achievable option to progress in French while they complete their studies at Concordia. These courses have a strong focus on the acquisition of oral language skills,” says Pascale Sicotte, dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.
“They will also help students looking to combine their studies with work opportunities in Quebec, including internships, as well as make the most out of their time here.”
The courses are designed to be engaging and motivating. By focusing on the way French is spoken in Quebec, students will gain practical skills they can readily apply in multiple contexts, like academic, professional or social situations.
Learning is fast-tracked and oriented toward quick language acquisition through concentrated exposure, improving fluency and retention. In-class interactions and online activities are designed to enhance engagement and reinforce skills. Continuous evaluation will facilitate progress and keep students motivated.
‘Flexible and accessible’
“In designing these courses, we turned to the most current methods for the teaching of second languages and university pedagogy,” says Diane Querrien, directrice des programmes en langue, Études françaises.
“We wanted the courses to be efficient and well-adapted to students’ needs. The immersive format allows students to quickly complete the requirements, freeing up time during the year to prepare for study and work opportunities.”
Listed in the Undergraduate Calendar under the new code FRAI (français immersif), the courses can be combined seamlessly with existing French (FRAN) courses. For example, students who complete the Immersive Beginner French (FRAI 201) course in the summer would meet the requirements to enroll in the next level Français élémentaire immersif 1(FRAI 202) or the FRAN 212 course in the fall.
The course sequence (FRAI 201, 202, 203, 204) will enable students to progress on the Quebec scale of French proficiency (the Échelle québécoise des niveaux de compétences en français) from a beginner level through to at least level five before graduating from Concordia. The series will be accessible starting in Summer 2025, with FRAI 201 and FRAI 202.
FRAI courses offer a unique “success/no success” grading system, providing an incentive for students from various disciplines to learn French without affecting their grades or major studies. Students will still be able to enroll in FRAN courses, which have the usual grading system, if they would like their grades to appear on their transcript.
“With FRAI courses, we have introduced a complementary pathway within our department that is both flexible and accessible. This option allows all students to enhance their French skills while seamlessly integrating their learning into their degree program,” says Denis Liakin, chair of the Département d'études françaises.
Students can register for Immersive Beginner French (FRAI 201), which begins in May, and Français élémentaire immersif 1 (FRAI 202), which begins in July. FRAI courses qualify for the French course fee exemption. Graduate students are also welcome to take the courses and should request independent status before registering.
Find out more about learning French at Concordia.
