Programs and FAQs

Please refer to the University Calendar for complete program requirements and  promotion/graduation regulations.

If you decide to take a French course as part of your program (whether you are taking a major in French or not), you will initially have to fill out the online placement questionnaire which will help you establish your level of French. The final score will determine the courses you may register in through Carleton Central. Keep in mind that you can only take this test once. Please be as accurate as possible while filling out the test. French skills are checked during the first week of class.

Please note that this placement test is intended for Carleton students who have never taken a French course at Carleton before. If you have already taken and passed a French course at Carleton, then you should enroll in the next course via Carleton Central.

If you wish to take a course for which you do not have the required prerequisites, you can submit an override request. The course instructor will review your language proficiency and background knowledge for the course. If your level is deemed appropriate, the department will give you the permission to register. If you are assessed to be at a different level, or if the course is not suitable for your needs, we can offer you alternative courses. 

The French Placement is a set of procedures used to ensure that you will register in the appropriate level of language course. The first step is the self-assessment questionnaire, which you must fill out as accurately and honestly as possible. The second step is a series of grammar exercises of increasing difficulty. We ask that you complete this step to the best of your ability. Your score on the Placement test will give you the list of courses for which you can register. Your spoken skills will be assessed during the first week of classes and, based on that part of the placement, you will either stay in that course or the instructor will recommend another, more appropriate course. 

The Department cannot reserve or create spaces for you in the recommended course. This is why it is very important that you complete the self-assessment questionnaire as accurately as possible, and that you read the registration guidelines and the course outlines before registering.

Yes, due to the varying language abilities of students, some students may be recommended to start in second year courses. This happens quite frequently and is nothing to be afraid of. This will not affect your program or program requirements in any way.

The Departmental Office is on the 16th floor of the Dunton Tower. Regular hours are 8:30-12:00 and 13:00 to 16:30. Professors’ offices are on the 16th floor.

The Club francophone organizes a variety of social activities and excursions between September and April. It is run by language assistants and anyone can join in and chat in French. Check our social media sites for future events. 

Don’t worry. Your required courses are based on the year you entered the program. You can always verify your program requirements by checking your audit.

As a francophone, you still have to do the Placement test in order to be able to register in a French course. You will likely be placed at a higher level and will find that we do offer several courses for francophone students. 

Come to the Department (1602DT) post an ad, or offer your services by sending an email to  french@carleton.ca. You can also participate in the activities of the Club francophone

Yes, if your French competence is at a 1st year level, but make sure that you do not exceed the maximum number of 1st year courses allowed.

Students interested in a TAship in the Department of French can apply through Carleton Central.  The Work Study program may also offer opportunities for students to work in the Department.