Major In Languages
The Languages program aims to prepare students to achieve levels up to the equivalent of B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in French and Spanish, and a basic user level of knowledge (A1) in a third language. Our language courses are designed to improve skills in reading, writing, listening and oral communication, as well as foster intercultural understanding.
French and Spanish are spoken by hundreds of millions of people around the world. French is one of two official Canadian languages and an official language in 15 other countries. Spanish is the official language of 20 countries. The Languages major will help to connect students with these large populations of French and Spanish speakers and enable students to communicate across various cultures and geographical areas.
In addition, students in the Languages program will be able to choose from a variety of courses in a third language, such as German, Hebrew, Japanese, Korean and Mandarin, enabling them to widen their scope of understanding of world languages.
Immersive and experiential learning are invaluable to language learning. Students at UBCO have the invaluable opportunity to study abroad at a university for one or two terms through UBC’s Go Global program. Immersion experience in a language other than English through the Go Global program is strongly recommended. Students should speak to the advisor about how to incorporate this into their program.
Students must complete 54 credits in French and Spanish, with 30 credits at the 300/400 level. Students must also complete 6 additional credits in one other language other than English.
The major in Languages can be completed in four years by students who have already completed Grade 12 French (or equivalent) or who have a certified A2 level of competency in French prior to enrolment in the French program. Students without these prerequisites may need more than four years to complete the major in Languages.
First and Second Years
Students must complete all of the B.A. requirements, as well as any prerequisites for the required upper-level courses.
Students must normally complete:
- FREN_O 122, 123; and FREN_O 222, 223; and
- SPAN_O 101, 102; and SPAN_O 201, 202.
Students who do not need to complete the Beginner courses SPAN_O 101 and SPAN_O 102 (e.g. students who have achieved 70% or higher in Spanish 12) will need to replace the 6 credits through any of the following options:
- Up to 6 credits from 300/400 level SPAN_O courses in addition to the 9 required credits;
- Up to 6 credits from 300/400 level FREN_O courses in addition to the 9 required credits;
- Up to 6 credits from another language other than French, Spanish or English in addition to the 6 required credits.
Third and Fourth Years
Students are required to complete:
Additional Language Requirements
- FREN_O 353, 355; SPAN_O 301, 302;
- 9 additional credits of 300- or 400-level French; and
- 9 additional credits of 300- or 400-level Spanish.
- 6 credits of language acquisition in one language other than French, Spanish or English. Available courses may come from CHIN_O, GERM_O, HEBR_O, JPST_O, KORN_O, or any other articulated language course of study, including American Sign Language. Culture, literature and film courses taught in English will not count towards the major.
Once a student successfully completes a language course, they can no longer enroll in a course of the same language that is below the level of the last course that has been completed.