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The University of Manitoba campuses are located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Ininew, Anisininew, Dakota and Dene peoples, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. More
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada, R3T 2N2
Students in the Department of French, Spanish and Italian not only have the possibility to become fluent in a Romance language and to learn about other cultures, but they more importantly develop critical thinking skills as well as intercultural and communication skills.
The Department of French, Spanish and Italian at UM has been teaching undergraduate and graduate studies for more than 100 years.
Study with us, learn valuable personal and career skills, and discover the world through a new lens! With small-size classes, expert instructors, fun clubs and study abroad opportunities, you’ll have all the assets to become fluent in your target language – and with the study of cultures from Europe, Africa, and the Americas, the department’s literature and culture courses are sure to spark your interest.
Language classes at UM tend to be smaller in size. Small classes can have a significant influence on students’ speaking proficiency and also provide added opportunities to participate.
Of course, French is a beautiful language, whose knowledge opens doors to a large variety of literary and artistic traditions. But there are more practical reasons for which you might want to learn French:
Spanish is one of the six official languages of the United Nations and is spoken by more than 500 million people around the world. These inhabit 21 countries and one territory, where Spanish is the official language and also are found as minorities in several countries. It is also the second most spoken language of the United States with approximately 60 million speakers. Hispanic countries have a rich history and culture that are demonstrated in their creation of art, literature, cinema and other cultural manifestations. Spanish is also a language with a rich tradition of grammar, vocabulary and a pronunciation with many regional/dialectal variations.
Spanish is a language of enormous social, cultural, political and economic importance. Consequently, by learning Spanish, you will be able to communicate with a variety of speakers from different interests and cultural backgrounds.
In the 21st century, the ability to communicate at the international level is an increasing essential skill that is seriously valued in several areas including but not limited to: foreign affairs, immigration, teaching, translation, interpretation, journalism, publishing, medicine, social work, law, economics, political science, tourism and commerce.
Furthermore, the development of closer Canadian ties with Spain and Latin America is extending the range of career opportunities throughout various international organizations not least of all business.
The Spanish major programme at the University of Manitoba allows you to develop proficiency and fluency in written and spoken Spanish as well as acquire knowledge of linguistic, literary, cultural and cinematic works pertaining to the Hispanic world. Introductory and Intermediate grammar and conversation courses hone your skills and prepare you for advanced study of the language and of Spanish-language literary and cinematic works. You may also choose to double major with another program such as French, linguistics, economics, business, architecture, political science, or any other discipline available at the university.
Students in the minor program gain proficiency in Spanish and learn the language, literature and traditions of the Spanish-speaking world. In today’s global economy, this minor is an asset to major programmes of study.
We look forward to helping you reach your goals broadening your study of the Spanish language and Hispanic cultures!
Italy is a country with an extremely rich cultural history, whose legacy in music, architecture, arts, and philosophy is well-recognized around the world.
Besides, they will hone one’s analytical skills, good critical thinking, and provide strong communication skills, which are increasingly in demand in the global workforce. In an increasingly globalized world, speaking multiple languages is an extremely valuable skill that will serve one’s personal growth and general understanding of the world, and can strengthen career prospects.
Italy has become an increasingly important trading partner with Canada and Italian is an asset for several careers including but not limited to: foreign affairs, translation, interpretation, teaching, fashion and design, film and media, art history, finance and economics, wine and food sectors, music and the performing arts, and tourism.
As a founding member of the European Union, Italy plays a key role in the modern world. Italian is spoken by approximately 67 million native speakers. For approximately 13 million EU citizens, it is their second language. Worldwide, approximately, 85 million people speak Italian.
Studying Italian is to explore the richness and vitality of a culture that was the birthplace of the Renaissance and Humanism, and was formative in the history of Western civilization.
We look forward to helping you reach your goals broadening your study of the Italian language and culture!
The Department of French, Spanish and Italian offers undergraduate studies in French, Spanish and Italian and graduate studies in French.
The course listing is a preliminary list of undergraduate and graduate courses per term that includes the course start and end date.
Courses offered by the Department of French, Spanish and Italian fall under three subject area categories:
Students must search the system using each subject category to review the courses for that subject area.
Check back for updates and additional information including meeting times, instructors and method of delivery (e.g., on campus or remote learning).
FREN 1152/1154 Introductory French I and II is open to students with no prior knowledge in the language, who have not taken Grade 12 French or have completed Grade 12 French more than five years ago.
FREN 1190 Français or FREN 1200 French 1 is best for students who have completed Grade 12 French in the past five years. The courses are quite similar but 1190 is taught entirely in French, whereas 1200 is taught in French and English, according to students' needs.
Successful completion of FREN 1152 and FREN 1154 (minimum grade of 'C') allows one to take FREN 1200, the gateway course to more advanced French courses in the department.
FREN 1252 Français oral 1 is designed specifically for students who want to improve their oral skills; it is opened to all students who have completed Grade 12 French, or equivalent.
Students with advanced knowledge of the French language may take upper-level French courses, after consultation with the French, Spanish and Italian Department.
SPAN 1180 Introductory Spanish is open to students with no prior knowledge in the language and who have not taken Grade 12 Spanish.
SPAN 1190 Introductory Spanish is best for those who have a minimal knowledge of Spanish.
SPAN 1262/1272 Intermediate Spanish I and II is targeted to students who have taken several years of Spanish in high school.
Students with previous knowledge of Spanish (e.g. Hispanic decent, periods spent in Spain or Latin America) may take upper level Spanish courses.
ITLN 1080 Introductory Italian is open to students with little or no knowledge of Italian.
ITLN 2080 Intermediate Italian is best for students who have completed Italian at the high school level and/or in the International Languages Secondary Credit Program.
If you are unsure about which course is best for your situation, contact the Department of French, Spanish and Italian for more information.
Take advantage of exchange opportunities, join a student club or practice your language skills at the Faculty of Arts Language Centre.
As in all language departments, students have access to the Faculty of Arts Language Centre with language laboratories that are well stocked with a variety of recorded material (to help with learning through listening), language practice software, books, videos, games and programs designed specifically for certain courses that contain a lab component. Language tutors are also available.
Plan your university journey. Use these guides to get the information you need for academic planning and connect with experiences to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes that employers are seeking.
View the French Career Compass
View the Spanish and Italian Career Compass
Several awards and scholarships are given each year to undergraduate students who achieve high standing in French or Italian courses or programs at UM (it is not necessary to apply, but certain awards carry conditions). Graduate students studying French are also eligible for program-specific, university-wide and external awards and funding opportunities.
UNDERGRADUATE AWARDS IN FRENCH
Cyril and Jane Meredith Jones Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $4,650.00 for each (2 awards)
Dr. Alexander Gordon Memorial Scholarship in French Literature
Marcus and Emilie Sumi Denney Scholarship
Marcel Richard Memorial Scholarship
Ethel M. Falardeau Scholarship Fund
Emilie Sumi Denney Scholarship
Marcel Richard – L’Alliance Française Prize
Albert Lucas Prize
Max Manishen Memorial Prize
Emilie Sumi Denney Scholarship
L’Alliance Française Book Prize
French Government Book Prize
French Government Book Prize
French Government Book Prize
Swiss Government Book Prize
UNDERGRADUATE AWARDS IN ITALIAN
Sons of Italy Garibaldi Lodge Italian Studies Scholarship
Order Sons of Italy Prize
Dr. Domenico Povoledo Memorial Award
Swiss Government Book Prize
Marcel Richard Graduate Award
Dr. Anita K. Ross Fellowship in French
Margaret R. Pope Scholarship
Joan Kennett Memorial Award for Thesis Writing
Collège Universitaire de Saint-Boniface Fund Scholarship
MA Indigenous Graduate Student Awards
PhD Indigenous Graduate Student Awards
International Graduate Student Entrance Scholarship (IGSES)
International Graduate Student Scholarship (IGSS)
University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (UMGF)
Sir Gordon Wu Graduate Student Scholarships
University of Manitoba Graduate Student Association (UMGSA) Student Award
Bourses d’études supérieures du Canada Vanier
Bourses doctorales de la Fondation Pierre Elliot Trudeau
Bourses de recherche du Conseil de la vie française en Amérique (CVFA)
Subventions du Centre canadien de recherche sur les francophones en milieu minoritaire (CRFM)
Before submitting your application to the Faculty of Graduate Studies for the French MA or PhD program, potential students are advised to contact at least one potential advisor from among the members of the department.
In an email, please let the potential advisor know the following:
Please note that tentative acceptance from an advisor does not guarantee admission into the program.
Past theses can be found on MSpace.
The Department of French, Spanish and Italian celebrated its centennial on Monday, November 25, 2013. Learn more about the history of one of the oldest departments in the Faculty of Arts.
1913 - The French section of the Department of French, Spanish and Italian was established under the headship of William Frederick Osborne, former professor of English and French literatures at the Welsey College affiliated with the University of Manitoba.
1915 - The Alliance Française du Manitoba was co-founded by Professor Osborne, its first president. Most members of the Department of French got involved at the Alliance Française by giving lectures, by welcoming guest speakers and by serving on its administrative board.
1919 - Agnes Celine Ballu and A. M. Haynaud, who were both amongst the first female teachers at the University of Manitoba, became members of the Department of French.
1920-1921 - Master’s French courses began to be offered by the Department of French.
1924 - The members of the Department of French began to contribute to the University of Manitoba annual series of radio lectures originally broadcast by the Manitoba Government Telephones Radio Station (later by CKY-Winnipeg).
1932 - English-speaking students from the University of Manitoba French club began to perform plays in French in St. Boniface and at the Alliance Française in Winnipeg.
1943 - Retirement of W. F. Osborne, one of the first scholars awarded the degree of doctor honoris causa by the University of Manitoba.
1946-1951 - Cyril Meredith Jones, French department head, taught a popular radio French conversation course, Let’s Learn French, to CKSB-St. Boniface English-speaking listeners.
1964 - The PhD program in French was established under the headship of Professor Jones.
1965 - The first credit course of beginners’ Spanish taught by J. A. Valverde was offered by the University of Manitoba.
1970 - Donna M. Norell defended the first PhD thesis in French at the University of Manitoba.
1970 - The Department of French changed its name to Department of Romance Languages and Literatures.
1976 - The Department of Romance Languages and Literatures changed its name to Department of French and Spanish.
1981 - Some members of the French section began to be involved with the Centre d’etudes franco-canadiennes de l’Ouest (CEFCO) in St. Boniface.
1989 - Official opening of the Spanish/Italian Centre of the University of Manitoba.
1994 - The Department of French and Spanish changed its name to Department of French, Spanish and Italian.
2006 - Theatre Night: This FSI annual artistic event was created in the spirit of collaboration amongst the three language sections, and remained a long-standing departmental tradition.
2013 - Celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Department of French, Spanish and Italian. View the Centennial Bulletin.