Program Requirements

The M.A. program is both a self-contained program and the first stage towards doctoral studies. It has two objectives: to allow the student to develop a thorough knowledge of the discipline through a program of course work in literary studies or linguistics; to develop an aptitude for research. It is a twelve-month program. At the beginning of his/her course of study the student will meet with either the Associate Chair, Graduate & Coordinator, Graduate Admissions and Funding, in order to determine course selection with a view to ensuring that the student has a well-rounded program and, taken in conjunction with the undergraduate degree, has a broad knowledge of the discipline.

  • Prerequisite work, if necessary.
  • Students in both literature and linguistics are required to complete four full-course equivalents as follows:
    • Students in literature take the three graduate seminars in literature (FRE 1202H, FRE 1203H, and FRE 1204H) and
      • 2.5 full-course equivalents from the regular graduate course offerings or
      • 2.0 full-course equivalents and a half-course Research Essay FRE 5001H, a mémoire of approximately 35 pages, or
      • 1.5 full-course equivalents and a full-course Research Essay FRE 5000Y, a 65-75 page mémoire.
    • Students in linguistics take the graduate seminars in linguistics (FRE 1103H, FRE 1104H, and FRE 1141H) and
      • 2.5 full-course equivalents from the regular graduate offerings or
      • 2.0 full-course equivalents and a half-course Research Essay FRE 5001H, a mémoire of approximately 35 pages or
      • 1.5 full-course equivalents and a full-course Research Essay FRE 5000Y, a 65-75 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 literature (FRE 1202H, FRE 1203H, and FRE 1204H) or the graduate seminars in linguistics (FRE 1103H, FRE 1104H, and FRE 1141H).
  • In exceptional circumstances only, and with the permission of the Associate Chair, Graduate & Coordinator, Graduate Admissions and Funding, the student may take up to one full-course equivalent outside the Department. Any student wishing to take a course outside the Department must make an appointment with the Associate Chair, Graduate & Coordinator, Graduate Admissions and Funding, to discuss this matter in person.
  • Normally, part-time students take the graduate seminar in literature or the graduate seminars in linguistics during the first year of their programs.

Essays for half-courses are to be between 3500 and 5000 words in length.

Students should consult the document PDF iconTravail préparatoire - Mémoire de maîtrise 2021.pdf for further details on the supervision of the Research Essay.