French and Spanish Studies at Ryerson place a strong emphasis on language skills, oral comprehension and expression. In French, the department has a range of offerings from introductory level language courses to upper level courses in both language and literature. Some of the more advanced courses focus on communication skills, composition, literature, stylistics, translation, and Business French. In Spanish, three levels of language courses are offered: introductory, intermediate and advanced, along with courses in language and culture. The department also offers a limited number of courses in English on the literature and culture of the French-speaking and Spanish-speaking world.

Correct French and Spanish, like English, are the same regardless of the country in which they are spoken. However, there are regional differences in intonation, accent and idiom just as literatures differ from one country to another. Our courses reflect this by exposing students to French as it is spoken in Canada and in the rest of the French-speaking world; similarly, students of Spanish learn to appreciate the differences between Spanish as it is spoken in Spain and in the various Spanish-speaking countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Admission and Enrollment Procedures

The process is the same for both disciplines. Admission is by an online placement test and/or by an interview during specific periods in the year. Students should check the Website of the Department of French and Spanish to find out when the placement test is available. Admission is granted on a first-come, first-served basis and late registrants are normally not accepted.

The wide diversity of students’ educational backgrounds at Ryerson makes testing necessary: it allows faculty to counsel students accurately as to which course or courses are appropriate and it ensures a uniform level of language skills in each class. Students who have never taken language courses at Ryerson University are therefore strongly advised to take the placement test to ensure that they are placed in the appropriate level. Please note that students willfully or inadvertently enrolled in the wrong course(s) may be forced to re-enroll at the Instructor’s discretion, or drop the course(s). Website: www.ryerson.ca/french or www.ryerson.ca/spanish.