Our programs offer a rich and varied education meant to open doors to teaching French and literature (from elementary school to university), public relations, arts journalism, editing and publishing. They also prepare you, as our alumni’s career paths show, for any positions that require advanced skills in summarizing and expressing ideas, in the private sector as well as in the public service, which is so important in Canada’s capital.

Département de français
Welcome
Generally, you study geography to become a geographer, history to become a historian, philosophy to become a philosopher. So what can you do with a degree from the Département de français, which offers both literature and writing courses? The word “literaturist” doesn’t exist and the term “writer” can mean anything! But that undefined space itself has unlimited possibilities, and it’s where our study interests lie.
After a journey where you’re introduced to French-language literature (from every century, genre and background), to the history of the language, to the art of writing, to creative writing and to text editing, you’ll be able to find your own path. Our alumni now teach French or literature; write texts for politicians or magazines; edit government documents; publish novels, essays, plays or poetry; create blogs for the public; work in publishing houses or in the comedy scene; and much more.
Throughout your undergraduate or graduate program, you’ll be supported by caring, skilled professors who have received numerous awards and distinctions, run major grant-based projects and held research chairs. You’ll be able to take part in the life of our very active department, which, in addition to courses, offers symposiums, lectures by visiting professors, meetings with writers and all kinds of literary events.
The Département de français is a lively place in one of the country’s rare bilingual universities, located in an environment that’s made for learning.
My colleagues and I look forward to seeing you.
Mawy Bouchard

undergraduate students
Number of graduate students
Number of professors
Programs

“During my time at uOttawa, I made friends and forged relationships that will last a lifetime. I am particularly grateful to the Faculty of Arts.”
Nikita Kamblé-Bagal
— B.A. (Lettres françaises avec mineure en psychologie) 2020
Student experience

The Faculty of Arts launched the “Building Belonging” action plan
The Faculty of Arts is dedicated to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for everyone.

The Faculty of Arts appoints a Special Advisor on the Francophonie
The Faculty of Arts is proud to announce the appointment of Professor Joël Beddows as Special Advisor on the Francophonie.
Contact us
Département de français
Office Hours
Monday to Friday
9 a.m. to noon and 1p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(June and August: close at 3:30 p.m.)
Academic assistants
Undergraduate studies
Simard Hall, room 128
613-562-5134
[email protected]
Graduate studies
Desmarais Hall, 8th floor
613 562-5800 ext. 5439
[email protected]