French as a Foreign Language / French as a Second Language

Abstract

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  Profile of the study programme

  The master programme French as a Foreign Language/French as a Second Language (FLE/FLS) comprises four modules:

  • In the «Linguistic perspective» module, the students acquire in-depth knowledge of the linguistic dimensions of FLE/FLS. In particular, they are familiarised with theories and specific aspects of acquiring French as a foreign and second language and learn to use linguistic tools, especially corpus linguistics, with a goal to teach French L2 to various audiences.
  • The «Didactic perspective» module allows students to acquire in-depth knowledge of the theoretical and practical dimensions of FLE/FLS. It enables them to develop their capacity to structure courses in response to specific needs, for example, those of migrants.
  • The objective of the «In-depth empirical learning» module is to train students in the methods and practices of empirical research, in particular in FLE/FLS.
  • Lastly, the «Research and application» module allows students to combine theoretical knowledge and field work, both in teaching and research. This module includes an internship and practical tutoring work.

  Fribourg profile
  The master programme FLE/FLS is taught in the typical multilingual context of the Fribourg region, where French as a foreign or second language is an everyday reality. Close collaboration with the Institute of Multilingualism of the University and the Fribourg University of Teacher Education enables students to take part in the regularly held conferences and workshops that attract specialists from across the globe on topics related to foreign language teaching and the socio-linguistic and psycho-linguistic aspects of multilingualism.

  At the Research Centre on Multilingualism's documentation centre, which is attached to the University's Foreign Language Library (BLE), students enjoy access to many publications and specialist reviews in this field. In addition, they can receive professional advice to assist them in independent learning.

  Interested students can also take lessons in French, Italian, English and German at the University's Language Centre. The Self-Access Centre also boasts a full range of media to learn many other languages or to perfect specific language skills.

  Learning outcomes and career openings
  Graduates from this course enjoy in-depth theoretical and methodological knowledge in the field of FLE/FLS, in terms of didactics and linguistics and the processes inherent in the learning of second or foreign languages. They are able to put this specialist theoretical knowledge into practice, both through the development and completion of research projects and in actual teaching situations. They are aware of the requirements of modern foreign language teaching, know how to analyse and assess language teaching in their own language or in a foreign language, and can submit proposals for the optimisation of learning methods. In other words, this master programme provides training for the profession of FLE/FLS expert, in Switzerland and abroad. The master programme French as a Foreign Language/French as a Second Language (major and minor) is equivalent to the modules «Educational work with adults», «Foreign and second language education» and «Migration and interculturality» of the Swiss «Certificate for language teachers in the field of integration» (cf. https://fide-info.ch/fr/formation-continue/certificat). This programme also provides an introduction to research in the field of language learning and teaching as conducted at the Institute of Multilingualism. The Institute also offers students who wish to pursue an academic career the option of a doctoral programme, providing the ideal environment for further study in an even more specialised field.

  The career opportunities for graduates of the FLE/FLS master's degree are in the following fields:
  – Language teaching in Switzerland and abroad as part of adult learning courses and in universities and other graduate schools (the master programme FLE/FLS is a good complement to the DEEM for people wishing to teach French in non-French-speaking regions);
  – Activities concerning integration classes, exchange programmes and the promotion of multilingualism in professional environments, and more specifically in companies;
  – Activities concerning the development of linguistic expertise and competences with government authorities, NGOs, international organisations and publishers;
  – Scientific collaboration in research centres such as the Institute of Multilingualism or the Research Centre on Multilingualism.

Studies organisation

Structure of studies

Curriculum

Admission

Alternatives

Minor study programmes to be chosen