French Linguistics (M.A. and Ph.D.)
The Program in French Linguistics offers training in French historical and descriptive linguistics and philology, at both M.A. and Ph.D. levels. Students in linguistics are required to take some courses in literature in addition to courses in linguistics in the Departments of French and Linguistics. At the doctoral level, a concentration in Romance linguistics is available, in cooperation with the Department of Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese, and the Department of Linguistics.
M.A.
Admission
Admission to the M.A. program in French Linguistics must be approved by the Department of French Committee on Admissions. Students applying to the program are required to submit two samples of written work in French demonstrating their abilities in abstract thinking and coherent written presentation of a topic. The written work can be related to any area of French studies. Students applying with M.A.s earned elsewhere will be expected to complete requirements needed for the M.A. equivalent at the U of I.
Course requirements
Minimum of 32 hours of course work:
- The following mandatory courses in French Linguistics:
- Structure of the French language (FR416)
- History of the French language (FR417)
- Courses including, but not limited to:
- Introduction to the Old French Language (FR531)
- Two courses offered within the Department of French at the 500 level. Graduate courses taken at another institution can count towards fulfilling this requirement: students can substitute a graduate-level literature or culture course taken at another institution (while still taking the equivalent of 32 hours at UIUC.) Equivalence for coursework taken elsewhere is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
- The remaining courses will be selected in consultation with the major advisor on an individual basis. The following courses offered within the Department of French or Department of Linguistics are strongly recommended:
- Introduction to Romance Linguistics (FR462)
- Introduction to Linguistic Structure (LING400)
- French Phonetics and Phonology (FR413)
- Any FR529 variable topics class, "Topics in French Linguistics", offered in the department. Possible topics include: Lexicology, Sociolinguistics, Language Policy, Language and Ethnicity, Pragmatics...etc.
- Introductory courses in any basic area of linguistic theory (Phonology, Syntax, Pragmatics) offered in the Linguistics Department at the 400-level.
Comprehensive examination
The M.A. examination is comprised of a written and an oral part and includes a section of French Literature.
The Linguistics part, both written and oral, is based on an extended reading list of books, book chapters and articles covering the following areas of French Linguistics:
- French Phonetics and Phonology
- Syntax of French
- Sociolinguistics and Language Policy
- History of French.
Consult the reading list (pdf).
The Literature part is based on a selected subset of books that each student has to define with the French Literature faculty designated to give the M.A. examination.
Written examination consists of an essay covering at least two areas of French Linguistics included in the M.A. examination (see above). The oral examination is a discussion of the written part, and a short question-answer type of discussion about topics defined in the reading list.
Ph.D.
Admission
The Department of French Committee on Admissions must approve admission to the Ph.D. program in French Linguistics. Students applying to the Ph.D. program in French Linguistics must have an M.A. in French Linguistics or equivalent preparation. Courses taken in any area of Linguistics (preferably French) are a prerequisite, although specific details and equivalence of previous work will be evaluated on an individual basis. In their motivation letter, students applying to the program are strongly encouraged to specify desired area(s) of specialization in French Linguistics. They are required to submit at least one written sample of previous work, in French or English, preferably in French Linguistics or Grammar. The sample must demonstrate the student’s ability in abstract thinking and represent a coherent written presentation of the topic.
Course requirements
Minimum of 32 hours of course work:
- Three courses in French literature and/or culture, which may be taken at Stage 1 (M.A. level) or Stage 2 (Ph.D. course work). Graduate courses taken at another institution can count towards fulfilling this requirement. Equivalence is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
- Three courses in French or Romance Linguistics beyond the requirements of the M.A. (see sections B.1 and B.2 of the M.A description).
- A minimum of one 500-level course in each of the three areas of linguistic theory (offered by the Linguistics Department): Phonology, Syntax, and Historical Linguistics. Courses taken at the M.A. program may be counted against this requirement with the approval of the adviser.
- Advanced work (2 graduate courses) in one of these three areas, or in another area selected in consultation with the advisor.
- Mandatory language requirements:
- Knowledge of Latin. At least one year of college Latin or its equivalent, typically Latin 500, one semester. Those intending to specialize in History of the French Language are strongly encouraged to take Latin 501 in addition.
- Knowledge of one other Romance language, as defined in the Programs Catalog. Students may fulfill this requirement by passing a fourth semester course with the grade of B or better, or by demonstrating equivalent ability by examination.
(NB: As in the French Studies program, the foreign language requirement may be fulfilled after passing the Ph.D. preliminary examination.)
Preliminary examination
As soon as possible after admission to Stage 2, the Ph.D. candidate will choose an advisor who will serve as the chair of the doctoral committee. The committee will consist of the chair and three other professors from or outside the Department of French. Individual members of the committee, each of whom must be a member of the Graduate College, will be chosen in consultation with the advisor. The candidate is strongly encouraged to consult regularly with committee members about the advancement of his/her project.