The Department of Modern Languages and Classics offers a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) or Master of Arts (MA) in French with optional concentrations in French Literature or North American French Studies.
Master of Arts in Teaching French:
- The M.A.T. in French (30 credits) has been redesigned with the collaboration of the campuses of the University of Maine System specifically to meet the needs of Maine's schools.
- Candidates take seven to eight courses (21-24 credits) in language, literature, culture and linguistics in the target language, one course in language pedagogy (MLC 466/566) and one course on teaching the exceptional student in English (SED 500).
- An oral exam and a professional teaching portfolio which illustrates the candidate's familiarity with Maine's teaching standards and his/her readiness to teach a second language in the K-12 classroom are the final requirements for both degrees.
Practicing teachers who are already certified to teach French may opt to take additional courses in their target language, or they may resume the study of a second foreign language at the advanced (400 or 500) level in lieu of taking courses leading to certification.
Master of Arts in French:
- This program (30 credits) is intended for individuals with an interest in language, linguistics, literature, and culture and who are considering pursuing a doctoral degree in the field.
- The candidate will be expected to demonstrate both oral and written proficiency in French in the course of his or her studies.
- Candidates must complete 24 credits of coursework, with a minimum of 12 credits at the 500-level.
- The program of study may include courses in other departments when these relate to the student's field of interest. Six hours of thesis credits are also required.
- Upon completion of the thesis, the Master of Arts candidate will defend the thesis before a committee of the graduate faculty at an oral examination which will also include questions on the student's coursework.
Master of Arts with a concentration in French Literature:
- This concentration is intended for individuals with an interest in literature.
- Candidates specializing in French literature are expected to complete the requirements for the M.A. described above by including four courses in literature, three of which must be at the 500-level, in their program of study.
Master of Arts with a concentration in North American French Studies:
- North American French studies at the University of Maine developed from a natural link between the department and the geographic location of the university.
- The large number of francophone citizens who make up the population of the state of Maine, the significant communities with French heritage (Québécois and Acadian) that surround it, and the presence of Franco-American and Canadian-American Centers on campus have combined to create a strong interest and an expertise in North American French language and culture.
- The requirements for this degree are similar to those of the M.A. described above. The primary difference is that literature, language, and culture courses will be oriented to francophone North America.
Students pursuing the M.A. in French whose research entails Canada may be eligible for a Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowship. Additional support for French includes one graduate teaching assistantship.
This program will prepare students to be eligible for licensure within the State of Maine. Visit the UMS State Authorization & Licensure page to learn more about the licensure requirements in other states and territories, in addition to the contact information needed to inquire further into the licensure requirements associated with this program.