Graduate Programs

Programs of Study

The Department of Modern Languages and Classics offers a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) French; a Master of Arts (M.A.) in French with optional concentrations in French Literature or North American French Studies. Individuals interested in applying should consult the graduate coordinator of the Department of Modern Languages and Classics for specific information on admission and graduation requirements.

The Department of Modern Languages and Classics has suspended admissions for the MAT program in Spanish.

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. The program offers full-time instruction during the academic year to meet the requirements of pre-service teachers and an intensive institute during the summer for in-service teachers. 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 402/500). An oral exam and a professional teaching portfolio which illustrate 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.

The Maine State Summer Institute for Teachers of French is planned and overseen by an Advisory Council that makes recommendations to the Graduate Coordinator of the Department of Modern Languages and Classics at the University of Maine, Prof. Frederic Rondeau

French  MAT Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate advanced proficiency in oral communication in the target language (GSLG 1, 2)
  2. Demonstrate advanced proficiency in written communication in the target language (GSLG 1, 2)
  3. Express a historical and/or contemporary cultural and linguistic awareness through critical analysis of cultural artifacts and linguistic structures. (GSLG 1, 2)
  4. Apply current pedagogical best practices to personal teaching philosophy and demonstrate cultural competency for language teaching. (GSLC 2,3)

The Master of Arts in French

This program (30 credits) is intended for individuals with an interest in language, linguistics, literature, or 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 in literature, language, linguistics, and culture, 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 for a committee of the graduate faculty at an oral examination which will also include questions on the student’s course work.

The Master of Arts in French 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.

The Master of Arts in French 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 (Quebécois and Acadian) that surround it, and the presence of Franco-American and Canadian-American Centers on campus have combined to create strong interest and 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.

French MA Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate advanced proficiency in oral communication in the French language (GSLG 1, 2)
  2. Demonstrate advanced proficiency in written communication in the French language (GSLG 1, 2)
  3. Critically analyze texts and other media sources in the French language to illustrate deep familiarity with historical and/or contemporary cultural concepts (GSLG 1, 2)
  4. Conduct responsible and ethical research by complying with professional best-practices in research design, argumentation, and citation while working with diverse cultural perspectives and concepts (GSLG 2, 3)

Financial Aid

The Department of Modern Languages and Classics annually awards one graduate teaching assistantship in French. The TA generally teaches one first or second-year French course per semester. Graduate degree candidates may also be nominated for Trustee Tuition Scholarships and Chase Distinguished Research Assistantships offered by the Graduate School. Others may qualify for Canadian-American Center Assistantships, New England, Atlantic Provinces, and Québec Fellowships, and Foreign Language and Area Studies awards available through the Canadian-American Center.

The Graduate Faculty

  • Prof. Carlos Villacorta (Chair, Spanish) 
  • Prof. Zachary Ludington (Spanish)( Graduate Coordinator)
  • Prof. Susan Pinette (Franco American Studies)
  • Prof. Frédéric Rondeau (French)

Associate Graduate Faculty

Associate Graduate Faculty generally teach graduate courses or serve on M.A. thesis or M.A.T. or M.L.S. portfolio committees.

  • Prof. Kristina Passman, Emerita (Classics)
  • Maria Sandweiss, Lecturer (Spanish)
  • Marie-Joelle St. Louis- Savoie (French)
  • Prof. Kathryn Slott (French)
  • Prof. Jane S. Smith, Emerita (French)
  • Prof. James Troiano, Emeritus (Spanish)

For more information, contact the Graduate Coordinator, Prof. Frederic Rondeau or visit the Graduate School website.

Would you like to apply?  Please see the Graduate School’s online application.