“Francophonie”
The Department’s focus on “Francophonie” acknowledges that France has long been posited as the centre of French studies, marginalizing the literatures and cultures of other geographical spaces where French is spoken. It is imperative to recognize that the terrors of colonialism have most often been the MAs by which “a Francophone world” was developed – in Africa, the Caribbean, Asia and North America. We believe that we must now work together to create new bonds with the French language and with the various individuals and communities who speak it today.
“Diversité”
We want “Francophonie” to unite us beyond our differences and singularities.
At the Department of French at McMaster, you will find several courses dedicated to the literatures and cinema of geographical areas typically envisioned when people speak of “Francocophonie,” such as Sub-Saharan Africa or the Caribbean. However, we perceive “Francophonie” to be much broader, encompassing all areas where French is spoken, including France and Quebec. As a student in the Department, you can expect readings that reflect the diversity of the world in which we live.
The French Department embraces “Diversité” as a theoretical concept and an embodied reality in a myriad of interconnected ways. Adopting “Diversité” as a core value leads us to take into consideration a variety of points of view, experiences and approaches in our teaching and research. Understood in a broad sense, “Diversité” invites us to be sensitive to the ways we are shaped by our experiences as gendered and racialized individuals and through, among other factors, sexual orientation, class, age, religion, citizenship and (dis)abilities.
At the Department of French at McMaster, you will find respect and inclusivity. We are dedicated to preparing course content that reflects our commitment to “Diversité,” and we encourage students to embrace less travelled research avenues.
Students with atypical academic backgrounds
In the spirit of “Diversité”, we take into consideration applications from French-speaking students with atypical academic backgrounds. To learn more about this possibility, please reach out to us.
Resources
Explore some of McMaster’s resources on diversity:
- Equity and Inclusion Office
- President’s Advisory Committee on Building an Inclusive Community (PACBIC)
- Black Students Association
- Women and Gender Equity Network (WGEN) – For women, trans folks and non-binary students
- Indigenous Student Services
- Hamilton Mad Students Collective – For students who live with a mental health condition or identify as neuroatypical
- Pride Community Centre (PCC) – For students who identify as lesbian, gay, bi, queer, trans, intersex, asexual or two-spirit
- Forward with FLEXibility – A teaching and learning resource on accessibility
- Policy on Academic Accommodation for Religious, Indigenous and Spiritual Observances (PDF) (RISO) – For students seeking accommodations for academic obligations that conflict with their religious, Indigenous or spiritual observances
- Student Accessibility Services – Accessibility accommodations for students with disabilities
- Graduate Disability and Accommodations – Support to create a learning and teaching environment accessible to all
- Library Accessibility Services = To assist students referred to us by the Student Accessibility Services