The French Program at Illinois offers a comprehensive curriculum in French language and linguistics, and French and Francophone literature, culture, and film, to meet the academic and professional goals of our undergraduate and graduate students. Nearly all our courses are taught in French and in small learner groups for a full immersion experience in which each student receives close academic guidance. In addition, we offer short- and long-term study abroad programs in Paris and Arles at the undergraduate level and exchanges with partner universities in France, Quebec, and Belgium for graduate students. Illinois has been designated as one of 17 nationwide Centers of Excellence by the French Embassy in the U.S.We offer three main specializations at the masters and doctoral levels: French Studies, French Linguistics and French Language Learning/SLATE. Graduate Students in French can also obtain a Ph.D. Certificate in Romance Linguistics and in Second Language Acquisition and Teacher Education (SLATE). In keeping with our tradition, core courses in all our degree programs are taught primarily in French and often related to current research projects by department faculty.Candidates in French Studies must take an examination based on a reading list covering the fields of French literature and culture. The written and oral examination in French linguistics is based on a list of readings in linguistics and in literature and/or civilization. The written exam in French linguistics may be substituted by an extended research paper. The examination in French language learning/teaching includes readings in second-language acquisition and teaching methods in addition to selected readings in French literature and/or civilization. Candidates in all programs are required to demonstrate, at the time of the master's examination, an ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral French.