Major and Minor Requirements

Students can pursue a Major or Minor in FNEL. Alongside classes in which students can learn First Nations languages at all levels, from introductory to advanced, FNEL courses explore the processes and protocols for the documentation, conservation, revitalization, and reclamation of endangered languages, cultures, and Indigenous knowledge systems locally, regionally and internationally.

Students pursuing a Major may wish to consider a double Major or a Minor in related areas such as First Nations and Indigenous Studies, Anthropology, Anthropological Archaeology, Linguistics, English Language, English Literature, History, Political Science, or Canadian Studies, among other options.

Major Requirements

The Major requires the completion of at least 42 to 54 credits in FNEL and related areas, of which 30 credits must be at the 300/400 level.

FNEL Language Requirement

  • 12 credits of FNEL 100- and 200-level language courses or the equivalent*

*Students may satisfy this requirement by completing 12 credits of a single or multiple FNEL language courses, or the equivalent (for example: community-based language courses). Students should contact CIS Advising (cis.advising@ubc.ca) in advance to discuss their options. This requirement will be updated manually.

Lower-level Requirements
Students must complete the following 12 credits of 100- and 200-level FNEL and FNIS courses:

  • FNEL 180 (3)
  • FNEL 281 (3)
  • FNEL 282 (3)
  • 3 credits at any level from FNIS

Upper-level Requirements

Students must complete at least 12 credits of upper level FNEL courses, as follows:

  • A minimum of 3 credits from FNEL 481 (3) or FNEL 482 (3)
  • A minimum of 9 credits from FNEL 300- and 400-level courses

In addition, students must complete at least 18 credits from the Approved Course List at the 300- and 400-level.

Minor in First Nations and Endangered Languages

The Minor requires the completion of at least 30 credits in FNEL and related areas, of which 18 credits must be at the 300/400 level.

FNEL Language Requirement

  • 6 credits from FNEL 100- and 200-level language courses or the equivalent*

*Students may satisfy this requirement by completing 6 credits of a single or multiple FNEL language courses, or the equivalent (for example: community-based language courses). Students should contact CIS Advising (cis.advising@ubc.ca) in advance to discuss their options. This requirement will be updated manually.

Lower-level Requirements

Students must complete at least 6 credits of 100- and 200-level FNEL courses, as follows:

  • 6 credits from FNEL 180, 281 and 282

Upper-level Requirements

Students must complete:

  • A minimum of 9 credits from FNEL 300- and 400-level courses
  • In addition, students must complete at least 9 credits from the Approved Course List at the 300- and 400-level.

Faculty of Arts Requirements

Students should refer to the UBC Calendar to ensure they have met all of the necessary Faculty of Arts requirements. Before graduating, it is important that students contact an Arts Academic Advisor (for further information, please see Arts Academic Advising).

If you have any questions regarding the FNEL Major and Minor or Approved Course List, please contact CIS Advising at cis.advising@ubc.ca