Foreign Languages
Foreign Language Department
Two years of the same foreign language are required for graduation.
Latin I
Two semesters; 1 credit. This course serves as an introduction to the Latin language and to ancient Roman culture. Students will acquire a basic Latin vocabulary and will increase their knowledge of English words that are derived from Latin. Particular emphasis is placed upon developing a versatile knowledge of Latin grammar. The study of Latin vocabulary and grammar will help them acquire and develop the ability to translate passages of increasing difficulty both from Latin into English and English into Latin. The two primary skills addressed are reading and writing. Students, however, will also be able to comfortably read Latin aloud.
Latin II
Two semesters; 1 credit. The second year of Latin begins with a concentrated review of first year grammar and vocabulary. The review is followed by the study and mastery of more complicated constructions such as the subjunctive mood and participial forms. Students will also encounter readings of increasing difficulty in Latin. A wide variety of reading selections such as Caesar’s Commentaries on the Gallic Wars, basic passages from Cicero, and selected texts from Sacred Scripture are studied.
Spanish
This introductory course first aims to enhance students understanding and appreciation of the Hispanic culture and language. There is a strong emphasis in grammar and building vocabulary. Students will learn to conjugate a wide variety of Spanish verbs in the present tense. This will be accomplished by daily drill assignments called ejercicios with oral review, homework assignments, frequent quizzes, 4 exams, and special projects. Spanish I This novice course reviews the fundamentals of Spanish as it relates to Latin and incorporates intensive work on vocabulary building through extensive reading and discussion. Evaluation is by daily drill sessions, homework, reading a short novel, frequent quizzes (pruebas), 4 exams and a musical project. Upon completion, students should be able to comprehend and respond with grammatical accuracy to basic spoken and written Spanish in all three tenses as well as demonstrate cultural awareness of Latin America. Spanish II This course provides students with the opportunity to attain new levels of meaningful communication, both orally and in writing, while growing in awareness of the richness of the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. Greater emphasis is placed on the building of reading and writing skills than in earlier years of study. Oral communication skills are developed through daily conversational practice, listening activities, pronunciation drills, and opportunities to use the language in an interpersonal setting such as asking directions and using commands and ordering at a restaurant. This will be accomplished by class assignments and special projects. Students will also continue vocabulary development, grammar units and verbal skills as associated with our textbook. The class will be conducted in both English and in Spanish, with more Spanish used progressively with each unit.
