The goal of the Foreign Language department is student proficiency in the four basic language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Cultural appreciation is enriched through realia and discussion. The Foreign Language curriculum requires two consecutive years of the same foreign language. The following courses are offered: French 1-5, Latin 1-4, AP Latin 4, Spanish 1-5, and AP Spanish 4.

Department Members
Mary Jo Langston, Department Chair
Marcia Clark
Marie Moore
Alvaro Rodriguez
Jennifer Thies
Deborah Whalen
Paul Zoch

Foreign Language Courses

601 SPANISH 1 (1 credit)
This is an introductory course designed for students who have never been exposed to the language, or who have had previous exposure but have insufficient knowledge of vocabulary and skills to proceed to Level 2. The course introduces basic survival situation vocabulary, grammar and tense usage. A student should master listening, speaking, reading and writing skills associated with chapter presentations. The use of CD ROMS and technology (in the class and at home) facilitates this goal. An appreciation of Spanish culture is acquired through enrichment materials.

610 SPANISH 2 (1 credit)
Spanish 2 continues and expands the study of vocabulary and grammar begun in Spanish 1. Vocabulary and grammar exercises and presentations demonstrate language usage and application so that the student can listen, converse, understand, read and write the target language. Tense structure is taught and drilled. The use of the CD ROM technology (in the class and at home) facilitates this goal. In addition, students are encouraged to use other forms of technology to facilitate learning. An appreciation for Spanish culture is emphasized throughout the course.
Prerequisite for incoming 9th graders: passing the Spanish placement test.

620 SPANISH 3 (1 credit)
Spanish 3 continues and expands the vocabulary and grammar taught in Spanish 2. Emphasis is placed on the ability to master new tenses as well as previously learned tenses and grammar in conversation and oral communication. Conversation practice on pre-determined topics is stressed. Discussion, critique, and compositions in Spanish may be expected after each unit. All tenses learned in Spanish 2 are reviewed with the goal of increasing writing skills in guided or freeform composition. Students are expected to read and understand culture topics written in the target language and to be able to discuss the reading selections in the target language.

625 SPANISH 4 (1 credit)
This course is designed for students who have demonstrated proficiency for the Spanish language and have an interest in Spanish and the history and culture of the Hispanic people. Emphasis is placed on the oral aspect of Spanish by practicing the grammar acquired over previous years of study. Readings, conversations, and comprehension drills are utilized.
Taken at Strake Jesuit.

627 SPANISH 5 (1 credit)
Taken at Strake Jesuit.

628 HONORS AP SPANISH - LANGUAGE (1 credit)
The AP Spanish language class is designed to prepare students for the AP language exam and/ or for the AP literature class. Students who demonstrate excellence in Spanish II are eligible for the class. The enrollment in the class is not restricted to these students and will also be open to students from Spanish III who are interested in perfecting their Spanish grammar, writing and speaking skills. Open to native speaker sophomores who have taken Native Spanish 2, or juniors and seniors who have taken Spanish 2 or 3.
Taken at Strake Jesuit.

629 HONORS AP SPANISH - LITERATURE (1 credit)
The AP Literature class focuses on mastery of literary terms and familiarity with literary works from various Latin American countries and from Spain.  Students will expand their abilities to speak and write in Spanish while gaining knowledge of major literary works. This course is intended for development of literary analysis and better expression of ideas.  Strong Spanish writing (grammatical) skills are needed to be successful in this class. The student will read the works of authors designated by the AP committee in preparation for the AP exam in May.
Taken at Strake Jesuit.

635 FRENCH 1 (1 credit)
This is an introductory course designed for students who have never been exposed to the language, or who have had previous exposure but have insufficient knowledge of vocabulary and skills to proceed to Level 2. The course introduces basic survival situation vocabulary, grammar and tense usage. A student should master listening, speaking, reading and writing skills associated with chapter presentations. The use of CD ROMS and technology (in the class and at home) facilitates this goal. An appreciation of French culture is acquired through enrichment realia.

640 FRENCH 2 (1 credit)
French 2 continues and expands the study of vocabulary and grammar begun in French 1. Vocabulary and grammar exercises and presentations demonstrate language usage and application so that the student can listen, converse, understand, read and write the target language. Tense structure is taught and drilled. The use of the CD ROM technology (in the class and at home) facilitates this goal. In addition, students are encouraged to use other forms of technology to facilitate learning. An appreciation for French culture is emphasized throughout the course.
Prerequisite for incoming 9th graders: passing the French placement test.

645 FRENCH 3 (1 credit)
French 3 continues and expands the vocabulary and grammar taught in French 2. Emphasis is placed on the ability to master new tenses as well as previously learned tenses and grammar in conversation and oral communication. Conversation practice on pre-determined topics is stressed. Discussion, critique, and compositions in French may be expected after each unit. All tenses learned in French 2 are reviewed with the goal of increasing writing skills in guided or freeform composition. Students are expected to read and understand culture topics written in the target language and to be able to talk about culture in the target language.

650 FRENCH 4 (1 credit)
This course is designed to enhance students' existing abilities and to encourage students to gain more fluency in French.  Students should have the ability to read, speak, and write in French. Emphasis is placed on selective French grammar, literature and authentic texts.  There is also a particular focus on speaking and aural comprehension through a wide variety of activities.
Taken at Strake Jesuit.

652 FRENCH 5 (1 credit)
Taken at Strake Jesuit.

655 LATIN 1 (1 credit)
In Latin 1, the students will learn the fundamentals of Latin grammar. They will learn the active and passive voices of the verb, in all tenses, in the indicative mood. They will learn the functions of all the cases (except the locative) and the inflections for all declensions. They will learn the personal and relative pronouns as well as the major demonstrative pronouns/adjectives and three participles. They will be constantly enlarging their Latin vocabulary with words common in the literature of the Classical Age, and will use their knowledge of Latin prefixes, root words and suffixes to enlarge their English vocabulary. They will use their knowledge of grammar and vocabulary in translating Latin texts of increasing grammatical complexity. They will also learn of the major events, personalities and concepts of Roman history and culture.

659 LATIN 2 (1 credit)
After a thorough review of the grammar and vocabulary of Latin 1, the students in Latin 2 will finish learning the major points of Latin grammar. Foremost among those major points is the subjunctive mood: the students will learn the formation of the subjunctive in all tenses in the active and passive voices, and will learn the use of the subjunctive in purpose clauses, result clauses, indirect question, cum clauses, noun clauses, statements of volition and exhortation, and subordinate clauses in indirect statement. They will use their constantly growing Latin vocabulary and their knowledge of Latin grammar and syntax in translating texts of increasing complexity and authenticity. Such texts will include abridged and adapted stories from Ovid; after completing them, the students will read selections from Caesar's Gallic Wars and Pliny's letters. They will extend their knowledge of Roman history and culture through interpreting Latin texts and through a more formal treatment of Roman history..

665 LATIN 3 (1 credit)
Latin 3 continues the further development of the skills learned in Latin 1 and 2 with an emphasis on the translation of authentic Latin texts; either ancient Roman or ancient Christian. As in Latin 2, emphasis will be placed on translation skills. Grammar will be reviewed.

670 LATIN 4 (1 credit)
This course will read and study Vergil's Aeneid in Latin. Latin grammar will be reviewed on a regular basis. English words with Latin roots will be studied in connection with the Latin vocabulary lists. Background material on the period and author of the selection that is being read will be given and discussed in class. A 300 to 500-word paper in English may be assigned critiquing the assigned author.
Taken at Strake Jesuit.

671 HONORS AP-VERGIL, LATIN 4 (1 credit)
This course will follow the syllabus established by the College Board in preparation for the AP-Vergil Exam. Students will also have numerous sight reading tests for practice.

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