World Languages

1 Credit 

Spanish I is the initiation level of a four-year curriculum of language learning based on the Vista Higher Learning integrated program, Descubre 1! Students learn conversational and grammatical aspects of the target language which provide them with the basic tools they need to function in the Spanish-speaking world. Integrated technology and traditional materials provide a wide range of language experiences and authentic Hispanic culture in the classroom. This program utilizes an interactive communicative approach that leads to the application and analysis of language structures in real-life contexts. Students enrolled in the course are expected to actively participate throughout the class, as well as communicate in Spanish. In order to best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course content is taught in the target language. 

1 Credit 

Instruction in this course emphasizes application of grammar rules and an expansive vocabulary as the key to successful communication. In the second level, students continue to strengthen the usage of grammar and conversation enabling them to function in real-life situations. The students begin to express their own ideas through writing and speaking activities, while increasing their understanding of Hispanic culture. Students are exposed to a variety of reading strategies that increase their level of reading comprehension. Students enrolled in the course are expected to actively participate throughout the class, as well as communicate in Spanish. In order to best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course content is taught in the target language. The course is based on the Vista Higher Learning integrated program, Descubre 1! 

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Spanish I; Department approval based on placement test

1 Credit 

The Honors Spanish II course moves at a pace that addresses the accelerated learner. Emphasis is placed on the spoken language. The Honors student is challenged to improve her skills in speaking, writing, listening, and reading using the same program as in Spanish II. However, the Honors student brings strong grammar skills to this course so that the emphasis may be placed on expanding vocabulary and strengthening grammar, thus enabling the student to speak and write on a higher level. Students enrolled in the course are expected to actively participate throughout the class, as well as communicate in Spanish. In order to best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course content is taught in the target language. The course is based on the Vista Higher Learning integrated program, Descubre 1! 

Prerequisites: 95 or higher in Spanish I; Department approval based on placement test

1 Credit 

The mastery of all basic tenses and intermediate grammar structures along with expanding vocabulary is the basis of this course. Oral (speaking)/aural (listening) skills are practiced with the use of interactive technologies as well as oral assessments. Readings from the text expand the students' knowledge of the culture of Spanish-speaking countries. Writing skills are developed through writing assignments and Spanish compositions. Students enrolled in the course are expected to actively participate throughout the class, as well as communicate in Spanish. In order to best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course content is taught in the target language. The course is based on the Vista Higher Learning integrated program, Descubre 2! 

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Spanish II

1 Credit 

The Honors Spanish III course is a more intense and expanded study of Spanish III. Students master all basic and intermediate grammar tenses and are introduced to the advanced level of Spanish grammar. More complex levels of written communication are possible through writing assignments and Spanish compositions. Students improve reading skills and embrace Spanish culture by reading authentic Spanish texts. Students enrolled in the course are expected to actively participate throughout the class, as well as communicate in Spanish. In order to best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course content is taught in the target language. The course is based on the Vista Higher Learning integrated program, Descubre 2! 

Prerequisites: 90 or higher in Honors Spanish II; 95 or higher in Spanish II and Department approval

1 Credit 

The course serves to review, expand, and enhance vocabulary and grammar in preparation for college-level courses. Students will work with online programs to strengthen listening and speaking skills, as well as continue their exploration of the culture of the Spanish-speaking world. Students enrolled in the course are expected to actively participate throughout the class, as well as communicate in Spanish. In order to best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course content is taught in the target language. 

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Spanish III

1 Credit 

Honors Spanish IV is an accelerated, intensive review of the previously learned grammar, as well as an expansion of the vocabulary used in everyday situations. The text for this course is a college-level intermediate text. Students respond orally and in writing to open-ended questions and prompts that require them to use their imagination, as well as their Spanish language skills acquired over their language study. Students also read stories, view videos, and write compositions all in the target language. Honors students take this class if they have strong grammar skills and wish to continue their study of Spanish in college. Students enrolled in the course are expected to actively participate throughout the class, as well as communicate in Spanish. In order to best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course content is taught in the target language. 

Prerequisites: 90 or higher in Honors Spanish III; 95 or higher in Spanish III and Department approval

1 Credit 

The AP Spanish course strives to promote both fluency and accuracy in language use and not to overemphasize grammatical accuracy at the expense of communication. In order to best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course is taught in the target language. 

Prerequisites: 93 or higher in Honors Spanish III; 90 or higher in Honors Spanish IV; 95 or higher in Spanish IV and Department approval

Note: AP students are required to take the AP exam, and families will be responsible for any associated fees.

1 Credit 

French I is the first level of a four-year curriculum of language learning based on Vista Higher Learning’s D’Accord 1. Students learn conversational skills and the ability to express themselves in the target language, which provides them with the basic tools they need to function in the francophone world. This course integrates technology with traditional materials to provide a wide range of language experience and to help students authentically engage in francophone culture. With an interactive and communicative approach, students are asked to apply and analyze language structures in real-world contexts through speaking, listening, reading, and writing activities. Students enrolled in this course are expected to actively participate in lessons and make a conscious effort to communicate in French. To best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course content is taught primarily in the target language.  

1 Credit 

French II is the second level of a four-year curriculum of language learning based on Vista Higher Learning’s D’Accord 1. Students continue to strengthen their usage of grammatical structures, conversational skills, and vocabulary, with a focus on real-world applications. They are also provided with tools to help them enhance their reading comprehension. Students continue to express themselves in the target culture and to increase their understanding of francophone culture through speaking, listening, reading, and writing activities. Students enrolled in this course are expected to actively participate in lessons and make a conscious effort to communicate in French. To best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course content is taught primarily in the target language. 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of French 1; Department approval through placement test

1 Credit 

Honors French II is the second level of a four-year curriculum of language learning based on Vista Higher Learning’s D’Accord 1. It moves at a pace that addresses the accelerated learner and challenges the students to expand their vocabulary, enhance their spoken French, and strengthen their usage of grammatical structures. The course focuses on real-world applications of the French language. Students enrolled in this course are expected to actively participate in lessons and make a conscious effort to communicate in French. To best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course content is taught primarily in the target language. 

Prerequisites: 95 or higher in French 1; Department approval based on placement test

1 Credit 

French III is the third level of a four-year curriculum of language learning based on Vista Higher Learning’s D’Accord 2. Mastery of basic tenses and intermediate grammatical structures, an expanded vocabulary, and the ability to express themselves comfortably in the target language are the goals of this course. There is a focus on speaking and listening skills through interactive assignments and assessments. Reading activities from both the textbook and beyond provide an authentic way for students to engage in the target culture. Students enrolled in this course are expected to actively participate in lessons and make a conscious effort to communicate in French. To best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course content is taught primarily in the target language.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of French II

1 Credit 

Honors French III is the third level of a four-year curriculum of language learning based on Vista Higher Learning’s D’Accord 2. It moves at a pace that addresses the accelerated learner and challenges the students to expand their vocabulary, enhance their spoken French, and strengthen their usage of grammatical structures. Students enrolled in this course will have and continue to build on their mastery of basic tenses and intermediate grammatical structures, an expanded vocabulary, and the ability to express themselves comfortably in the target language. There is a focus on speaking and listening skills through interactive assignments and assessments. Reading activities from both the textbook and beyond provide an authentic way for students to engage in the target culture. Students enrolled in this course are expected to actively participate in lessons and make a conscious effort to communicate in French. To best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course content is taught primarily in the target language.

Prerequisites: 90 or higher in Honors French II; 95 or higher in French II and Department approval

1 Credit 

French IV is the final level of a four-year curriculum of language learning based on Vista Higher Learning’s D’Accord 3. This course seeks to review, expand, and enhance vocabulary and grammar in preparation for college-level courses. Students work collaboratively and independently to strengthen listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through long- and short-term projects, writing assignments, and target language conversations. This course also offers the students the chance to engage with authentic target language literature on a more in-depth basis than in previous years. Students enrolled in this course are expected to actively participate in lessons and make a conscious effort to communicate in French. To best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course content is taught primarily in the target language. 

Prerequisites: Successful completion of French III

1 Credit 

Honors French IV is the final level of a four-year curriculum of language learning based on Vista Higher Learning’s D’Accord 3. This course serves as an accelerated, intensive review of grammar and vocabulary in preparation for college-level courses. Students work collaboratively and independently to strengthen listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through long- and short-term projects, writing assignments, and target language conversations. This course also offers the students the chance to engage with authentic target language literature on a more in-depth basis than in previous years. Students enrolled in this course are expected to actively participate in lessons and make a conscious effort to communicate in French. To best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course content is taught primarily in the target language. 

Prerequisites: 90 or higher in Honors French III; 95 or higher in French III and Department approval 

1 Credit

Grade 12 

This AP French course strives to promote both fluency and accuracy in language use and not to overemphasize grammatical accuracy at the expense of communication. In order to best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course is taught in the target language.

Prerequisites: 93 or higher in Honors French III; 90 or higher in Honors French IV; 95 or higher in French IV and Department approval

Note: AP students are required to take the AP exam, and families will be responsible for any associated fees.

1 Credit 

This course introduces students to an extensive amount of Latin vocabulary, grammar, and syntax to enable them to successfully translate adapted passages of classical Latin texts using the Latin for the New Millennium curriculum. Students will be able to read and speak words, phrases, and simple sentences through a combination of the traditional grammar-translation approach and comprehensible input/acquisition-driven instruction. Students will practice various methods for translating, working individually, with partners, in small groups, and as an entire class. Students will use the language to gain a global perspective of ancient Roman culture: how it connects with other ancient cultures and modern cultures in areas such as language (e.g., derivatives, mottoes), mythology, religion, philosophy, social structure, political systems, technology, and art and architecture.  Students will also explore texts as they relate to the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy - care for the earth, anti-racism, non-violence, immigration, and what women have achieved and how well they have equal opportunities for self-expression in society. 

1 Credit 

A natural continuation of Latin I, this course builds upon the concepts acquired in the first year and introduces the student to more complex vocabulary, grammar, syntax, and cultural concepts. Students will continue to read adapted passages from ancient Latin texts and complete the Latin for the New Millennium Level 1 text.  Students will be using more of the comprehensible input/acquisition driven approach while still relying on the traditional grammar approach for more difficult concepts such as indirect statements. While students will continue to practice various methods for translating-- working individually, with partners, in small groups, and as an entire class—they will have greater freedom to choose the strategies that suit them best. Students will use the language to gain a global perspective of ancient Roman culture: how it connects with other ancient cultures and modern cultures in areas such as language (e.g., derivatives, mottoes), mythology, religion, philosophy, social structure, political systems, technology, and art and architecture.  Students will also explore texts as they relate to the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Latin I  

1 Credit 

This course serves as a continuation of Latin I. Students will apply the concepts that they acquired in the first year and will learn more complex grammar and syntax. Students will follow the same story that they began in the first book of the Ecce Romani series. Cultural material will include the geography of the Roman world, prominent figures in Roman history, the heroes and monsters in Graeco-Roman mythology, and aspects of Roman life such as education, recreation, and entertainment. Students will also continue to recognize the presence of Latin in everyday use via thematic vocabulary, oral Latin, derivatives, and expressions, mottoes, and abbreviations. In this honors-level course, students will move at an accelerated pace and will be assessed in a manner by which they will hone their critical thinking skills.  

Prerequisite: 93 or higher in Latin I 

1 Credit 

Students will complete their study of grammar in preparation for translating authentic Latin texts by prose authors such as Eutropius, Cicero, Caesar, and Pliny the Younger using the Ecce Romani series. Students will translate texts while closely linking them to the cultural and political climate of the period to which they belong. Additional culture and civilization studies will include geography (notable cities, regions, mountains, rivers, and bodies of water in Italy and the ancient world), history (prominent persons and events from the Roman Republic and early Empire through the Julio-Claudian emperors), mythology (typical Roman and Italian deities and origins and transformations), and Roman life (calendar terms, religion, ceremonies).  

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Latin II

1 Credit

Students will complete their study of grammar in preparation for translating authentic Latin texts by prose authors such as Eutropius, Cicero, Caesar, and Pliny the Younger using the Ecce Romani series. Students will translate texts while closely linking them to the cultural and political climate of the period to which they belong. Additionally, throughout the course, students will also create compositions in Latin and enhance their literary criticism skills through more in-depth analyses of texts. Culture and civilization studies will include geography (notable cities, regions, mountains, rivers, and bodies of water in Italy and the ancient world), history (prominent persons and events from the Roman Republic and early Empire through the Julio-Claudian emperors), mythology (typical Roman and Italian deities and origins and transformations), and Roman life (calendar terms, religion, ceremonies). 

Prerequisites: 90 or higher in Honors Latin II; 95 or higher in Latin II and Department approval

1 Credit 

This course provides students with the opportunity for a detailed reading of several of the major works of the major authors from the Golden and Silver age of ancient Rome including Caesar, Catullus, Cicero, Horace, Vergil, Ovid, and Pliny. In addition to analyzing grammar and syntax, students will explore rhetorical and figurative language, imagery and themes, and poetic meters. Students will be encouraged to connect the themes of the Latin texts with those in the modern world including gender and power issues; encountering pain and suffering; the plight of the refugee; the meaning and purpose of faith and the faith journey; human memory and memorialization; the conversion experience; and the complexity of human confession and communication. Students will be encouraged to apply their critical thinking skills to render their own interpretations as literary critics. Students will also learn to express their findings in a scholarly fashion through evaluation and citation of secondary sources in discussions, writing, and presentations.  At times, students will choose which passages of the Latin authors they wish to study after which they will present their findings and interpretations to the class. Students will continue to explore texts as they relate to the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy.

Prerequisites: 90 or higher in Honors Latin III; 95 or higher in Latin III and Department approval

0.5 Credit

Grade 12

For thousands of years, the stories of Greek and Roman mythology have been told through the voices of men—poets, playwrights, and artists who centered heroes like Odysseus, Achilles, and Perseus, while women remained footnotes, villains, or prizes to be won. But what happens when women take back these stories and tell them from their own perspectives?

In this semester-long course, students will explore how contemporary women writers, playwrights, composers, and artists are reimagining classical mythology through a feminist lens, giving voice to characters who were silenced, complexity to those who were villainized, and agency to those who were objectified. By comparing ancient source texts with modern adaptations, students will examine how these retellings challenge patriarchal narratives, reshape our understanding of classical literature, and speak powerfully to contemporary issues of gender, power, trauma, and identity.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of World Language requirement; 93 or higher in English course