World Languages Department

This course seeks to present the more complex structures of French I and to expand the cultural themes of level I, but in a more advanced and rapid fashion than a regular French II class. A variety of methods and techniques, used exclusively in the French language, will assist the student to internalize the language more readily. A total immersion method will be utilized within the instruction, and a linguistic environment will dominate the class. By the end of the year, students will have a command of all basic and intermediate structures necessary for communication, both oral and written, as well as an appreciation and an understanding of the culture set within the context and content of the language taught through history and literature.

 

Prerequisite: At least a C- in French I or teacher approval.

This course seeks to present the more complex structures of French I and to expand the cultural themes of level I, but in a more advanced and rapid fashion than a regular French II class. A variety of methods and techniques, used exclusively in the French language, will assist the student to internalize the language more readily. A total immersion method will be utilized within the instruction, and a linguistic environment will dominate the class. By the end of the year, students will have a command of all basic and intermediate structures necessary for communication, both oral and written, as well as an appreciation and an understanding of the culture set within the context and content of the language taught through history and literature.

 

Prerequisite: A- in French I or teacher approval, application required

This course presents the more complex structures of French and expands the cultural themes of the first levels. A variety of methods is used, and French is spoken almost exclusively. By the time students complete the third-year honors level, they will have acquired a command of the key vocabulary and structures necessary for personal communication both in the written and spoken form as well as an appreciation of the culture of the French-speaking world through its history and literature.

 

Prerequisite: At least a C- in French II or teacher approval.

This course presents the more complex structures of French and expands the cultural themes of the first levels. A variety of methods is used, and French is spoken almost exclusively. By the time students complete the third-year honors level, they will have acquired a command of the key vocabulary and structures necessary for personal communication both in the written and spoken form as well as an appreciation of the culture of the French-speaking world through its history and literature.

 

Prerequisite: B+ in French II or teacher approval, application required.

AP French Language and Culture is an exploration of how French identity is defined in the 21st century. Through the study of six essential core units, Families and Communities, Personal and Public Identities, Beauty and Aesthetics, Science and Technology, Contemporary Life and Global Challenges, students will discover that France is not only a major player on the world stage, but also that its citizens face-and have faced- many of the same trials and challenges of their American counterparts which have come to shape the definition of France. This course, conducted primarily in French with all written work in French as well, will include a study of vocabulary related to each unit and activities which will raise communication skills and cultural awareness. Each unit will incorporate activities that focus on both tangible and intangible products created by French culture as well as the diverse practices that are representative of it. As a result, students will come to understand the various perspectives that underlie both these practices and products that are less apparent to the casual observer. By taking this course, students will engage with French and Francophone culture that will put them in touch with the Francophone culture of today and will develop an awareness and appreciation for the role it plays in today’s society.

 

Prerequisite: Open to students who have at least a B average in Honors French III and a recommendation from the teacher. Any new student to Saint Pius X who has taken at least three years of French at another school will also need to be interviewed by the French instructor.

In this course students study the basics of Spanish grammar, including the present, imperfect, and preterit. Four communication skills are developed - speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students will be exposed to the similarities and differences in the culture of the people who speak the Spanish language.

 

Prerequisite: None - An elective course open to all students.

Honors Spanish I is an accelerated Spanish I course covering all the basic concepts and cultural items taught in Spanish I regular. This course is designed to meet the needs of students who have mastered some of the more basic concepts of regular level 1 but are not proficient enough to function in a level II Spanish course. The primary language of instruction will be the target language! Spanish is used extensively for communication in the classroom! In addition, students will be responsible for a major project each semester.

 

Prerequisite: Pre-evaluation given prior to registration, teacher recommendation or interview with department.

This course is a continuation of the course work begun in the first year. The remaining simple and compound tenses will be studied. More emphasis is placed on grammar and written work; oral skills are also stressed.

 

Prerequisite: C in Spanish I or teacher approval.

This course presents the more complex structures of Spanish and expands the cultural themes of level I. A variety of methods and techniques, used exclusively in the Spanish language, assist the student to internalize the language more readily. A total immersion method is utilized within the instruction, and a linguistic environment dominates the class. By the end of the year, students will have a command of all basic and intermediate structures necessary for
communication, both oral and written, as well as an appreciation and an understanding of the culture set within the context and content of the language taught through history and literature.

 

Prerequisite: B in Spanish I, student application, and/or teacher recommendation, application
required.

This course is designed to develop and apply grammatical knowledge acquired during the first two years of the study of Spanish. Students are required to participate actively in daily grammar exercises and in oral exercises designed to enhance conversational skills.

 

Prerequisite: B in Spanish II or teacher approval.

This course presents the more complex structures of Spanish and expands the cultural themes of the first levels. A variety of methods is used, and Spanish is spoken almost exclusively. All exercises are set in a situational context. By the time students complete the third-year honors level, they will have acquired a command of the key vocabulary and structures necessary for personal communication both in the written and spoken form as well as an appreciation of the culture of the Spanish-speaking world. Online streaming series are used to reinforce language acquisition.
Full-length motion pictures relating to the course goals will also be seen and integrated into the course. Selections from various Hispanic authors are utilized to enhance reading comprehension, expand vocabulary, and promote cultural enrichment. The AP Spanish Language themes of Global Challenges, Science and Technology, Contemporary Life, Personal and Public Identities, Families and Communities, and Beauty and Aesthetics are introduced and explored throughout.

 

Prerequisite: B in Spanish II, student application, and/or teacher recommendation, application required.

This is an honors course designed to achieve a high degree of proficiency in aural comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Through a study of representative authors and literary genres the student acquires a broad vocabulary and the ability to comprehend formal and informal spoken Spanish, to write expository prose, and express ideas with accuracy and fluency. Oral proficiency is improved through extemporaneous and prepared talks. Grammar is reviewed as exemplified in the works being studied. The goal of the course is to prepare students for the AP exam and demonstrate success.

 

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation. Student application and teacher recommendation, application required. Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

Far from being a ‘dead language,’ Latin is the one language that can infuse life into anyone’s knowledge of English. Latin I will show students not only how Latin works, but why English functions the way that it does. Through the study of grammar and syntax, not only will the students’ own vocabulary grow as they learn the origins of many words often found on the SAT, but they will come to have an appreciation for the mechanics of English by developing stronger language skills that will strengthen their writing abilities. In addition to the Latin language, students will learn about the civilization of Ancient Rome, its daily customs and its mythology. As each cultural topic is studied, students will be surprised by how many aspects of contemporary civilizations have been and still are influenced by Ancient Rome and its supposedly ‘dead language.’

 

Prerequisite: None - An elective course open to all students.

After having been introduced to basic grammar and vocabulary in Latin I, students in Latin II will expand their knowledge of the language and culture of Ancient Rome. The goal of Latin II is to reinforce the philosophy that knowing Latin is relevant to 21st century students since so much grammar and vocabulary in English is directly rooted in Latin. Furthermore, emphasis will be placed on the connections that exist not only between the Latin language and English, but also between the Ancient Roman civilization and contemporary culture. Beyond the study of the language, students will be exposed to the major figures of Ancient Roman literature through both adapted and original passages from Ancient Roman authors.

 

Prerequisite: C in Latin I or teacher approval.

This course is a full year academic course that focuses on developing a working vocabulary as well as the ability to produce meaningful communication by developing the language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Through thematic-based vocabulary and grammatical structure students will become familiar with the various aspects of Spanish-speaking countries and their culture. Textbooks and Materials: Asi Se Dice Level 1

Honors Spanish I is an accelerated Spanish I course covering all the basic concepts and cultural items taught in Spanish I regular. This course is designed to meet the needs of students who have mastered some of the more basic concepts of regular level 1 but are not proficient enough to function in a level II Spanish course. The primary language of instruction will be the target language! Spanish is used extensively for communication in the classroom! In addition, students will be responsible for a major project each semester.

Prerequisite: Pre-evaluation given prior to registration, teacher recommendation or interview with department