Academics

Grade 9
Italian: 312  /  Spanish: 314

Level 1 of a language is designed to give the beginning student pronunciation, grammar, syntax, and listening comprehension in the target language.  Basic everyday conversation, requesting and providing information related to daily life are practiced. Grammar will stress verbal conjugations enabling students to express information in the present, past and future tenses. A basic cultural awareness of the target language is inaugurated.

Grade 9
Italian: 322  /  Spanish: 324

In these courses more complex structural patterns are offered with continued emphasis on pronunciation and comprehension.  Reading, writing, and conversational skills are further developed through the use of brief stories and compositions and assigned topics concerned with everyday situations. Verbal conjugation is expanded to include the descriptive past. Cultural awareness is continued.

Prerequisite: Level 1

Grade 10
316

This is a one year course for beginners in Latin which provides the basic knowledge of the essential Latin forms, grammar, syntax, and vocabulary from which so many English words derive.  This aspect of the course will lead to an increased understanding of how Latin and English function, and therefore help our students prepare for the SAT and ACT.  Also, in a highly interactive learning setting the course offers a general introduction to Roman history and culture through text analyses by classical authors.

This class is required for 10^th graders.

Grade 10
Italian: 333  /  Spanish: 335

This is an accelerated course that covers topics in preparation for the Alternate Language Exam that students will take in June. The course offers more complex grammatical and conversational patterns. Students will practice more advanced listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation.

Grade 11
Italian: 332  /  Spanish: 334

Students learn to use the conditional and subjunctive as well as grammatical structures studied previously for:

1. Reading comprehension for information as well as pleasure.
2. Impromptu conversation using listening and speaking skills.
3. Original written expression in the form of compositions.
4. Alternate Language Exam preparation.

Cultural study is continued in a multi-media approach.

Grade 11
Italian: 343  /  Spanish: 354

Students will further strengthen their foundation in grammar and syntax. Readings, conversations and written assignments will be based on some of the major language authors. Students will use appropriate vocabulary and learn ways to address different audiences. The successful completion of the course will lead students into college-level study in senior year. Students are required to complete a summer reading assignment.

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation.

Grade 12
344

This course is an advanced conversation and composition course designed for students who wish to perfect their language skills. Grammar, conversation, written assignment, and reading based on the works of several major authors from Italy, Spain and Latin America.  

Qualifying students may take the course for St. John’s University credit.

Students pursuing the St. Joseph’s College Child Study Pathway can take this class for college credit.

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation.