International Languages Department

The major goal of French I is to offer the student the opportunity to acquire a strong foundation in the French language. This foundation will enable the student to further the mastery of the four basic components of the French language and French culture. These components include listening, speaking, reading and writing French. This goal will be achieved by a variety of means including activities that demand student application and participation, lectures, journal writing, listening activities, written and oral exams. Level I will focus on the present tense and high frequency vocabulary.

In addition to using the skills learned in French I, students will further develop the four basic components of language study: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The passé compose (past tense) will be introduced in French II. They will also expand their knowledge of French-speaking countries throughout the world and of traditional holidays celebrated in France and Quebec.

In addition to the foundations from the preceding French courses, students’ acquisition of the language is progressively achieved through a variety of means. All aspects of learning are emphasized. Particular attention to written and oral proficiency is addressed by means of activities in class, chapter projects, and culturally appropriate field trips. French III focuses on multiple verb tenses throughout the year.

French IV is an advanced class. The majority of the class is conducted in French. Conversational skills, several genres of literature, and upper level grammar are the focal points of the year. The students’ mastery/acquisition of all learning skills will provide them with a solid foundation for real world situations.

The major goal of Spanish I is to offer the student the opportunity to acquire a strong foundation in the Spanish language. This foundation will enable the student to further the mastery of the four basic components of the Spanish language and introduce the Hispanic culture. These components include listening, speaking, reading and writing Spanish. This goal will be achieved by a variety of means including activities that demand the student’s application and participation, lectures, journal writing, listening activities, written and oral exams. Spanish I will focus on the present tense and high frequency vocabulary.

In addition to using the skills learned in Spanish I, students will further develop the four basic components of language study: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Spanish II will focus on the present tense but will introduce the preterit and imperfect tenses.

In addition to the foundations from the preceding Spanish courses, students’ acquisition of the language is progressively achieved through a variety of means. All aspects of learning are emphasized. Particular attention to written and oral proficiency is addressed by means of activities in class and chapter projects. Spanish III focuses on multiple verb tenses throughout the year.

Spanish IV is an advanced class. The majority of the class is conducted in Spanish. Conversational skills, several genres of literature, and upper level grammar are the focal points of the year. The students’ mastery/acquisition of all learning skills will provide them with a solid foundation for real world situations.

Latin is the “mother tongue of the Church” and is the root of the romance languages. This course will introduce students to the basic components of the Latin language. This includes listening, speaking, reading and writing Latin. In addition, students will gain an understanding of the Roman family. Latin I will focus on the present tense and the case system word functions. If enough students take Latin I (minimum 10), Pius will commit to offering Latin II the following year.

In addition to using the skills learned in Latin I, students will further develop the four basic components of language study: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Latin II will focus on the present tense but will introduce the past and future tenses. In addition to studying the difference between passive and active verbs, the class will also study the cultural influences of ancient warfare and Roman mythology.

Students will continue to develop their proficiency and skills in each of the four communication domains: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Latin III will focus on the present, past, future, and perfect tenses. Students will add to their knowledge of Latin verbs which builds on the previous two years of study. Thisyear will develop understanding of early Christianity and Biblical Latin. As they progress through the year, students will understand the importance of Christianity on antiquity and the response of the ancient peoples to Christianity. They will read selections from Scripture in Latin as well as other adaptations of early Christian writing.

Latin IV is an advanced class. Students will work on a semi-independent level doing comparative reading and analysis of original Latin texts spanning Ancient Rome and the Western medieval tradition. Students’ work will prepare them for careful reading and listening throughout their lives as well as give them a foundation in rhetorical skills necessary for educated discourse in academics, politics, and day-to-day life.