Foreign Language
Villa Maria Academy offers Latin, French and Spanish as core-curriculum subjects. Honors and Academic classes utilize the same textbook; however, Honors classes learn the language at a faster pace and are expected to demonstrate a greater proficiency in the use of the target language. All first and second year classes are offered at the Honors or Academic level. Third and fourth year classes are taught only on the Honors level.
REQUIREMENTS: 2 consecutive years of the same Language.
ARTICULATION AGREEMENT WITH GANNON UNIVERSITY: Upon matriculation at Gannon University, students can earn 3 credits in Latin (LAT 111) when they earn a B (85%) or better in Latin 1 H, Latin 2 H, Latin 3 H and Latin 4 H. Students can earn 2 credits in Spanish (SPAN 111) when they earn a B(85%) or better in Spanish 1 H, Spanish 2 H, Spanish 3 H and Spanish 4 H.
FRENCH 1 A # 1314 Grade levels:9-12 Credit: 1.0
FRENCH 1 H # 1364
This course introduces the student to the French language and francophone cultures. A foundation is laid in this course through the formation of basic reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Book work, group work, and creative assignments reinforce vocabulary and grammar in a meaningful context.
FRENCH 2 A # 2314 Grade levels:10-12 Credit: 1.0
FRENCH 2 H # 2364
This course reinforces basic vocabulary and structures learned previously. It also builds on grammatical concepts and expands the vocabulary base. Students continue to improve their speaking and comprehension of French. More information is provided on the history and art of francophone countries.
Prerequisite for French 2 A: French I
Prerequisite for French 2 H: 85% in French 1 H or 93% in French 1 A or teacher approval.
FRENCH 3 H # 3364 Grade levels:11-12 Credit: 1.0
This course is designed for the serious and motivated student who wishes to further develop and deepen their skills and knowledge in French language and literatures. A variety of topics and activities will expand the student’s vocabulary and grammatical skills. Selected literary and artistic works will enhance the student’s knowledge of and appreciation for French culture and language.
Prerequisite: 85% in French 2 H or 93% in French 2 A or Department approval.
LATIN 1 A # 1324 Grade levels:9-12 Credit: 1.0
LATIN 1 H # 1354
This course is a complementary approach of traditional and audio-lingual methods applied to language skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. While learning basic syntax, the student will also study the culture of the Romans.
LATIN 2 A # 2324 Grade levels:10-12 Credit: 1.0
LATIN 2 H # 2354
This course is a continuation of Latin 1 with emphasis placed on the reading and comprehension of texts, vocabulary acquisition and deepening the student's knowledge of classical culture.
Prerequisite for Latin 2 A: Latin 1
Prerequisite for Latin 2 H: 85% in Latin 1 H or 93% in Latin 1 A or Department approval
LATIN 3 H # 3324 Grade levels:11-12 Credit: 1.0
This course is designed for the serious and motivated student who wishes to further develop and deepen their skills and knowledge in Latin. A wide range of Latin literature is also presented. There is continued emphasis on reading and comprehension, and the interpretation of original literature.
Prerequisite: 85% in Latin 2 H or 93% in Latin 2 A or Department approval.
LATIN 4 H # 4322 Grade level:12 Credit: 0.5
This course is a survey of Latin literature from the 3" century B.C. up to and including the Era of the Pax Romana. Authors will include Sulpicia, Catullus, Martial, Virgil, Ovid, Horace, Pliny the Younger, Petronius, extracts from The Vulgate Bible, and Cicero's Letters. Students will learn about the cultural and political development of Rome through a close reading of original texts, perfect their translation skills, and enhance their appreciation for, and knowledge of, the many profound connections between classical and modern western culture.
Prerequisite: 85% in Latin 3 H or Department approval.
SPANISH 1 A # 1334 Grade levels:9-12 Credit: 1.0
SPANISH 1 H # 1344
A proficiency approach to the language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing Spanish through the study of basic patterns and structures. A variety of activities will be used to expand and explore the student's knowledge of the Spanish language and the Spanish-speaking world.
SPANISH 2 A # 2334 Grade levels:10-12 Credit: 1.0
SPANISH 2 H # 2344
This course is a continuation of first year study with emphasis on language structure. Daily life events are presented along with interesting cultural insights to introduce new and current vocabulary and structures.
Prerequisite for Spanish 2 A: Spanish 1
Prerequisite for Spanish 2 H: 85% in Spanish 1 H or 93% in Spanish 1 A
SPANISH 3 H # 3334 Grade levels:11-12 Credit: 1.0
This course is designed for the serious and motivated student who wishes to further develop and deepen their skills and knowledge in Spanish. A variety of activities and topics will expand student vocabulary and grammar skills. Audiotapes will help develop listening skills. Selected literary and artistic works will be used to expand knowledge of grammar, culture, and history of Spanish-speaking countries.
Prerequisite: 85% in Spanish 2 H or 93% in Spanish 2 A or Department approval.
SPANISH 4 H # 4342 Grade level:12 Credit: 0.5
Vocabulary and grammar will be expanded through dialogues, tapes, and songs. More emphasis will be placed on writing and spontaneous speech using directed writings and skits, then expanding to more original projects. Grammar and pronunciation topics will be covered through oral and written activities. Literary and artistic works will be used to expand knowledge of grammar and culture. Prerequisite: 85% in Spanish 3 H or Department approval.