Modern Language
Program
Marymount’s requirements are guided by the University of California requirements. Each student is required to complete 6 semesters of language through the third year of French or Spanish.
French and Spanish have adopted an active approach for the development of practical communication skills. All language skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—are emphasized, but oral communication is the primary goal in the required courses and in classes. In Advanced Placement classes, greater emphasis is placed on college-bound skills such as reading, analyzing and interpreting literature and other authentic sources, as well as creative and critical writing.
Honors/AP Program
Advanced students may apply for admission to the Honors/AP Program of French or Spanish II, III, French IV/Advanced Placement Language or Spanish IV/Advanced Placement Language and Spanish V/Advanced Placement Literature. Criteria for placement include previous excellence in French/Spanish courses and teacher recommendation. The Honors/AP Program develops fluency in all skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking) by requiring more oral presentation, higher-level readings and more advanced writing.
Department Policies
Students are encouraged to communicate with their teachers, counselors, and family in order to make the best scheduling decisions possible for their individual needs. If a student does not meet the prerequisites for a particular course at the end of first semester, they may submit an appeal at the third quarter if they have shown significant progress. Appeal forms may be obtained by request from the Department Chair. Likewise, if a student no longer qualifies for a class at the end of the second semester, they may be removed from the class.
-
year course
open to grades 9, 10, 11 and 12
French I introduces basic grammar, everyday vocabulary and expressions, and correct pronunciation. Our program offers elementary reading selections and an introduction to the Francophone world. The communication of French by the teacher and the students is the primary goal. This course focuses on the four primary skills of listening, reading, speaking, and writing in the target language. This course is conducted almost entirely in French.
-
year course
open to grades 9, 10, 11 and 12
- prerequisite:
- French I or placement test equivalency
French II is a continuation of French I. It continues with basic skills, and introduces more complex grammar study and usage, and expands vocabulary and expressions. Oral presentations, written compositions, and directed conversations are further developed. Intermediate readings and French culture are studied. The constant use of French by the teacher and the students is the primary goal. This course is conducted almost entirely in French.
-
year course
open to grades 9, 10, 11 and 12
- prerequisites:
- A French I or placement test equivalency
French II is a continuation of French I. It continues with basic skills, and introduces more complex grammar study and usage, and expands vocabulary and expressions. Oral presentations, written compositions, and directed conversations are further developed. Intermediate readings and French culture are studied. The constant use of French by the teacher and the students is the primary goal. This course is conducted almost entirely in French. The Honors Program covers the regular course material with more detail, including more comprehensive assessments, compositions, and oral presentations. The Honors Program provides students with more time for the practice of their language skills in simulated situations. Students read supplemental materials and proceed at an accelerated rate.
-
year course
open to grades 9, 10, 11 and 12
- prerequisite:
- French II or placement test equivalency
French III is a continuation of French II, but marks a pivotal stage in which students are expected to move beyond memorization to create and express their own ideas. The study of grammar is complemented with additional practical and literary vocabulary. Written and oral skills are further developed. More advanced reading selections are introduced. The scope of French culture is broadened. This course is conducted entirely in French.
-
year course
open to grades 9, 10, 11 and 12
- prerequisites:
- A French II
- B+ French II Honors
- or placement test equivalency
French III is a continuation of French II, but marks a pivotal stage in which students are expected to move beyond memorization to create and express their own ideas. The study of grammar is complemented with additional practical and literary vocabulary. Written and oral skills are further developed. More advanced reading selections are introduced. The scope of French culture is broadened. This course is conducted entirely in French. The Honors Program covers the regular course material with more detail, including more comprehensive assessments, compositions, and oral presentations. The Honors Program provides students with more time for the practice of their language skills in simulated situations. Students read supplemental materials and proceed at an accelerated rate.
-
year course
open to grades 11 and 12
- prerequisites:
- French III OR
- French III Honors
This course seeks to develop language skills that are vital for active communication in real-life situations as well as the study of French culture and customs. In order to produce projects that encourage conversation, students recognize and use a variety of language structures and vocabulary. This course is conducted entirely in French.
-
year course
open to grades 11 and 12
- prerequisites:
- A French III
- B+ French III Honors
This course seeks to develop language skills that are vital for active communication in real-life situations as well as the study of French culture and customs. In order to produce projects that encourage conversation, students recognize and use a variety of language structures and vocabulary. This course is conducted entirely in French. The Honors Program covers the regular course material with more detail, including more comprehensive assessments, compositions, and oral presentations. The Honors Program provides students with more time for the practice of their language skills in simulated situations. Students read supplemental materials and proceed at an accelerated rate.
-
year course
open to grades 11 and 12
- prerequisites:
- A French III
- B+ French III Honors
The AP French Language and Culture Course Description published by The College Board determines the content of this course. The course is intended for students in their fourth and fifth year of study of French. It emphasizes the use of the French language to improve the oral communication and also help the students to develop the ability to speak and understand the language in a variety of contexts. This course also engages students to explore the different cultures of French speaking countries. When communicating, students demonstrate an understanding of the culture(s), incorporate interdisciplinary topics (Connections), make comparisons between the native language and the target language and between culture (Comparisons), and use the target language in real-life settings (Communities). Special emphasis is placed on the use of authentic source materials and the integration of language skills. Therefore, students receive extensive training in combining listening, reading, and speaking (or listening, speaking, and writing) skills in order to demonstrate understanding of authentic French-language source materials.
-
year course
open to grades 9, 10, 11 and 12
Spanish I introduces basic grammar, everyday vocabulary, expressions, and appropriate pronunciation. Our digital program VOCES offers a multifaceted learning experience and an introduction to the vast Spanish-speaking world. Students not only read, but also view videos, and hear recordings from authentic sources. They learn to record their own oral responses as well. The use of Spanish by the teacher is a primary goal so that students learn naturally via comprehensive input. This course focuses on building vocabulary and understanding basic grammar and sentence structure so that students can imitate, produce, and create in the target language. This course is conducted almost entirely in Spanish.
-
year course
open to grades 9, 10, 11 and 12
- prerequisite:
- Spanish I or placement test equivalency
Spanish II is a continuation of Spanish I. It continues with basic skills, introduces more complex grammar study and usage, and expands vocabulary and expressions. Oral presentations, written compositions, and directed conversations are further developed. Students continue their exploration of readings and other materials about Spanish and Latin American culture. Exclusive use of Spanish by the teacher and the students is a primary goal. This course is conducted almost entirely in Spanish.
-
year course
open to grades 9, 10, 11 and 12
- prerequisite:
- A Spanish I or placement test equivalency
Spanish II is a continuation of Spanish I. It continues with basic skills, introduces more complex grammar study and usage, and expands vocabulary and expressions. Oral presentations, written compositions, and directed conversations are further developed. Intermediate readings and Spanish and Latin American culture are studied. Exclusive use of Spanish by the teacher and the students is a primary goal. This course is conducted almost entirely in Spanish. The Honors Program covers the regular course material with more detail, including more comprehensive assessments, compositions, and oral presentations. The Honors Program provides students with more time for the practice of their language skills in simulated situations. Students read supplemental materials and proceed at an accelerated rate.
-
year course
open to grades 9, 10, 11 and 12
- prerequisite:
- Spanish II or placement test equivalency
Spanish III is a continuation of Spanish II, but marks a pivotal stage in which students are expected to move beyond memorization to create and express their own ideas in Spanish in written and oral projects. The study of grammar is complemented with additional practical and literary vocabulary. Written and oral skills are further developed. More advanced reading selections are introduced. The scope of Spanish and Latin American culture is broadened. This course is conducted entirely in Spanish.
-
year course
open to grades 9, 10, 11 and 12
- prerequisites:
- A Spanish II
- B+ Spanish II Honors
- or placement test equivalency
Spanish III is a continuation of Spanish II, but marks a pivotal stage in which students are expected to move beyond memorization to create and express their own ideas in Spanish in written and oral projects. The study of grammar is complemented with additional practical and literary vocabulary. Written and oral skills are further developed. More advanced reading selections are introduced. The scope of Spanish and Latin American culture is broadened. This course is conducted entirely in Spanish. The Honors Program covers the regular course material with more detail, including more comprehensive assessments, compositions, and oral presentations. The Honors Program provides students with more time for the practice of their language skills in simulated situations. Students read supplemental materials and proceed at an accelerated rate.
-
year course
open to grades 11 and 12
- prerequisites:
- Spanish III OR
- Spanish III Honors
This course seeks to develop and enhance language skills that are vital for active communication in real-life situations in the Spanish-speaking world. Through the study of grammar, vocabulary, and the Spanish and Latin American culture and customs, students learn and enhance their overall knowledge of the Spanish language. Conversational Spanish is emphasized along with correct grammar usage. The straightforward review and study of grammar, verb tenses, and conjugations aids in producing and creating language. A deeper appreciation for Hispanic culture will be cultivated via experiences in literature, poetry, music, art, and dance. This course is conducted entirely in Spanish.
-
year course
open to grades 11 and 12
- prerequisites:
- A Spanish III
- B+ Spanish III Honors
This course seeks to develop and enhance language skills that are vital for active communication in real-life situations in the Spanish-speaking world. Through the study of grammar, vocabulary, and the Spanish and Latin American culture and customs, students learn and enhance their overall knowledge of the Spanish language. Some key components include acquiring the ability to hold an in-depth conversation in Spanish, increasing knowledge of Spanish-speaking countries, and defending opinions on a variety of topics while using a vast array of vocabulary and grammar. A fast paced review of grammar and vocabulary previously introduced will help to cultivate conversations in Spanish. The straightforward review and study of grammar, verb tenses, and conjugations aids in producing and creating language. This will enable students to improve their Spanish-speaking skills and develop a deeper appreciation for Hispanic culture, which will be cultivated via experiences in literature, poetry, music, art, and dance. This course is conducted entirely in Spanish.
-
year course
open to grades 10, 11 and 12
- prerequisites:
- A Spanish III
- B+ Spanish III Honors
The AP Spanish Language and Culture course description published by the College Board determines the content of this course: "In today's global community, competence in more than one language is an essential part of communication and cultural understanding. Study of another language not only provides individuals with the ability to express thoughts and ideas for their own purposes but also provides them with access to perspectives and knowledge that are only available through the language and culture. The three modes of communication (interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational) defined in the Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century are foundational to the AP Spanish Language and Culture course. The AP Spanish Language and Culture course takes a holistic approach to language proficiency and recognizes the complex interrelatedness of comprehension and comprehensibility, vocabulary usage, language control, communication strategies, and cultural awareness. The AP Spanish Language and Culture course strives to promote both fluency and accuracy in language use and not to overemphasize grammatical accuracy at the expense of communication. The course is taught in the target language."
-
year course
open to grades 11 and 12
- prerequisite:
- B+ AP Spanish Language and Culture
The AP Spanish Literature and Culture course is intended to be the equivalent of a third-year college Introduction to Hispanic Literature course. It centers on the reading, understanding, and written analysis of 34 literary works selected by the College Board. The works on the required reading list represent various genres, historical periods, literary movements, geographic areas, and population groups in the Spanish-speaking world. Many Latin American and peninsular Spanish stories have a teenage protagonist dealing with difficult problems recognized by our students living in a transition between childhood and adulthood. All students will take the Advanced Placement exam in May in lieu of a final exam. This course is conducted entirely in Spanish.
