Loyola’s Foreign Language Department offers students the opportunity to broaden their cultural and linguistic horizons through courses in French, Spanish, and Latin (online). Students are required to complete at least two years of the same language. Our program includes French I–IV, AP French; Spanish I–IV, AP Spanish; and Latin I–III, AP Latin, providing a comprehensive pathway for students to develop fluency and cultural understanding.
French I (CP) – 8th – 12th
1.0 credit
Prerequisite: none
French I introduces students to basic vocabulary and elementary structures of grammar, as well as cultural aspects of France and other French-speaking countries. The skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing are emphasized, through the use of taped exercises, and programs on TV5.
French II (CP) – 9th – 12th
1.0 credit
Prerequisite: French I
French II, a continuation of French I, emphasizes vocabulary acquisition and continued mastery of basic and more advanced grammatical constructions. The skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing are emphasized, as well as the development of an appreciation of French culture. Prerequisite is French I or a passing grade on a proficiency test administered by Loyola or a state school system.
French III (Honors) – 9th – 12th
1.0 credit
Prerequisite: French II
French III, an honors elective, helps students toward proficiency by using more complex grammatical structures and vocabulary. Cultural and historical information is presented in reading selections of increasing difficulty. Students write short essays and view French videotapes and online news programs to improve the skills of writing and listening comprehension.
French IV (Honors) – 10th – 12th
1.0 credit
Prerequisite: French III
French IV, an honors elective, continues to explore all aspects of the French language by working on the skills of speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing. Vocabulary and grammar are emphasized through a variety of short reading selections. The textbook, Trésors du Temps is used, which combines an overview of French history with grammar and vocabulary. Students continue to use online news programs and French movies to improve listening comprehension skills.
French V (AP) – 11th – 12th
1.0 credit
Prerequisite: French IV
French V AP is designed to prepare students to perform well on the AP French Language and Culture exam. Emphasis is placed on composition, vocabulary, speaking, and listening comprehension. Students present short exposes and write several compositions each quarter, as well as using online sources and French movies to improve listening comprehension skills.
Note: Most students who complete French III, IV or V at Loyola usually receive from three to nine hours of college credit, depending on the university attended.
Latin I (CP) – 9th – 12th
1.0 credit
Online through APEX Virtual School
Latin I introduces students to elementary grammatical forms, basic vocabulary, and syntactic structures. Students practice translating simple sentences and narratives of extended prose. In the process of learning the mechanics of Latin grammar, the principles by which sentences are organized, and the influence of Latin on the Romance languages and English, students also become familiar with major events in Roman history and with the importance of the Roman Empire as a foundation for Western civilization.
Latin II (CP) – 10th – 12th
1.0 credit
Online through APEX Virtual School
Prerequisite: Latin I
Latin II further explores and deepens the foundations in the Latin language and Roman culture that began in Latin I. The second-year course emphasizes the importance of the verb system, expands basic vocabulary, and broadens understanding of Roman culture. Students read Latin of increasing difficulty but do so through a continuing process of engaging principles of grammar and syntax. In addition, students learn about Roman political institutions and become familiar with important writers and thinkers of the Classical period.
Latin III (CP) – 11th – 12th
1.0 credit
Online through APEX Virtual School
Prerequisite: Latin II
Honors Latin III strengthens students’ control of elements of grammar and syntax through readings of ancient authors that are progressively less adapted by modern editors. By the end of the course students will have a rigorous grasp of analytical principles that are applied to Latin and are also intended to help in future language studies. While becoming more familiar with major Roman authors, students also engage topics of political, cultural, and social history in the context of Roman civilization. Upon successful completion of Honors Latin III, students are prepared to begin the AP Latin course.
Latin IV (CP) – 12th
1.0 credit
Online through APEX Virtual School
Prerequisite: Latin III
AP Latin is a course of intensive readings in authors on which the AP Latin exam focuses. At present these authors are the poet Vergil and the great writer of Classical prose, Julius Caesar. Readings from these authors continue to exercise and expand the procedures of analysis students have practiced since beginning their study of Latin. Literary and stylistic analyses are designed to sharpen students’ grasp of Latin texts as they are experienced in the language of the poets and prose writers. Historical and cultural connections continue to be emphasized. Course work in AP Latin also has the consistent goal of preparing students to do well on the AP Latin exam.
Spanish I (CP) – 8th – 12th
1.0 credit
Prerequisite: none
Spanish I establishes a foundation in elementary Spanish through the study of essential vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. Culturally, students explore the Spanish-speaking world through geography and major holidays. At the end of the course, students should be able to communicate (listen, speak, read, and write) in basic, present-tense Spanish.
Spanish II (CP) – 9th – 12th
1.0 credit
Prerequisite: Spanish I (from Loyola College Prep or middle school)
Spanish II builds on the foundation set in first year. Culturally, students will learn about contributions from Spanish-speaking people in the areas of history, art, music, sports, and religion. At the end of the course, students should be able to narrate basic past and future events, as well as communicate more complex information about present events, in Spanish.
Spanish II (Honors) – 9th – 12th
1.0 credit
Prerequisite: Spanish I (from Loyola College Prep or middle school)
This course builds on the foundations set in Spanish I. This course is designed for highly motivated students who have shown proficiency and talent in language learning, and are interested in further developing their knowledge of the language and culture. Students will explore grammar, vocabulary, and cultural topics in more depth than the Spanish II regular offering. The class is conducted mostly in Spanish, and by the end of the course students should be able to narrate basic past and future events, as well as communicate more complex information about present events, in Spanish. After this course students will be ready to continue in Honors Spanish III.
Spanish III (Honors) – 10th – 12th
1.0 credit
Prerequisite: Spanish II
Spanish III, an honors elective course, continues to deepen students’ knowledge of Spanish language in the areas of culture, grammar, and vocabulary. Students comprehend more advanced reading passages and are expected to write compositions. Fluency in conversation continues to be emphasized. At the end of the course, students should be able to communicate with ease about past, present, future, and uncertain events, in Spanish.
Spanish IV (Honors) – 11th – 12th
1.0 credit
Prerequisite: Spanish III
Spanish IV, an honors elective course, consists of a thorough review of Spanish grammar, balanced with rigorous exercises in conversation and composition. The variety of levels in the course allows students to learn from each other as well as the teacher.
Spanish V (AP) – 12th
1.0 credit
Prerequisite: Spanish IV
Spanish V AP is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Spanish Language examination. The students will consolidate their skills of narration, description, exposition and hypothesis on different topics. The students will engage in readings, conversations, composition, and research projects. Emphasis will be placed on the mastery of Spanish grammar, idiomatic expressions, and expansion of vocabulary.