World Language

The Notre Dame World Language Program provides students with the essential knowledge and skills to contribute to a global society. The study of a world language enables students to communicate effectively with people of different cultures and to appreciate those cultures, both modern and ancient. By comparing and contrasting similarities and differences between cultures, as well as languages, we prepare students to become informed members of a global society.

Notre Dame High School offers study in four languages: French, Italian, Latin and Spanish. We encourage students to advance their skill beyond the classroom. Extra-curricular clubs, cultural activities, and honor societies enhance the students’ study of the language. Notre Dame World Language teachers offer tutoring and additional help before, during, and after the school day as they are committed to student success. We encourage students to prepare and sit for national language competitions and exams. Students also have independent study options and preparation for the AP Exams and SAT Subject tests offered in the respective languages. Students with prior language education may choose to test into advanced levels. With block scheduling, students have the opportunity to easily study more than one language through their four years at Notre Dame.

"If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head.
If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart."
-Nelson Mandela

French 1

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
This course will acquaint the student with the basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing French. Understanding the cultures and history of the French-speaking people, acquiring vocabulary and constant exposure to the language in the classroom are integral parts of this course. Prerequisite: A placement test is recommended if a student has prior knowledge of French. (NCAA)

French 2

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
Students in French 2 will develop greater fluency in speaking through listening, reading, discussion and writing. An appreciation for the culture and history of France and French-speaking countries will be further developed through stories, films, and other authentic audiovisual materials. Prerequisite: French 1 / A placement test is required for a Freshman to go directly into French 2. (NCAA)

Honors French 3

Honors French 4

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
This college-level course is dedicated to the practical use and rigorous, in-depth study of French. It is intended to broaden and deepen the four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The variety of readings, films, and other practical activities will provide ample opportunity for the student’s use of French, as well as provide rich insights into the people and the culture of France and the French-speaking world. Prerequisite: 85 average in Honors French 3. (NCAA)

Latin 1

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester

This course will provide students with the necessary tools and techniques to read, understand, and write Latin. Most importantly, learning Latin will strengthen students’ English vocabulary, their critical thinking and writing skills, and will raise students’ cultural and historical awareness. Stories from the Cambridge series Latin textbook Unit 1 encourage students to carpe diem in laetitia. Additional instructional apps on a variety of educational platforms augment interactive instructional strategies and traditional worksheets. A placement test for the level 2 course in the language is recommended if a student has prior knowledge of Latin.
(NCAA)

Latin 2

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
This course is designed to increase students’ command of higher-level English vocabulary and enable students to analyze and compare Latin and English grammar. Stories from the Cambridge series Latin textbook Unit 2 take students to Britain and into the ancient city of Alexandria, places where only fortuna fortibus favet. Additional instructional apps on a variety of educational platforms augment interactive instructional strategies and traditional worksheets.
Prerequisite: Latin 1 / A placement test is required for a Freshman to go directly to Latin 2. (NCAA)

Honors Latin 2

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester or 40 Minutes, 2 Semesters
This accelerated Honors course provides students the necessary knowledge of vocabulary and structural uses of Latin to continue with upper-level Latin Honors courses. The Cambridge Latin series textbook Unit 2 takes students to distant Roman provinces where they experience life in Roman Britain and the civilized city of Alexandria. Additional instructional apps on a variety of educational platforms augment interactive instructional strategies and traditional worksheets. The additional grammar, Learn to Read Latin by Yale University, allows students to review and consolidate their mastery of morphology and syntax and furnishes a solid foundation for continuing with Honors Latin 3, following the old adage of aut viam inveniam aut faciam. Prerequisite: Placement by World Language Chairperson based on Latin 1 grades and National Latin Exam scores. (NCAA)

Honors Latin 3

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
This course introduces the student to the more complex forms of Latin syntax. The textbook, Learn to Read Latin (Yale University Press) and accompanying workbook, prepare the diligent student to read and understand authentic writings of Roman authors like Cicero, Vergil, Ovid, or Livy. The Yale grammar is supplemented by readings from Unit 3 from the Cambridge Latin series. Targeted instructional apps on a variety of educational platforms augment interactive instructional strategies and traditional worksheets. With the conclusion of this course, students will be able to continue their Latin studies in college at an advanced level where only non ducor duco will lead them to further success. Prerequisite: Honors Latin 2 or 85 average in Latin 2. (NCAA)

Honors Latin 4

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
This course continues the work of Honors Latin 3. The Yale textbook, Learn to Read Latin, and accompanying workbook, present demanding selections from authentic Latin writings. Numerous workbook exercises enable students to better understand the original Latin selections. The grammar is supplemented by Unit 4 from the Cambridge Latin series and other, authentic readings. Targeted instructional apps on a variety of educational platforms augment interactive instructional strategies and traditional worksheets. With the conclusion of this course, students will be able to continue their Latin studies in college at an advanced level where only finis coronat opus. Prerequisite: 85 average in Honors Latin 3. (NCAA)

Italian 1

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
Italian 1 develops speaking, writing and listening skills through a series of language related activities that focus on the fundamentals of pronunciation, vocabulary, idiomatic expression, and grammar incorporated in basic conversation, reading and writing. Culture is an integral part of the curriculum. As a result, this course creates an awareness about the Italian community as well as the global impact of notable Italians. A placement test for the level 2 course in the language is recommended if a student has prior knowledge of Italian. (NCAA)

Italian 2

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
This course is a continuation of Italian 1 and emphasizes spoken and written Italian. It focuses on the mastery of more complex foundational skills. Students continue to work on pronunciation, vocabulary, idiomatic expression, and grammar. These skills will be developed through conversational partnerships, reading, writing, and films. This course continues to foster an understanding of the global influence of the Italian community and highlights more specific cultural references. Prerequisite: Italian 1 / A placement test is required for a Freshman to go directly into Italian 2. (NCAA)

Italian 3

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
This course expands on the basic Italian language skills and vocabulary introduced in Italian 1 and 2. Advanced Italian grammar and writing are included in the curriculum, but emphasis is placed on the pragmatic application of the target language through oral presentations, projects, videos, and class discussions. Film, short stories, current events, music and travel expose students to Italian life and culture. Students wishing to continue on to Honors Italian 4 may do so with teacher recommendation. Prerequisite: 80 average in Italian 2 or teacher recommendation. (NCAA)

Honors Italian 3

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
A precursor to Honors Italian 4, this course emphasizes increased control and proficiency of the Italian language skills and vocabulary developed in Italian 1 and 2 through audiovisual, conversational, and drill methods. The curriculum includes practical applications of advanced Italian grammar through oral and written presentations and projects. Film, short stories, current events, music and travel expose students to Italian life and culture. Prerequisite: 85 average in Italian 2. (NCAA)

Honors Italian 4

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
Conducted primarily in Italian, this is a demanding course that focuses on discussion and interpretation of historical as well as current cultural and literary texts. Students apply their developed language skills through extensive oral and written expression. Performance assessments, integrated with thematic units are anchored in authentic materials and serve as proficiency evaluations. Students are given the opportunity to compare and contrast their own culture and self-awareness in order to better understand their interactions with others from global communities. Prerequisite: 85 average in Honors Italian 3. (NCAA)

Honors Conversational Italian

2.5 Credits 40 Minutes, 1 Semester
This course presents a practical conversational approach to Italian. Reading and writing will be part of the curriculum, but students will concentrate primarily on developing their listening skills and conversational Italian. Communicating using authentic materials and situations will be the focus of the activities. Students will be required to do presentations and recitations in Italian. This course will be conducted almost exclusively in Italian. Prerequisite: Completion of any level Italian 3 course or teacher recommendation. (NCAA)

Spanish 1

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
This course will acquaint students with the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing Spanish through the use of a variety of authentic materials, and the Descubre Textbook series with its vast array of interactive digital resources. Appropriate analysis of grammatical concepts is used as a means to develop communicative skills and not as an end in itself. Students will also develop an appreciation for the culture and history of Spanish-speaking countries. A placement test for the level 2 course in the language is recommended if a student has prior knowledge of Spanish. (NCAA)

Spanish 2

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
This course will be a continued application of the basic skills acquired in Spanish 1 with an emphasis on speaking, authentic readings, and writing through group learning and simulations using authentic materials, real-life activities, the Descubre Textbook series, and a vast array of interactive digital resources. Authentic videos and research reports help foster students’ appreciation of the cultures and history of Spanish-speaking countries. Prerequisite: Spanish 1 / A placement test is required for a Freshman to go directly into Spanish 2. (NCAA)

Spanish 3

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
This course expands on the basic Spanish language skills and vocabulary introduced in Spanish 1 and 2 and is supplemented by the use of authentic readings. Advanced Spanish grammar and writing are included in the curriculum, but emphasis is placed on the pragmatic application of the target language through oral presentations, projects, videos, and class discussions. Topics in films, short stories, current events, music, and travel expose students to Spanish cultures, history, and Hispanic heritage. Students wishing to continue on to Honors Spanish 4 may do so with the teacher’s recommendation. Prerequisite: 80 average in Spanish 2 or teacher recommendation. (NCAA)

Honors Spanish 3

5 Credits 40 Minutes, 1 Semester
A precursor to Honors Spanish 4, this course will be a demanding, in-depth study of Spanish grammar, crucial to achieving excellence in writing and conversation at the advanced level. Conducted primarily in Spanish, this grammar-intensive course will also stress practical application of the language in the classroom to achieve proficiency in all four language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Supplemental authentic readings will help reinforce the acquisition of these key language skills. Topics in literature, music, the arts, and film will advance students’ command of the language and deepen their understanding of the cultures and heritage of the Spanish-speaking world. Prerequisite: 85 average in Spanish 2. (NCAA)

Honors Spanish 4

5 Credits 80 Minutes, 1 Semester
Conducted almost entirely in Spanish, this is a demanding course that focuses on developing fluency in speaking the language and proficiency in listening, reading, and writing. Tasks are designed to expand vocabulary and develop greater command of the language while mastering test-taking techniques and strategies. Students will be exposed to different genres of Spanish literature, they will listen to and discuss current events and utilize their speaking and writing skills in prepared and extemporaneous oral presentations and compositions. In the target language, students will engage in role-playing activities, real-life language application exercises, discussions, and presentations. Independent authentic readings and preparation are an integral part of this course. Prerequisite: 85 average in Honors Spanish 3. (NCAA)

Honors Conversational Spanish

2.5 Credits 40 Minutes, 1 Semester
This course presents a practical conversational approach to Spanish. Reading and writing will be part of the curriculum; students will concentrate primarily on developing their listening skills and their conversational Spanish, simulating real-life situations, and utilizing authentic sources. Students will be required to do presentations and recitations in Spanish. This course will be conducted almost exclusively in Spanish. Prerequisite: Completion of any level Spanish 3 course or teacher recommendation. (NCAA)

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