Modern & Classical Languages

Modern & Classical Languages

The demanding process of mastering the four skills of a language: listening, speaking, reading, and writing, encourages personal discipline and cooperative learning. The struggle to understand and express ideas in a non-native tongue encourages risk-taking, self-awareness, patience, a sense of humor, sympathy, and tolerance. Students will comprehend, analyze, and respond to texts and experiences in a creative and reflective way, gaining a critical perspective on their own culture in relation to other cultures. The study of a non-native language is fundamental to Marist students' life long endeavor to understand, evaluate, and fulfill, in word and deed, their responsibility to the world community and to value the dignity and integrity of all people.

Courses

List of 32 items.

  • AP Spanish Language for Heritage Speakers (SP902)

    This three-term course is designed to prepare qualified students to take the Advanced Placement Examination in Spanish. It is comparable in scope and in content to a third-year college advanced Spanish composition and conversation course. A high degree of competency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing is enhanced through recording on laptops, oral reports, dramatized presentations, correct use of grammar, creative compositions, and readings in culture and literature. The Advanced Placement Examination is required in May (fee to be announced annually). This course is geared for native and heritage speakers of Spanish.

    Prerequisite: Honors Spanish IV (SP401) or Honors Spanish IV for Heritage Speakers (SP402). Student placement into this course is determined by the department.
  • Fundamentals of Language (FD101: Grade 7)

    This one-term course in the Modern & Classical Languages Department strengthens essential skills and concepts in English as a solid foundation for studying a second language at Marist School. Fundamentals of Language supplements the English curriculum in grammar, vocabulary, and reading – occasional overlap is natural and welcome – but focuses in addition on syntax (parts of speech, sentence structure) and word formation (bases, prefixes, suffixes). At the same time, Fundamentals of Language anticipates concepts and terminology encountered in world language classes and offers students a history of the English language.
  • Chinese Language and Culture A (HU410: Grades 9-12)

    This one-term course aims to develop students’ basic understanding of Chinese culture and language with themes and subjects relevant to people’s daily lives. Topics in Chinese A will include introductory personal information, family relationships, animals and pets, traditional Chinese festivals, country/languages and sports. The course will emphasize beginning skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing through a variety of activities and opportunities for student interaction.

    This course counts as an elective, not toward the language graduation requirement.
  • Chinese Language and Culture B (HU510: Grades 9-12)

    This one-term course is designed as a continuation of Chinese A. Students will expand their vocabulary, understand fundamental grammatical principles, read simple text, use common structural phrases, write short compositions, and hold basic daily conversation. Various cultural activities are incorporated into the language curriculum. Topics in Chinese B will include Chinese food, date and time, schooling, and housing.

    Prerequisite: Chinese Language and Culture A (HU410). This course counts as an elective, not toward the language graduation requirement.
  • Chinese Language and Culture C: (HU610: Grades 9-12)

    This one-term course is designed as a continuation of the language skills acquired in Chinese A and Chinese B. Students will increase their proficiency in reading and listening comprehension, conversional production, and writing ability. Students will leave the course with a broader vocabulary, more effective communication skills, and improved proficiency with typing Chinese characters on computers. Culture and history studies are integrated into the course to facilitate and supplement learning. Topics in Chinese C will include Chinese food, clothing, shopping, communications, and weather.

    Prerequisite: Chinese Language and Culture B (HU510). This course counts as an elective, not toward the language graduation requirement.
  • French I (FR101)

    This three-term course is an introduction to the study of French. No previous knowledge is expected. Students will learn and practice the four skills necessary to acquire a second language (listening, speaking, reading, and writing). Pronunciation, spelling, vocabulary, and grammar are taught progressively. Emphasis is placed on the relevance of the language to a student’s own life. Students are encouraged to communicate in French. This course also strives to expand students’ cultural horizons: students learn about the culture of France and of the French-speaking world. They are encouraged to draw parallels and contrasts with their own culture. In addition to the textbook, workbook, and the integrated video program, students take advantage of online resources and materials created by the teacher.

    Typically not recommended for 12th grade students.
  • French II (FR201)

    This three-term course begins as a review of basic vocabulary and structure learned in French I. It further develops listening and speaking but emphasizes the grammatical structures underlying both spoken and written French.  Students continue to study the cultures of different areas of the French-speaking world.

    Prerequisite: French I (FR101) or placement exam
  • French III (FR301)

    This three-term course expands the listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills acquired in French I and II using diverse forms of media and technology and extensive pair and group work. Students continue to learn how to express themselves in multiple time frames. Students also begin to study the finer distinctions of language use. Students will deepen their understanding of French and francophone culture through readings, realia, and research.

    Prerequisite: French II (FR201)
  • Honors French III (FR302)

    Honors French III follows French II (FR201). This yearlong course immerses students in using and understanding French in a variety of situations. Intensive building of thematic vocabulary and idiomatic expressions enables students to express themselves more accurately. Students prepare for their fourth year of French study through an in-depth study of grammatical structures of the language. Students in this course are expected to communicate in French.

    Prerequisite: French II (FR201). Student placement into Honors French III is determined by the department.
  • Honors French IV (FR401)

    This three-term course further develops the four basic skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening comprehension). The course is organized around themes (vacations, education, holidays, work, relationships, etc.) through which the study of culture continues. A variety of media such as newspaper articles, short stories, and movies is used in the exploration of these themes. There is a systematic review of grammar, and students learn to write essays in French. This course is conducted in French, and students are expected to speak French.

    Prerequisite: French III (FR301) or Honors French III (FR302). Teacher recommendation is required.
  • AP French Language (FR901)

    This course further develops students’ level of proficiency in interpretive communication (reading, listening), interpersonal communication (writing, speaking) and presentational skills (writing, speaking), and deepens their understanding of the French-speaking world. The course incorporates interdisciplinary topics and addresses the six themes of the AP exam: Global Challenges, Science and Technology, Contemporary Life, Personal and Public Identities, Families and Communities, and Beauty and Aesthetics. A variety of authentic audio, visual, and written materials is used including resources from Francophone websites and publications. Classes are conducted exclusively in French. AP French is an interactive course in which students are expected to speak French at all times. The Advanced Placement (AP) Examination is required in May (fee to be announced annually).

    Prerequisite: Honors French IV (FR401). Teacher recommendation is required.
  • Honors French V (FR501: Grades 11-12)

    This course further develops students’ level of proficiency in interpretive communication (reading, listening), interpersonal communication (writing, speaking) and presentational skills (writing, speaking) and deepens their understanding of the French-speaking world. The course incorporates interdisciplinary topics and addresses the six themes: Global Challenges, Science and Technology, Contemporary Life, Personal and Public Identities, Families and Communities, and Beauty and Aesthetics. A variety of authentic audio, visual, and written materials is used including resources from Francophone websites and publications. Classes are conducted exclusively in French. French Honors V is an interactive course in which students are expected to speak French at all times. French Honors V and AP French students might be mixed in the same class but graded differently. Students are not required to take the AP French exam at the end of the school year.

    Prerequisite: Honors French IV (FR401). Teacher recommendation is required.
  • German I (GE101)

    This three-term course is designed to achieve competence in both spoken and written elementary German. Audio-visual materials and an oral/aural approach emphasize listening and speaking skills. Writing in German is developed, encompassing basic grammar structures of the German language. Geography, traditions, and contemporary lifestyles of the German-speaking peoples are presented through accompanying DVD programs and films.

    Typically not recommended for 12th grade students.
  • German II (GE201)

    This three-term course builds on the vocabulary and grammar structures studied in German I. Emphasis continues to be on the development of listening and speaking skills and the study of grammatical structures underlying both spoken and written German. Reading and writing skills are further developed through the use of cultural readings and directed through short compositions. The study of contemporary Austria, Germany, and Switzerland is enhanced through the accompanying DVD program and through films.

    Prerequisite: German I (GE101) or placement exam
  • German III (GE301)

    This three-term course further refines the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing acquired from German I and German II. Authentic German literature is presented which centers around contemporary issues. The readings are supplemented with materials from the internet, recordings, and films. The student reviews and continues the acquisition of grammatical structures for both spoken and written German. In class discussions, oral presentations, and in writing assignments, attention is given to the development of the spoken as well as the written language.

    Prerequisite: German II (GE201)

     
  • Honors German III (GE302)

    Honors German III follows German II (GE201). This yearlong course immerses students in using and in understanding German in a variety of situations. Intensive building of thematic vocabulary and idiomatic expressions enables students to express themselves more accurately. Students prepare for their fourth year of German study through an in-depth study of grammatical structures of the language. Students in this course are expected to communicate in German.

    Prerequisite: German II (GE201). Student placement into Honors German III is determined by the department.
  • Honors German IV (GE401)

    This three-term course further develops the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Through the media of film and original texts students explore topics relating to the culture, literature, history, music, and art of the German speaking countries.

    Prerequisite: German III (GE301) or Honors German III (GE302). Teacher recommendation is required.
  • AP German Language (GE901)

    This three-term course is designed as an advanced study of German language and culture with the primary objective of preparing students for the AP German Language and Culture Exam in May. Success in the course enables students to communicate proficiently in the German language through three modes: interpretive, presentational, and interpersonal. The course incorporates a variety of authentic materials as well as resources from German websites and publications which are organized around six thematic units: Families and Communities, Contemporary Life, Personal and Public Identities, Science and Technology, Global Challenges, and Beauty and Aesthetics. The culture of German-speaking countries is explored in both contemporary and historical contexts. The Advanced Placement (AP) Examination is required in May (fee to be announced annually).

    Prerequisite: Honors German IV (GE401). Teacher recommendation is required.
  • Latin I (LT101)

    This three-term course introduces the fundamentals of the Latin language through lively stories grounded in authentic cultural contexts. Basic vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar are introduced through translation, recitation, and composition. The study of English words and phrases derived from Latin is an integral component of the course.

    Typically not recommended for 12th grade students.
  • Latin II (LT201)

    This three-term course further develops the vocabulary and reading skills gained in Latin I. The continuous story line springs from the cultural, political, and historical context of the early Roman Empire. Students read and analyze increasingly challenging passages concerning Rome and the provinces. Latin composition and the study of English words derived from Latin, with a particular focus on bases and prefixes, are integral components of the course. Students research in depth some aspect of Roman culture.

    Prerequisite: Latin I (LT101) or placement exam
  • Latin III (LT301)

    This three-term course further refines the student’s grasp of the Latin language through readings and recitations of passages from Latin authors such as Martial, Catullus, and Ovid. In addition to continued practice in grammar, students learn how to analyze authentic texts within their cultural, historical, political, and literary context.

    Prerequisite: Latin II (LT201) or placement exam.
  • Honors Latin III (LT302)

    Honors Latin III follows Latin II (LT201). This yearlong course further refines the student’s grasp of the Latin language through in-depth readings and recitations of passages from Latin authors such as Martial, Catullus, Ovid, Caesar, and Vergil. In addition to intensive practice in grammar and composition, students learn how to analyze modified and authentic texts within their cultural, historical, political, and literary context. They will study the history of Latin literature. Each student will investigate one author in depth.

    Prerequisite: Latin II (LT201). Student placement into Honors Latin III is determined by the department.
  • Honors Latin IV (LT401)

    This three-term course further develops the experienced student’s ability to read and interpret authentic Latin texts in such areas as mythology, Christian and medieval literature, and history. Topics, readings, and projects vary year to year. The students’ portfolio will include recordings, essays, and projects. Opportunities to develop leadership skills include the Latin Mass and the Mythopaloosa.

    Prerequisite: Latin III (LT301) or Honors Latin III (LT302). Teacher recommendation is required.
  • Honors Latin V (LT501)

    Honors Latin V: Explorations in Latin Literature (LT501)
    This three-term course further develops the experienced student’s ability to read and interpret authentic Latin texts in such areas as mythology, Christian and medieval literature, and history. Topics, readings, and projects vary year to year. The students’ portfolio will include recordings, essays, and projects. Opportunities to develop leadership skills include the Latin Mass and the Mythopaloosa. This course is for students who have completed Honors Latin IV (LT 401) or AP Latin (LT903) and wish to continue their study of Latin with a yearlong focus on literature in several periods and genres. Reading selections vary.
    Prerequisite: Honors Latin IV (LT401) or AP Latin (LT903).
  • AP Latin Vergil and Caesar (LT903)

    This three-term course prepares students for the Advanced Placement Examination in Vergil and Caesar. Students translate, analyze, discuss, and interpret selected passages from Vergil’s epic, the Aeneid, and Julius Caesar’s commentaries, De Bello Gallico. Students investigate the literary and political context of each work. A basic knowledge of Greek and Roman mythology is assumed, including the events and characters featured in Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey. The Advanced Placement (AP) Examination is required in May (fee to be announced annually).

    Prerequisite: Honors Latin III (LT302) or Honors Latin IV (LT401). Teacher recommendation is required.
  • Spanish I (SP101)

    This three-term course is designed to introduce Spanish linguistic competency in four key areas: listening, reading, speaking and writing. Additionally, the course builds cultural awareness of Spanish-speaking nations and people throughout the world.  The grammatical concepts presented in this course provide students the opportunity to develop the ability to narrate in the present.

    Typically not recommended for 12th grade students.
  • Spanish II (SP201)

    This three-term course is a review of basic vocabulary and grammatical structures learned in Spanish I. There is further development of listening, reading, speaking and writing skills through an oral/aural/visual approach. The grammatical concepts presented in this course provide students the opportunity to develop the ability to narrate in the past. Contemporary Spanish culture and history are presented through videos, readings, and Spanish realia from the internet.

    Prerequisite: Spanish I (SP101) or placement exam

     
  • Spanish III (SP301)

    This three-term course expands the listening, reading, speaking and writing skills acquired in the previous two years of Spanish through the use of a variety of oral/aural activities such as listening to taped recordings of conversational Spanish, directed question and answer drills, and dialogue presentations. The grammatical concepts presented in this course provide students the opportunity to refine their linguistic competency as well as develop the ability to narrate using the subjunctive.  Videos and readings about Hispanic culture and history, presented in Spanish, help to enhance vocabulary. Students are expected to speak Spanish in class.
     
    Prerequisite: Spanish II (SP201)
  • Honors Spanish III (SP302)

    Honors Spanish III follows Spanish II (SP201). This yearlong course immerses students in using and in understanding Spanish in a variety of situations. Intensive building of thematic vocabulary and idiomatic expressions enables students to express themselves more accurately. Students prepare for their fourth year of Spanish study through an in-depth study of grammatical structures of the language. Students in this course are expected to communicate in Spanish.

    Prerequisite: Spanish II (SP201). Student placement into Honors Spanish III is determined by the department.
  • Honors Spanish IV (SP401)

    This three-term course more thoroughly integrates the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking in a culture and conversation format. Students participate in in-class discussions, make oral presentations, listen to authentic recordings and write reports and journals in Spanish based on original texts related to Spanish and Latin American culture, civilization, literature, and art. This course is designed as a pre-AP course focusing on the AP themes in each unit along with current events in the Spanish-speaking world.

    Prerequisite: Spanish III (SP301) or Honors Spanish III (SP302). Teacher recommendation is required.
  • Honors Spanish IV for Heritage Speakers (SP402)

    This three-term course more thoroughly integrates the four skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking in a culture and conversation format. Students participate in in-class discussions, make oral presentations, listen to authentic recordings, and write reports and journals in Spanish based on original texts related to Spanish and Latin American culture, civilization, literature, and art. This course is designed as a pre-AP course focusing on the AP themes in each unit along with current events in the Spanish-speaking world. This course is geared for native and heritage speakers of Spanish.

    Prerequisite: Spanish III (SP301) or Honors Spanish III (SP302). Student placement into this course is determined by the department.
  • AP Spanish Language (SP901)

    This three-term course is designed to prepare qualified students to take the Advanced Placement Examination in Spanish. It is comparable in scope and in content to a third-year college advanced Spanish composition and conversation course. A high degree of competency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing is enhanced through recording on laptops, oral reports, dramatized presentations, correct use of grammar, creative compositions, and readings in culture and literature. The Advanced Placement Examination is required in May (fee to be announced annually).

    Prerequisite: Honors Spanish IV (SP401). Teacher recommendation is required.

Modern and Classical Languages Department

List of 13 members.

  • Photo of Colleen Penn

    Mrs. Colleen Cogan Penn 05

    Modern & Classical Languages Department Chair
  • Photo of Jessica Askins

    Mrs. Jessica Askins 

    Teacher
  • Photo of Erica Buchanan

    Mrs. Erica Buchanan 

    Teacher
  • Photo of Frederic Dulson

    Mr. Frederic Dulson 

    Teacher
  • Photo of Margrit Gillespie

    Ms. Margrit Gillespie 

    Teacher
  • Photo of Lian Lu

    Mrs. Lian Lu 

    Teacher
  • Photo of Susanne Marier

    Mrs. Susanne Marier 

    Teacher
  • Photo of Thomas Marier

    Mr. Thomas Marier 

    Teacher
  • Photo of Marcos Perez

    Mr. Marcos Perez 

    Teacher
  • Photo of Anne Washington Saunders

    Dr. Anne Washington Saunders 

    Teacher
  • Photo of Trisha Urrea

    Mrs. Trisha Urrea 

    Teacher
  • Photo of Samuel Vernhes

    Mr. Samuel Vernhes 

    Teacher
  • Photo of Pamela Villafane

    Ms. Pamela Villafane 

    Teacher

Marist School

3790 Ashford Dunwoody Road, NE
Atlanta, GA 30319-1899
(770) 457-7201
An Independent Catholic School of the Marist Fathers and Brothers