Modern and Classical Languages

Introduction
Bellarmine offers four modern and classical languages that fulfill graduation requirements: French, Latin, Mandarin, and Spanish. Students are required to study two years of the same foreign language. With the understanding that language is the essential tool of communication, the emphasis of our program will focus on the mastery of the four basic skills of language: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. While these skills are important, they are, in fact, the mechanics of any language. We hope to convey, through exposure to other cultures, the beauty of diversity, the creativity of humanity, and the joy of expanded cultural awareness. In French, Spanish and Mandarin, classes are conducted almost entirely in the target language starting with the second year of instruction. It is the goal of the department to ensure that after completion of the second year, students are able to communicate in the second language at a basic level, both orally and in writing, and to have an understanding of the countries where the language is spoken.

Honors Program
Bellarmine offers Spanish 3 Honors, 4 AP & 5 AP, French 4 AP, Latin 3 Honors and 4 AP, and Mandarin 3 Honors and 4 AP. To take these courses, students must receive a minimum grade of an A- in recommending courses (see individual course descriptions). In addition to these minimum grades, a student must receive a satisfactory score on the placement exam and obtain a teacher recommendation. When recommending a student for AP and Honors courses, teachers base their decisions on the students grasp and application of grammatical concepts, oral ability and participation, written work, and proven motivation and interest in advanced language study. Students must maintain a minimum grade of B- to remain in these courses.