World Languages
From the time Marian opened her doors, the foreign languages have always had a prominent place in our academic curriculum. Through the study of foreign languages, Marian students obtain a more concrete understanding of their own language. They also recognize the importance of having an in-depth knowledge of other languages in their ever-shrinking world. The study of languages is also quite necessary for global economics. They obtain an appreciation of the culture and history of other nations and examine the contributions of those nations whose cultures have ultimately influenced the United States. For practical purposes, many Marian students are encouraged to study four years of a language since they may receive advance standing at colleges or universities that require credits in foreign languages. The most important factor, however, in the study of any language is the thinking process of the student herself. This is the most important activity since the whole purpose of education is to instill within the student the ability to think for herself.
The three languages taught at Marian are Spanish, French and Latin. Each of these languages has been important in the foundation of the United States. The evidence of Spanish in our culture is immediately found in the names of so many of our cities: San Francisco, Los Alamos, Las Cruces and El Paso. The modern influx of Hispanics into the United States also highlights the benefits of studying Spanish. The French culture is still preserved in Louisiana and in other states with city names such as Des Moines, Des Plaines and Fond du Lac. Would there be a United States without Lafayette? In addition, the very foundations of our government, formulated by classically educated men, such as Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and James Madison, are based on the Roman republic. With a basis in these three languages, Americans begin to gain a deeper understanding of their culture and government.
The study of World Languages at Marian encourages diversity and allows its students to develop an appreciation for different cultures, so that Marian girls can continue to be leaders in a rapidly expanding, global society.
Course Offerings
Latin I
Latin II
Honors Latin III
Honors Latin IV
French I
French II
Honors French III
Honors French IV
*Student generated French Club website
Spanish I
Spanish II
Honors Spanish III
Honors Spanish IV
Honors/AP Spanish V