A Message from Al DiMauro, Head of Marian’s Foreign Language Department:

From the time Marian opened her doors, the foreign languages have always had their 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, and that the study of languages is 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. As a very practical reason, 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 oneself.

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 enhances the benefits of studying Spanish.  The French culture is still preserved in Louisiana and in other states with names such as Des Monies, 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.

Since the world is progressing into a global society, it is important to acknowledge the significance of studying foreign languages and as an educational institution Marian has always been, and will continue to be, a leader in providing the best education to its students.

Foreign Language Department: Al DiMauro, Denny Hoy, Mark Koesters, Deisy Nicholson, Lynn Scott, Janet Tuttle and Heather Wiseman.

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 web site

Spanish I

Spanish II

Honors Spanish III

Honors Spanish IV
Honors/AP Spanish V