The goal of the Justin-Siena World Languages Department is for students to communicate effectively in a second language and to engage in the global community. With classes conducted entirely in the target language of French or Spanish, students practice the four basic language skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening, with a special emphasis on every student speaking in the target language during every class. Students gain experiences designed to connect language and culture, both inside and outside of class. They make connections to art, literature, history, and religion. By the third and fourth years of language study, students are confident in communicating with native speakers, can read literature and contemporary texts from newspapers and magazines, and analyze (orally and in writing) current social, economic, cultural, and political issues in countries where the target language is spoken.
World Languages Placement
Native speakers and students with previous coursework in languages other than English may take advanced classes. To place higher than Level I in French or Spanish, students need to take the Justin-Siena Challenge Test in the respective language.