The World Language Department of Villa Maria recognizes the need for all students to be able to communicate with the global community with cultural competence and understanding. Students must study at least 3 consecutive years of one language (French, Latin, or Spanish), although most students choose to continue their language studies beyond this requirement. The study of a second world language is also available as an elective.
Language Acquisition
The course of study provides the opportunity to meet all aspects of language learning, with an emphasis on interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication. The culture-centered curriculum and learning environment encourage risk-taking and promote problem-solving skills, while cultivating interculturality and global citizenship.
Cultural Competence
Students learn to communicate, explore, and connect across cultures in order to foster attitudes of mutual understanding and respect. They use the language to investigate, explain, and reflect on the relationship between practices, products, and perspectives of the cultures studied and their own.
Authentic Experiences
Students are encouraged to apply their language skills in the classroom setting and beyond. Language is studied in context via authentic, real-life resources, and meaningful experiences so that students become better informed citizens of the world. Opportunities for students to travel and practice the language and culture are provided both locally and abroad.
Language Clubs
The French, Latin, and Spanish Language Clubs promote excellence in the study of world languages and cultivate an interest in and deeper understanding of the history and culture of countries around the world. Membership in each club is open to all interested students.
Language Honor Societies
Villa Maria offers a number of honor societies that recognize overall academic achievement in world languages.
- French Honor Society. The French Honor Society promotes excellence in the study of French, and cultivates interest in the history and culture of French-speaking countries.
- Latin Honor Society. The Latin Honor Society deepens the students’ understanding of the Latin Language and the Roman Civilization that is the foundation of our own.
- Spanish Honor Society. The Spanish Honor Society promotes excellence in the study of the Spanish language and encourages interest in the culture and history of Spain and Latin America.
World Language Department Faculty
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Mrs. Dianne Goddard
Chair
Ext. 1410
B.A. French
Rosemont College
M.B.A. Marketing; Concentration: International Marketing
Villanova University
-
Ms. Nicole Gargiulo
Ext. 1140
B.S. Spanish
Millersville University
M.Ed. Spanish
West Chester University
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Ms. Belen Medina-Mendoza
Ext. 1103
B.A. Pre-Med and Psychology
University of Puerto Rico and Interamerican Univesity
M.Ed. Bilingual/Bicultural Education
Lehigh University
M.Ed. Instructional Technology (in progress)
DeSales University
-
Dr. Anthony Tribit
Ext. 1035
B. A., French and Spanish
Gettysburg College
M.A. Romance Languages
University of Oregon
Ph.D. Romance Languages
University of Oregon
-
Ms. Katlyn Yost
Ext. 1312
B.S. Secondary Education World Language; Classical Languages and Literature
Temple University
M.A. Classical Studies (In Progress)
Villanova University
Course Sequence
Languages are assigned by level, not grade. Students are required to complete three consecutive levels of a world language for graduation.
| GRADE 9 | GRADE 10 | GRADE 11 | GRADE 12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spanish 1 | Spanish 2 | Spanish 3 (CP, H) | Spanish 4 (CP, H) Spanish 5 (H) AP Spanish Language & Culture Honors Spanish for Health Care Professionals |
| French 1 | French 2 | French 3 (CP, H) | French 4 (CP, H) French 5 (H) AP French Language & Culture |
| Latin 1 | Latin 2 | Latin 3 (CP, H) | Latin 4 (H) AP Latin |