World Languages

Through the exploration of language and culture, students develop an understanding of themselves and the world around them. Knowing multiple languages may also result in opportunities in the job market and in all aspects of society.

Student writing Spanish sentence on white board

World Languages are elective courses, however most universities prefer three credits of a single language or two credits each of two different languages. Hoban offers four levels of study in Spanish, French, Latin and Italian. An additional level is offered in Spanish and French for qualified students who have had previous language experience. Students have the opportunity to earn Dual Credit in some advanced level courses of Spanish, French and Latin. Students are encouraged to continue the same language over successive years.

World Languages Courses

Spanish I

This is an introductory course with an emphasis on communication. Students will learn the basic structures of the language and common usage vocabulary. Grammar and vocabulary will be presented and practiced through text and workbook assignments that focus on the skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking. Cultural topics will also be explored, so that students begin to understand and appreciate both similarities and differences between their own culture and the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. The use of technology (iPads, the Internet, etc.) will be integrated as a tool for presenting information, practicing language skills and accessing cultural information.

Two Semesters Credit: 1 Unit Course No: 061101

Advanced Spanish I

This is an advanced course for above average freshmen. There is an emphasis on understanding and speaking Spanish. Students learn the basic structure of the language and common usage vocabulary through continual conversational practice and homework assignments. Grammar and vocabulary will be introduced in context and acquired through direct reading and writing with the use of visuals to reinforce and to evaluate proficiency in Spanish. Culture and customs of the people from the countries where Spanish is spoken will be presented on an informal basis by viewing and creating videos pertaining to topics studied as well as using the Internet to compare and contrast.
Prerequisite: Students must take a placement exam in order to be considered for this course.
Two Semesters Credit: 1 Unit Course No: 061103

Spanish II and Honors Spanish II

Building on the structures in the first level, continual emphasis in class is given to understanding and speaking Spanish. Grammar and common usage vocabulary will be expanded through directed reading, writing, and homework assignments. A more formal approach to culture is begun. Students will use the Internet and other resources to obtain information and report their findings to the class. The iPad is utilized as a tool for presenting information, practicing language skills, and accessing information.
To enroll in Spanish II, students must have a teacher recommendation based on the student’s ability to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts from Spanish I. To enroll in Honors Spanish II a student must have a teacher recommendation, based upon students’ work ethic, participation and grades.
Two Semesters Credit: 1 Unit Course No: 061202 / 061203

Spanish III and Honors Spanish III

Advanced courses reinforce the understanding and speaking skills from the earlier levels of Spanish and provide continued emphasis for independent use of the language through comprehension of speaking, listening, reading and writing in Spanish. A more formal approach to grammar is presented along with the introduction to the reading of short stories, novels, and poetry. Students study the history and culture of Spain and Latin America. The iPad is utilized as a tool for presenting information, practicing language skills and accessing information on cultural topics.

To enroll in Spanish III, a student must have a teacher recommendation and demonstrate an understanding of the content of Spanish I and Spanish II. ACC Honors Spanish III requires a teacher recommendation based upon students’ grades, work ethic, and participation in Spanish II.

Three Advanced College Credits (ACC) are available for ACC Honors Spanish III students. To receive (ACC), students must meet eligibility criteria, complete course requirements, and pay tuition according to the policies and procedures established by St. Louis University. Families are responsible for this cost. ACC credits transfer to many universities. Check with each university regarding their policies regarding transfer credits.

Prerequisite: Grades 11 and 12. Teacher recommendation.

Two Semesters Credit: 1 Unit Course No: 061301 / 061302

Honors Spanish IV

This advanced level course is offered to students who have successfully completed Spanish III or Honors Spanish III with a B average or better and have a teacher recommendation. Emphasis is given to exclusive use of Spanish in class. There is an emphasis on developing communication skills focusing on writing and speaking, in order to prepare students for advanced study at the university level through discussions, and readings of literary and historical material. Students will use a variety of technology tools to master their understanding. They will continue to develop their writing skills through weekly journal assignments.
Prerequisite: Grades 11 and 12. Teacher recommendation.
Two Semesters Credit: 1 Unit Course No: 061402

Honors Spanish V

French I

In this introductory course to the study of French, students begin to develop the abilities to speak, read, write, and listen in French. In addition to textbooks, multi-media is used to enhance the students’ introduction to the French language and culture. Students learn to research information through the use of authentic materials by accessing the Internet, and creating presentations. Students learn about French speaking people in various parts of the world. By studying similarities and differences, the students begin to understand people from a different culture and develop communication skills.
Two Semesters Credit: 1 Unit Course No: 062101

French II and Honors French II

Building on the structures learned in French 1, students continue to develop their listening and speaking skills through further study of linguistic structures and vocabulary. More emphasis is placed on reading about cultural and contemporary people and events. Writing skills are developed through guided paragraphs and the creation of PowerPoint presentations. Students use e-textbooks, multi-media and websites. Speaking is encouraged as French is used more in class. To enter the honors section, a student must have a teacher recommendation.
Two Semesters Credit: 1 Unit Course No: 062201 / 062203

French III and Honors French III

Students develop intermediate-level reading, writing and speaking skills. Short literary excerpts, cultural readings and websites are used to strengthen reading skills. The course develops students’ writing skills through continued study of grammar, guided paragraphs and presentations. French is used in class for discussions as well as grammatical explanations. To enter the honors section, a student must have a teacher recommendation.
Two Semesters Credit: 1 Unit Course No: 062301 / 062302

Honors French IV

Students develop advanced reading, writing and speaking skills. French is used solely in class. Students study more complicated readings from French literature, newspapers, magazines and website articles. Writing skills are advanced through activities and advanced grammar studies. Listening skills are heightened through the use of videos, news clips, TV shows, etc.
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation
Two Semesters Credit: 1 Unit Course No: 062402

Honors French V

Latin I

This course is an introduction to the Latin language, history and culture of ancient Rome, with particular focus on the cities of Pompeii and Alexandria. Language structures are learned by the reading method. Grammatical features in this course include morphology of nouns, active verbs in four tenses and two moods, adjectives, pronouns, dependent clauses and participles. Emphasis is on basic vocabulary, translation and comprehension as a preparation for the ultimate goal of reading classical Latin literature.
Two Semesters Credit: 1 Unit Course No: 063101

Latin II

During the first semester of this course, the reading and comprehension skills developed in Latin I are reinforced and expanded. The historic and cultural focus will be Roman Britain and life in the city of Rome. New grammar includes dependent subjunctive clauses, passive verbs, indirect statements, gerunds and gerundives. During the second semester, students will begin the transition to unadapted Latin readings. Prerequisite: Latin I Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation
Two Semesters Credit: 1 Unit Course No: 063202

ACC Honors Latin III and ACC Honors Latin IV

Honors Latin III and Honors Latin IV are advanced courses in Latin language and literature. Grammar and vocabulary are reviewed and extended. Literature content alternates from year to year. Prose readings may include selections from Phaedrus, Eutropius, Caesar, Sallust, Cicero, Pliny, or Livy; poetry readings include selections from Ovid, Vergil, Catullus, Martial and Horace.

Advanced College Credit (ACC) Honors Latin III students may earn three college credits. ACC Honors Latin IV students may earn six college credits. To receive ACC, students must meet eligibility criteria, complete course requirements, and pay tuition according to the policies and procedures established by St. Louis University. Families are responsible for this cost. ACC credits transfer to many universities. Check with each university regarding their policies regarding transfer credits.

Two Semesters Credit: 1 Unit Course No: 063301 and 063401

Italian I

Beginning Italian is an introductory course for freshman, sophomore and junior students. The emphasis is on understanding and speaking the Italian language. It aims to help learners use Italian effectively in situations they may encounter, whether on a visit to Italy or when meeting Italians in this country. Students will learn basic vocabulary and the structure of the language and will practice it in class and in homework assignments. Grammar and vocabulary will be introduced through the use of a textbook, workbook, oral presentation, directed reading and writing assignments as well as through the use of technology, such as the iPad and Smartboard. The culture and customs of the Italian people will be informally presented.
Two Semesters Credit: 1 Unit Course No: 064101

Italian II

Italian III and Honors Italian IV

These courses are designed to reinforce previous concepts and expand on them. Speaking, reading, writing and listening skills will be deepened. Students will expand their cultural knowledge through readings, website research and presentations. They will be encouraged to read short stories, poetry and other present-day Italian materials. Italian is used in class for discussions and grammar explanations. Teacher recommendation is required.
Two Semesters Credit: 1 Unit Course No: 064303 / 064401

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