World Languages Department FRENCH • GERMAN • SPANISH
Overview The World Languages Department offers four-year sequential programs in French, German, and Spanish. There is a range of classes for all ability levels, including Advanced Placement offered in French, German, and Spanish. The commitment of the depart-ment members to excellence in instruction and respect for students combines to achieve a positive climate of mutual growth and acceptance. Our goal is to enable our students to develop language proficiency in speaking, listening, reading comprehension and writing skills.
Foreign Exchanges The school has exchanged with schools in France, Germany and Spain. Exchanges give our students exposure to the culture and spoken language that is unavailable in the classroom. These valuable experiences have allowed our students to form close friendships throughout the world. The school enthusiastically supports these varied and important programs. Students also have ample opportunities to travel. Countries visited in recent years include Costa Rica, England, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Spain and Scotland.
World Languages Selection Selection of a world language to study is one of the most important academic choices you will make for your freshman year at John Carroll. We recommend that you think carefully as you make your selection. Below are some points to consider. World Languages Graduation Requirement: As a graduation requirement, you must complete at least 3 consecutive years of the same language. Language Choices: We are proud of the fact that we support three different language programs; it is part of what makes John Carroll unique. Over the years, we have seen the powerful impact of success in world languages at the college level and beyond. Several graduates have built upon the skills developed here and now serve our country around the world as diplomats.
How should you choose? Some of the following are adapted from the website of The School of Languages at the University of Maryland: •
One way is to choose a language spoken in a society or country that attracts you or otherwise seems special or unusual. That sounds simple, but it’s enough of a reason. You will find that even in the early stages of learning one of these languages, you will gain a lot of insight into the culture.
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Another way is to think about what you might do with the language. French and German are two of the dominant languages of Europe and are spoken in many places around the world; they are important in commerce and diplomacy. In addition to being one of the two major languages of continental Europe, French is also the official language of over 20 African countries and of organizations ranging from the International Olympic Committee to the United Nations to NATO. German is the second-most commonly-required language for an academic career in the humanities. Spanish is the second most widely-spoken language in our country and there are career opportunities all over the nation for bilingual speakers.
Placement Tests Students with experience (at least one full year) in a world language should take one of the placement tests listed below. Please contact the World Languages Department Chair, Ms. Cathy Edge, cedge@johncarroll.org, with questions.
World Languages Placement Tests - Occur in the spring, dates will be communicated when acceptance packets go out.
Students need to bring a #2 pencil to the test. The tests last approximately 1 – 1.5 hours. Students do NOT need to sign up ahead of time.
For More Information www.johncarroll.org
World Languages Department Chair Ms. Cathy Edge • cedge@johncarroll.org
Director of Admissions Edward Maynard ’93 • 410.838.8333 x2062 • emaynard@johncarroll.org