Academic Departments
Modern and Classical Languages
The Department of Modern and Classical Languages offers the opportunity for students to learn Latin, French and Spanish while also becoming familiar with the culture of those who communicate in these languages. Such knowledge provides our students with the ability to connect with others from different countries and backgrounds in our multicultural and highly interactive world.
Course Offerings
- French 1, 2, 3, Honors 4
- Spanish 1, 2, 3, Honors 4
- Benilde Spanish 1, 2
- Heritage Spanish 1, 2
- Latin 1, 2, 3
- AP Latin
- AP French Language and Culture
- AP Spanish Language and Culture
- Honors Readings in Spanish
Course Requirements
Students are encouraged to go beyond the two-year requirement in order to be more fully equipped to take their place in our increasingly global society. In order to advance to the upper levels of our language courses, students must show their proficiency by achieving a B average in the courses from level two forward.
Extracurricular Opportunities
- National Honor Societies: Outstanding students may be nominated for and inducted into the French, Latin or Spanish honor societies. Many of these students then serve as peer tutors for underclassmen. These honor societies also offer the opportunity to earn college scholarships.
- Language Clubs: All are welcome to join St. John’s language clubs, where students from every class level gather for service, educational activities, cultural celebrations and the sampling of international foods.
- Spring Break Trips: The Modern and Classical Languages Department sponsors international spring break trips, designed to allow students to perfect their language skills and experience Spanish, French or Latin culture. All St. John’s students have the opportunity to join these trips.
- Service Opportunities: Advanced language students have the opportunity to serve others using their second language. Some join the Amigos de las Americas program, volunteering up to eight weeks of their summer break to perform service projects in Spanish-speaking countries. Others use their language skills to volunteer with local parishes and other community centers.
Languages Faculty
List of 10 members.
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Marlene Nahas
Department Chair, Modern and Classical Languages; Honors Spanish 4, Heritage Spanish 2202-363-2316 x1924José Matías Delgado University - B.A.
The University of the West Indies - B.A.
The University of the West Indies - M.Phil. -
Randi Butler
French 2, 3, Honors French 4, AP French Language and Culture202-363-2316 x1930University of Arkansas - B.S.I.B.
University of Arkansas - M.A. -
Victoria Guerra
Spanish 2, French 1202-363-2316Universidad de Buenos Aires - M.A.
Universidad de San Andrés - B.A. -
Amy Kemper-Moore
AP Spanish Language and Culture, Benilde Spanish 1, 2202-363-2316 x1928College of Saint Benedict/St.John’s University - B.A.
American University - M.A.
Georgetown University - M.S. -
Irene Murphy
Lasallian Animator; Latin 1, 2, 3202-363-2316 x1926Loyola University Maryland - B.A.
Catholic University - M.A. -
Shannon O'Laughlin
Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs; Honors Spanish 4202-363-2316 x1004Mount Saint Mary College - B.A.
University of Maryland - M.A. -
Dan Pier
Spanish 2, 3202-363-2316 x1826University of Notre Dame - B.A.
Harvard University - Ed.M. -
Stephen Salkeld
Spanish 3, Honors Readings in Spanish202-363-2316 x1976Johns Hopkins University - B.A. -
Taylor Sims
Spanish 1, 2, Benilde Spanish 1202-363-2316 x1931Appalachian State University - B.A. -
Paola Toquica
Spanish 1, Heritage Spanish 1202-363-2316Universidad de La Sabana, Colombia - B.A.
