Foreign Language

The AMHS Foreign Language Department is comprised of three languages: Spanish, Italian, and French. Each language is offered for a minimum of three years, with New York State Regents exams given at the end of the third year.

In addition to the three years of languages, our department has also developed Spanish, Italian, and French level IV classes and Advanced Placement Spanish for those seeking to continue studies in the Spanish Language and plan for college credits.

In all our classes, we emphasize the four tenets of a language; reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The students present dialogues, write creative stories, read famous foreign literature, and study the basics of grammar for that language. The students are also taught about the various foreign cultures and countries, which encompass our world.

All students entering Albertus Magnus High School are required to take a language. It is encouraged to have least three credits in a language for college. Those students who are currently taking Spanish are allowed the opportunity to try and place into a Spanish level II class in 9th grade. Students interested would need a teacher’s recommendation from their grade school and a passing grade on the Albertus Spanish Placement test, which is given in May.

Spanish I- This course is an introduction to the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, with an emphasis on oral communication. Students will be introduced to facts and concepts regarding the countries and people of the Spanish-speaking world. This course can be used for a Regents sequence

Spanish II-This course includes further development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills with an emphasis on oral communication. Practical application of the language is stressed and culture study is continued. This course can be used for a Regents sequence.

Spanish III-In this course, basic skills of levels I and II are developed in depth. The NYS Regents syllabus is followed and students conclude with the Regents examination.

Spanish IV-This course is a post-Regents study of the Spanish language and cultures. Students will continue work on their conversational and listening skills. In addition, students will study various Hispanic works of literature and art. Requirement for the class is a passing grade in Spanish III Regents.

Spanish V-This innovative program departs from the traditional approach to conversation and instead used film as the unifying framework. This course will serve not only as a stimulus for advanced conversation but also as an introduction to the world of Spanish and Latin American film. The result is an engaging content-based approach that highlights the richness of Spanish-language cinema and Hispanic culture.

AP Spanish-This is a course for students who wish to become more fluent in the spoken and written language at the advanced level. Cultural patterns of Spain and its people will be addressed. The AP Exam in Spanish will be offered at the end of the course.

French I-This course is an introduction to the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, with an emphasis on oral communication. Students will be introduced to facts and concepts regarding the countries and people of the French-speaking world. This course can be used for a Regents sequence.

French II-This course includes further development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills with an emphasis on oral communication. Practical application of the language is stressed and culture study is continued. This course can be used for a Regents sequence.

French III-In this course, basic skills of levels I and II are developed in depth. The NYS Regents syllabus is followed and students conclude with the Regents examination.

French IV-This course is a post-Regents study of the French language and culture. Students will continue work on their conversational and listening skills. In addition, students will study various French works of literature and art. Requirement for the class is a passing grade in French III Regents.

Italian I-This course is an introduction to the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, with an emphasis on oral communication. Students will be introduced to facts and concepts regarding the country and people of Italy. This course can be used for a Regents sequence.

Italian II-This course includes further development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills with an emphasis on communication. Practical application of the language is stressed and culture study is continued. This course can be used for a Regents sequence.

Italian III-In this course, basic skills of levels I and II are developed in depth. The NYS Regents syllabus is followed and students conclude with the Regents examination.

Italian IV-This course is a post-Regents study of the Italian language and cultures. Students will continue work on their conversational and listening skills. In addition, students will study various Italian works of literature and art. Requirement for the class is a passing grade in Italian III Regents.