The Department of Foreign Languages offers modern languages (Spanish, French, Russian, and Turkish) as well as Latin. Emphasis is on proficiency in the acquisition of a second language in terms of the following essential skills: understanding, speaking, reading, and writing. In addition to language acquisition, classes instill global awareness and an appreciation of the culture, values, perspectives, and traditions of other nations and ethnic groups. Teachers interact with students to create a comfortable, non-threatening environment as they work through the challenges of acquiring a third or fourth language.
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Textbooks, language labs, grammar and etymology exercises, translation, and immersion in language are tools teachers use to develop proficiency. Students are placed in different levels based on pre-existing knowledge, interest, ability, and potential. Students are required to reach Level III of any one language for graduation purposes, though higher levels or the study of yet another language are encouraged.
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