- OVERVIEW
- ADMISSIONS
- ACADEMICS
- Faculty
- Diploma Requirements
- Honors Level Courses
- Course Offerings
- Art
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- Language Other Than English
- Leadership
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- Mathematics
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- Performing Groups
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- Religious Studies
- Science
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- College Credit Program
- SAT Prep/College Visit Program
- Principal’s List/Honor Roll
- National Honor Society
- SPIRITUALITY
- STUDENT LIFE
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- THE ARTS
- ATHLETICS
- ALUMNAE
- GIVING
176-21 Wexford Terrace
Jamaica Estates, NY 11432
Phone: 718-297-2120
Fax: 718-739-0037

Language Other Than English
The Language Other Than English Department strives to help each student attain a high degree of proficiency in the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. The department fosters an interest in and an appreciation for the geography, history, literature and cultural aspects of the country/civilization of the target language.
The Mary Louis Academy requires students to take 3 years in a Language Other Than English, and the Comprehensive Regents Examination needed for a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation.
Please note: Usually a student beginning Level I of a Language Other Than English in Freshman year, must take that language for the remaining 2 credits.
Students who have been exposed to a second language whether at home or in a school setting must take a placement examination.
Advanced Placement courses are offered in all four languages and college credit courses are offered in Italian and Spanish.
Each of the following courses earns one credit.
Latin I
711 Latin 1
This course presents the structure of Latin, its basic forms and syntax. Points of grammar are presented in the context of simple Latin selections such as familiar fairy tales, biographical sketches and playlets. The study of Latin vocabulary highlights the influence of Latin on other foreign languages and on English. Readings in Latin and English acquaint the student with the history, culture, myths and legends of the Romans.
Latin II
712 Latin II
The work of Latin I is reviewed and new grammar and forms are introduced. In addition to the continued study of word derivation, students are introduced to more complex sentence structure and are taught to apply this knowledge in improving their own writing skills. Students read selections from Latin literature with an emphasis on the works of Julius Caesar. The life and times of this great leader as well as his influence on modern civilization are examined.
PREREQUISITE: Latin I
Latin III
713 Latin 3; 716 Latin 3H
In this course the student is exposed to pertinent works of Cicero revealing him as a man, politician and philosopher. His writings and those of other authors present an insight into the political, social and economic life of that epoch in Roman History. The scope of the course is a survey of government and literature from the third century B.C. through the Middle Ages. Both Latin and English readings are used in this course. Preparation for the Comprehensive Regents Examination is as integral part of this course.
PREREQUISITE: Latin II
Latin Advanced Placement
717 AP Latin
This course will emphasize a continued examination of grammar, as well as encompassing reading, study and interpretation of Latin literature in the original text, with a focus on Virgil in preparation for the AP Examination.
Students taking the course are required to take the AP Examination. (The cost of the examination is assumed by the student.)
PREREQUISITE: Latin III Regents and Departmental Approval
French I
721 French 1
The development of speaking, listening, reading and writing skills is stressed at this beginning level through an integrated program of classroom lessons, tapes and supplementary cultural information. Students are introduced to the history, culture and civilization of France.
French II
722 French 2
The work of French I is continued in order that the student may achieve greater confidence and proficiency in communication and writing skills. Students will continue the study of French culture, history and civilization. PREREQUISITE: French I - or its equivalent
French III
723 French 3; 726 French 3H
This course aims at an intensification of the skills introduced and developed in Levels I and II, with further development of more difficult grammar points. There is an emphasis on vocabulary building, reading comprehension and composition. Preparation for the Comprehensive Regents Examination is an integral part of this course. An introduction to French Literature is also included along with further study of the history, culture and civilization of France.
PREREQUISITE: French II - or its equivalent
French Advanced Placement
727 AP French
This course begins with a review of grammar emphasizing the more difficult constructions. Conversational skills are stressed through oral presentations and discussion of every day historical and cultural topics and reading materials. An in depth study of French history, culture and civilization will include French Literature, Art and Music. Students taking the course are required to take the AP Examination. (The cost of the examination is assumed by the student.)
PREREQUISITE: French III Regents and Departmental Approval
Italian I
731 Italian 1
The development of speaking, listening, reading and writing skills is stressed at this beginning level through an integrated program of classroom lessons, tapes and supplementary cultural information. Students are introduced to the history, culture and civilization of Italy.
Italian II
732 Italian 2
The work of Italian I is continued in order that the student may achieve greater confidence and proficiency in communication and writing skills. Students will continue the study of Italian culture, history and civilization.
PREREQUISITE: Italian I - or its equivalent
Italian III
733 Italian 3; 736 Italian 3H
This course aims at an intensification of the skills introduced and developed in Levels I and II, with further development of more difficult points of grammar. There is an emphasis on vocabulary building, reading comprehension and composition. Preparation for the Comprehensive Regents Examination is as integral part of this course. An introduction to Italian Literature is also included along with further study of the history, culture and civilization of Italy.
PREREQUISITE: Italian II - or its equivalent
Italian IV
738 Italian 4 Honors
This course includes a review of grammar emphasizing the more difficult constructions. Conversational skills are stressed through oral presentations and discussion of every day historical and cultural topics and reading materials. An in depth study of Italian history, culture and civilization will include Italian Literature, Art and Music. PREREQUISITE: Italian III Regents and Departmental Approval
Spanish I
741 Spanish 1
The development of speaking, listening, reading and writing skills is stressed at this beginning level through an integrated program of classroom lessons, tapes and supplementary cultural information. Students are introduced to the history, culture and civilization of Spain.
Spanish II
742 Spanish 2
The work of Spanish I is continued in order that the student may achieve greater confidence and proficiency in communication and writing skills. Students will continue the study of Latin American culture including Mexico and the Caribbean.
PREREQUISITE: Spanish I - or its equivalent
Spanish III
743 Spanish 3; 740 Spanish 3H
This course aims at an intensification of the skills introduced and developed in Levels I and II, with further development of more difficult points of grammar. There is an emphasis on vocabulary building, reading comprehension and composition. The culture and civilization of Spain and the Spanish speaking countries of the Western Hemisphere are highlighted. Preparation for the Comprehensive Regents Examination is as integral part of this course.
PREREQUISITE: Spanish II - or its equivalent
Spanish IV Honors
744 Spanish 4H
A comprehensive study of Hispanic/Latino topics, as well as worldwide current events and issues, which requires students to use all their second language skills in Spanish. Included in the course are Hispanic/Latino literature, history, music, art and customs. Regular computer use and internet research are required, as well as an independent project each trimester.
PREREQUISITE: Spanish III Regents and Departmental Approval
Spanish Language Advanced Placement
745 AP Spanish
This course includes a review of grammar emphasizing the more difficult and challenging points of advanced grammar and vocabulary.
The course is conducted in Spanish. Students are required to produce speaking samples on tape as part of the preparation for the speaking portion of the AP Examination. Students taking the course are required to take the AP Examination. (The cost of the examination is assumed by the student.)
PREREQUISITE: Spanish III Regents and Departmental Approval
Spanish I Accelerated
751 Spanish
This course is designed for the student who exhibits fluency in speaking Spanish. The emphasis will be on the development of writing and reading Spanish. There will also be study of the Latino/Hispanic culture. Preparation for the Comprehensive Regents Examination is as integral part of this course. A Placement Test is required for admission.
Spanish II Accelerated
752 Spanish
This course is designed for the student who exhibits fluency in speaking and reading Spanish. An extension of 751, emphasis is on the further development of writing skills as well as an introduction to Hispanic/Latino Literature and Theatre.
PREREQUISITE: Spanish III Regents and Departmental Approval
A Student is required to take both 751 and 752.