Modern Language

Modern Language At Presentation, Modern Language courses invite students into a whole new world each time class begins! Our teachers provide an immersive environment for students to encourage the use of language skills on campus, during educational trips and through community service.

Study Abroad A highlight of the French program is the spring cultural exchange which allows Presentation students to host students from Montpellier for two weeks. Advanced students are able to participate in their own two-week homestay and sightseeing trip to Paris and the South of France.

Rising junior and senior Spanish students have the opportunity to spend two weeks immersing themselves in the language, culture and daily life of Salamanca, Spain. Students experience the sights, smells, tastes and feel of Spain through interactive cultural activities, excursions, city tours and more than 40 hours of expert instruction.

Culture in the Classroom Our French and Spanish classes go far beyond conjugating verbs and memorizing vocabulary. Presentation students have been spotted practicing Latin dance moves, cooking and enjoying dulce de leche, savoring crepes and croquetas, singing rock songs, sharing opinions on famous artwork from French or Spanish speaking countries and laughing or crying over contemporary foreign language films. Teachers emphasize real-life language lessons in the classroom, from bargaining at open-air markets in the courtyard to simulating air travel from the check-in counter to customs.

Faculty Perspective

Sharon Iorgulescu Modern Language Department Chair

“Learning a new language opens our students up to a whole new life. We hope to provide them with cultural awareness and solid language skills to succeed at Pres and well beyond.”

Standard Course of Study

Freshman Year

• French I, Accelerated French I or Spanish I, Accelerated Spanish I • Honors French II or Honors Spanish II

Sophomore Year

• French II or Spanish II • Honors French III or Honors Spanish III

Junior year

• French III or Spanish III

• AP French Language & Culture or AP Spanish Language & Culture

Senior Year • French IV or Spanish IV • Honors French V or AP Spanish Literature & Culture

*Honors/Advanced Placement (Placement is determined by performance on challenge tests).