Modern Language

The primary goal of the Modern Language Department is authentic communication. Students will use the four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) to achieve proficiency in the language that they are studying. Students actively engage in meaningful conversations, gain knowledge and understanding of other cultures, and learn the value of using a language beyond the classroom.

Course Offerings

List of 18 items.

  • German I

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 9, 10, 11
    Marian and Brother Rice Students

    This course is an introduction to the structure of the German language using the four basic language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing for the early mastery of grammar techniques and conversational patterns. Students are introduced to the cultures of German speakers.
  • German II

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 9, 10, 11, 12
    Prerequisite: German I and teacher recommendation
    Marian and Brother Rice Students

    This course is a continuation of the four basic skills acquired in German I. This course includes a selection of cultural readings and selections in German which contribute to the student’s comprehensive understanding of the German-speaking countries. Students are required to take a national proficiency assessment. 
  • German III

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 10, 11, 12
    Prerequisite: “C+” or above in German II and teacher approval
    Marian and Brother Rice Students

    This course presents advanced components of grammatical structure and is devoted to increasing the student’s oral and written command of the language. The reading of literary and cultural texts is used to introduce the student to textual analysis and exposition. This course is conducted solely in German.
  • German IV

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 11, 12
    Prerequisite: “C+” or above in German III and teacher recommendation
    Marian and Brother Rice Students

    This is an advanced course in the German language with increased emphasis on individual expression through speaking and writing as well as advanced aspects of grammar. Readings include short stories and authentic texts. The course is conducted in German. Students will be required to take a national proficiency assessment.
  • German V

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 12
    4 Prerequisite: “B” or above in German IV and teacher recommendation
    Marian and Brother Rice Students

    This course is designed for the advanced German student. The course will provide in-depth and intensive instruction of the four basic skills: reading, writing, speaking and comprehension. Audio recordings of native speakers, videos, internet projects and weekly writing and speaking assignments will enrich the study. Advanced
    texts will be used to study literary topics. This course will be  conducted solely in German. Students will also be required to take a national proficiency assessment. 
  • Spanish I

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 9, 10, 11

    This course is an introduction to Spanish and the four basic language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Emphasis is on vocabulary and understanding grammar concepts. Student participation is required through both oral and written work. Students are introduced to the cultures of the Spanish-speaking peoples of the world.
  • Honors Spanish I

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 9, 10, 11
    Prerequisite: Placement by school personnel

    This course is designed for the student who has the ability to move at a more rigorous pace and work independently. Students will also be introduced to the cultures of the Spanish-speaking peoples of the world. Oral participation is required. Students will be required to take a national proficiency assessment.
  • Spanish II

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 9, 10, 11, 12
    Prerequisite: Spanish I and teacher recommendation

    This course is a continuation of Spanish I with the same four basic skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students must participate in class discussions, projects, and a further investigation of the cultures of Spanish-speaking peoples. Students will be required to take a national proficiency assessment.
  • Honors Spanish II

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 9, 10, 11, 12
    Prerequisite: “B” or above in Honors Spanish I and teacher recommendation, or an “A” in Spanish I, with a passing grade on the Move Up Test, and teacher recommendation.

    This course is designed for the student who does exceptional work in Honors Spanish I. The course will progress at a rigorous pace and will cover additional grammar, vocabulary, and conversational skills. The student will be required to do more independent study outside of class and take a national proficiency assessment.
  • Spanish III

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 10, 11, 12
    Prerequisite: “B-” or above in Spanish II and teacher recommendation

    This course will emphasize advanced aspects of the Spanish language and, therefore, the material will be more in-depth and also more creative. Students will work on conversation, writing, and reading. They will also learn more about the culture and civilization of the Spanish-speaking world. This course is  conducted in Spanish.
  • Honors Spanish III

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 10, 11, 12
    6 Prerequisite: “B+” or above in Honors Spanish II and teacher recommendation, or an “A” in Spanish II, with a passing grade on the Move Up Test, and teacher recommendation.

    This course is designed for students who have done exceptional work in Honors Spanish II and it is a preparatory course for Advanced Placement Spanish. The course will move at a more rigorous pace and there will be an emphasis on vocabulary
    enrichment, advanced grammar, reading, speaking, and writing. Authentic texts and audio materials are used to enhance learning. This course is conducted in Spanish. 
  • Spanish IV

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 11, 12
    Prerequisites: “B-” or above in Spanish III and teacher recommendation

    This is an advanced course in the Spanish language with emphasis on more individual expression in speaking and writing, as well as the study of advanced aspects of grammar. Readings include short stories and selections from authentic texts. This course is conducted in Spanish. Students will be required to take a national proficiency assessment.
  • Honors Spanish IV

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 11, 12
    Prerequisites: “B” or above in Honors Spanish III and teacher approval

    This course is designed for the advanced Spanish student and will move at a rigorous pace. The course will provide intensive instruction in advanced Spanish grammar as well as communication through speaking and writing. Interpretive
    activities will include authentic audio, video and print materials. The cultures of Spanish speakers will be used to enhance the content of the course. The is course is conducted solely in Spanish. Students will be required to take a national proficiency 
    assessment.
  • AP Spanish

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 11, 12
    Prerequisites: “A-” or above in Honors Spanish III or “B+” or above in Honors Spanish IV, teacher recommendation and an approved department application

    This course is designed for the advanced Spanish student and will provide intensive instruction in the three modes of  communication (interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational)  through practice in speaking, writing, and interpretive activities.
    Interpretive activities include authentic audio, visual, and print materials. Six vocabulary and culture themes and an advanced grammar curriculum provide a structure through which the students develop their skills in the three communication
    modes.

    Proficiency in Spanish is also an objective for the Advanced Placement Examination. Students will participate in class  discussions, projects and readings and a variety of exercises  involving authentic audio and visual materials to explore contemporary culture. Due to the influence of current events in a contemporary culture, this course explores and develops 21st century skills and relies on internet use for student research and collaboration. This course is conducted solely in Spanish. Students will be required to take a national proficiency assessment. 
  • Honors Latin I

    2 semesters,1 credit
    Open to 9, 10, 11
    Prerequisite: Placement by school personnel
    Marian and Brother Rice Students

    This course, taught at Brother Rice, is an introductory Latin course in which the student will develop Latin reading skills and translation skills. Elements of Roman culture and history, as well as classical mythology are included. In this course, the student will enhance his/her language skills and broaden his/her knowledge of
    English vocabulary which is, in large part, derived from Latin.
  • Honors Latin II

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 10, 11, 12
    Prerequisite: Teacher approval
    Marian and Brother Rice Students

    Similar in scope and goals to Latin I, this course allows the student to continue the program begun in Latin I. The student is expected to do the reading of more difficult selections in Latin. The study of advanced grammatical structures as well as some Latin  composition work is included. The goals of this course include the
    development of the student’s intellect through organized study, logical thought, and the critical evaluation of written Latin.

    This course is taught at Brother Rice.
  • Honors Latin III

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 11, 12
    Prerequisite: Teacher approval
    Marian and Brother Rice Students

    The student learns Latin prose and Latin poetry in alternating years. In the Latin prose year, works of Cicero, Caesar and other selected Roman writers are studied. Some excerpts from the New Testament are read in Latin as well. In the Latin poetry year, selected works of Virgil, Martial, Horace, Ovid and Catullus are read. In this two-year sequence, the study of advanced grammar, advanced vocabulary, and English words derived from Latin continues. The course is intended to prepare the student for literary studies on the university level and to challenge and develop the student’s critical and logical skills.

    This course is taught at Brother Rice.
  • Honors Latin IV

    2 semesters, 1 credit
    Open to 12
    Prerequisite: Teacher approval
    Marian and Brother Rice Students

    The student learns Latin prose and Latin poetry in alternating years. In the Latin prose year, works of Cicero, Caesar and other selected Roman writers are studied. Some excerpts from the New Testament are read in Latin as well. In the Latin poetry year, selected works of Virgil, Martial, Horace, Ovid and Catullus are read. In this two-year sequence, the study of advanced grammar, advanced vocabulary, and English words derived from Latin continues. The course is intended to prepare the student for literary studies on the university level and to challenge and
    develop the student’s critical and logical skills.
    This course is taught at Brother Rice.

List of 4 members.

  • Michelle Copp Printy 

    Department Chair
    BA - Oakland University
    MA - Wayne State University
  • Brendan Sharp 

    BA - Oakland University
    MEd - Oakland University
  • Jill Shopinski 

    BA - Oakland University
  • Kimberly Butters Truza 94

    BA - Western Michigan University
    MA - Western Michigan University

Marian High School

7225 Lahser Road Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301
PHONE: 248-644-1750 - Marian High School
Marian High School, an IHM sponsored school, is fully accredited by NCA CASI, an accrediting division of AdvancED.

Marian is a Catholic college preparatory school for young women, sponsored by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The mission of Marian is to ensure, within a Christian environment, an excellent education built on a strong academic curriculum, which will enable young women to value human diversity and live responsible lives of leadership and action based on gospel values.

An enduring tradition: guiding young women spiritually, challenging them academically, and inspiring them to a life of leadership and service.