(Full Year) A specialized, elective course of college level study of the Chinese language, culture and advanced grammar, AP Chinese challenges the most advanced students, all of whom are required to take the CEEB Advanced Placement Chinese Language and Culture Examination at the end of the spring semester. Students in the course utilize a wide variety of print and online texts, along with audio-visual materials, to explore both traditional and modern Chinese culture. Students continue to acquire vocabulary and characters while honing their listening, speaking and composition skills. Extensive reading assignments are integrated to enhance students’ reading speed and ability to use contextual clues. The class is conducted exclusively in Chinese with students expected to actively participate in class discussions. Students should be familiar with 1600-1800 characters by the conclusion of the academic year. (Prerequisite: Teacher approval to qualified students who have completed Chinese IV or its equivalent.)

(Full Year) A specialized elective course of college level study of the French language, literature, culture and advanced grammar. AP French seeks to challenge the most advanced students; all are required to take the CEEB Advanced Placement French Language examination at the end of the spring semester. Students are required to read literary texts, give oral presentations in French and write serious and well-organized compositions. (Prerequisite: Teacher approval to qualified students who have completed French III or its equivalent.)

(Full Year) A specialized, elective course of college level study of Hispanic language, literature, culture and advanced grammar, AP Spanish seeks to challenge the most advanced students, all of whom are required to take the CEEB Advanced Placement Spanish Language Examination at the end of the spring semester. Students will study vocabulary, culture and grammar through a variety of films from Spanish cinema. (Prerequisite: Teacher approval to qualified honors students who have completed Spanish III or its equivalent.)

The AP Spanish Literature and Culture course, which is conducted exclusively in Spanish, is an introductory course to the study of Peninsular Spanish, Latin American, and U.S. Hispanic literature written in Spanish from the 14th century to the present day (total of 38 literary works). This class will enable students to successfully complete the AP Spanish Literature and Culture Exam. Not only do we study the literature, but also the fascinating history and cultures of the Hispanic world connected to the six AP Spanish literature themes: las relaciones interpersonales, la construcción del género, las sociedades en contacto, el tiempo y el espacio, la dualidad del ser, la creación literaria. Students learn literary terminology and literary analysis techniques and approaches for examining different genres (prose, essays, poetry, and drama), movements, and time periods, learning to contextualize literature in relationship to history, geography, and evolving cultural products, practices, and perspectives, often augmenting their literary analysis through the lens of art. Lessons are designed to enhance students’ ability to acquire knowledge about and skills to identify and interpret figures of speech, tone, characters, themes, rhetorical devices, and literary symbols through the required course readings, while strengthening their analytical and interpretative skills.

(Full Year) Chinese I is an introduction to standard Mandarin which is the official spoken language of the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of China (Taiwan), and Singapore. It is one of the six official languages of the United Nations. Students will begin learning the four basic skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing simplified characters. There will be an emphasis on mastering the essentials of pronunciation, basic characters and structural patterns. Culture will be incorporated to help students put the language in context.

(Full Year) Chinese II is a continuation of Chinese I which incorporates and integrates topics, structures, grammar, and cultural information within a framework based on a communicative approach to language learning. The emphasis throughout the course is on what students can do using the Chinese language and how they can communicate with Chinese language speakers in various real life situations. Reading and writing are also integrated as an indivisible part of this course. (Prerequisite: Chinese I or the equivalent)

(Full Year) This course presents an introduction to the four language skills in French (listening, speaking, reading, and writing). Emphasis is placed upon the development of the student's ability to comprehend and communicate in the language. Attention is paid to various aspects of the culture of the Francophone countries. Students will manipulate basic grammatical structures and vocabulary in oral and written prose. 

(Full Year) This course is a continuation of French I. It places increasing emphasis on oral proficiency. Students are required to apply knowledge of grammar and vocabulary in oral situational dialogues and written compositions. (Prerequisite: French I or its equivalent).

(Full Year) This intermediate to advanced level course reinforces oral communication skills acquired in French I and II with a continued emphasis on reading and writing. Pertinent grammar and vocabulary are introduced to enhance oral and written communication proficiency. French history, literature, and culture are studied in greater depth. Students acquire skills through a holistic instructional approach, including audio, video, guest speakers, excursions, improvisations, and skits (Prerequisite: French II or its equivalent).

(Full Year) This advanced level course is designed for the independent, highly motivated student. The course requires the ability to extend instruction received in the classroom to further personal study and application. While the curriculum and instructional approach mirror that of Chinese III, the pace is accelerated and all areas are explored more deeply.

French 2 Honors is a continuation to French 1. The main goal of the course is to help the student achieve a higher level of proficiency in reading, writing, understanding and speaking French. Therefore, the class will be conducted mainly in French. This is the second of a 3- or 4- year course sequence. Teacher approval is required to take this class.

(Full Year) This advanced level course is designed for the independent, highly motivated student. The rhythm is intensive and requires the ability to extend instruction received in the classroom to further personal study and application. While the curriculum and instructional approach mirror that of French III, the pace is accelerated and all areas are explored in a more profound manner. Students who successfully complete this course may elect to solicit admission to AP French. (Prerequisite: Teacher permission to qualified students who have completed French II or the equivalent.)

(Full Year) This course is designed for students who have previously studied Spanish but who need to reinforce basic skills. Students are accepted into this class based on their performance on the Placement Test and their background studies.

(Full Year) An accelerated course, Honors Spanish II covers the material of Spanish II and requires additional readings and cultural projects. (Prerequisite: Teacher permission to qualified students who have completed Spanish I or the equivalent.)

(Full Year) This course is taught entirely in Spanish and is designed for heritage speakers, native speakers, and students with high oral proficiency from immersion or dual-language programs. It focuses on strengthening writing and oral communication skills across various formats while addressing gaps in formal grammar, reading, and academic writing. Through the study of current events, literature, articles, and podcasts, students will develop advanced Spanish proficiency for academic and professional settings. The course explores Hispanic cultural identity and historical consciousness in the U.S. and abroad, encouraging critical thinking through diverse cultural perspectives. The course aims to prepare students for the AP Spanish Language course, ensuring they gain a broader understanding of Hispanic cultures and the global community in an increasingly interconnected world. Prerequisites: Appropriate score on placement exam and evaluation by the Modern Language Department.

(One Semester) Independent tutorials in Language allow students who have completed the course of study in a particular language at Gonzaga to continue their mastery of the language through one-on-one instruction with a faculty member in the discipline. These courses are typically taken in senior year.

(One Semester) Independent tutorials in Language allow students who have completed the course of study in a particular language at Gonzaga to continue their mastery of the language through one-on-one instruction with a faculty member in the discipline. These courses are typically taken in senior year.

(One Semester) This unique course, open to juniors and seniors, will study the Camino de Santiago in Spain, its origins, history, and the evolution of its significance from medieval to modern times. Students are expected to participate fully in the week-long pilgrimage portion of the course in Spain during Spring Break.

(Full Year) A beginning level course, Spanish I introduces the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing with strong emphasis on aural/oral skills. Awareness of Hispanic culture is emphasized. (Open to all students.)

(Full Year) An intermediate level course, Spanish II builds on the four language skills, provides vocabulary enrichment, cultural content, and introduces additional grammatical concepts. (Prerequisite: Spanish I or the equivalent.)

(Full Year) An upper level course, Spanish III emphasizes oral communication, listening comprehension skills and some literature, plus the application of basic survival skills. The purpose of such exercises is the development of intermediate to advanced oral proficiency and a wider vocabulary through reading and writing exercises. (Prerequisite: Spanish II or the equivalent.)