HHS DEPARTMENTS

DEPARTMENT LINKS

English

Fine Arts (Art, Drama, Music)

Foreign Language

Guidance

Human Performance & Health

Math

Science

Social Studies

Special Needs

Vocational (Auto Mechanics, Building Trades, Business, Drafting, Home-Ec, Welding)

Foreign Language Staff

Bartels, S.	Dyrdahl, L..	Mends. J.	Pederson, J. Coord.
Person. T	Ringwald, L.	Sinnott, D.	Van Stry, S

Spanish Links

French Links

Habla Ud. Espanol? Parlez-vous francais? Sprechen Sie Deutsch? Nonne intellegistis Latinan linguam. 

Even in Montana, it's becoming more and more common to meet someone who speaks a language other than English. As the world seems to grow smaller because modern technology makes it easier to travel and communicate, commerce and information exchange require a knowledge of a second language or even a third and fourth! 

The Department of Modern and Classical Languages offers classes in French, Spanish, German and Latin. Along with integrated classroom materials, students also have access to the latest in supplementary software material and video programs. 

All modern language classes prepare students to understand the spoken and written language, as well as to communicate in both oral and written form; to appreciate the customs, manners and philosophies of other cultures and to develop a tolerant attitude of other cultures and lifestyles. 

The modern language classes stress language as communication and, in the first year, the student and teacher are using the foreign language for everyday communication. Latin, the classical language, stresses English vocabulary building and grammar as they apply to English, translation and the study of the Roman culture. 

Students may choose any of the four languages to study. Deciding which language to study is a matter of personal affinity and interest. Future plans for using the second language should also be considered. 

Second language study has been shown to improve one's understanding of English and to increase one's native language vocabulary. Latin is the "mother" of English, French and Spanish and a good background for any language study. Spanish and French are used for communication in various parts of the United States. Students interested in science, math and technology fields may want to take German. All languages have a rich cultural heritage of history, literature, art and music to discover. 

Unique career opportunities await the student versed in a second language. People who know English and a second language are in demand for jobs in the United States, as well as in other countries. 

Highlights for Foreign Language students include the Mardi Gras-Carnival-Lupercalia-Fasching festivities in February or March when all language classes get together for a day of student entertainment, masks and Mardi Gras trinkets. Also, upper level language students are afforded the opportunity to attend Foreign Language Day in Missoula at the University in March. Language clubs also offer a fun and useful extension to the language classes. 

All students are encouraged to take four years of a modern language or two of Latin. Discussion with parents, counselors and second language teachers will help decide how much language study will be of the most benefit. 

Foreign Language Links out on the Web