World Languages
The World Languages Department strives to provide every student with meaningful study of languages and cultures. Our course offerings are in Latin, Mandarin, and Spanish. We guide our students in the development of communication and multicultural skills to become confident leaders and lifelong learners in an interconnected world. Our students undertake a journey of discovery and pursue their language studies to their highest potential, resulting in deeper cultural understanding and an enriched life experience. Developing the skills to become an effective language learner requires continuity and frequency. In the Upper School, the first three levels of a language form a foundation upon which significant oral proficiency and cultural understanding can be achieved. The process of language acquisition as an academic and natural endeavor is both valuable and necessary for the 21st century student. For this reason, satisfactory completion of a world language through Level III is required for graduation. Beyond the graduation requirement, it is normal and encouraged that students take a language through their senior year. Upper School World Language classes highlight, practice and assess three approaches to language production and communication: interpretive, interpersonal and presentational. Students read, listen, speak and write on authentic and relevant topics of the target language. Many of our students prepare for and participate in service trips to many target language countries around the world.
LATIN LATIN I Full-credit, graded course • Open to Forms IX, X, XI and XII (scheduling priority is given to students in Form IX); seniors may take a first-year language only as a sixth course and are given last priority in scheduling. • Prerequisites: Forms IX, X, and XI - none; Form XII - the student must be enrolled in five other full-credit courses each semester. • Full year, 1 credit
Formal introduction to the classical language is accomplished through a blend of the reading and grammar approaches using Lingua Latina. The textbook is supplemented with Latin readings from Colloquia Personarum. The focus of the course is on developing reading proficiency and mastery of fundamental Latin vocabulary and grammar. Systematic expansion of English vocabulary occurs through detailed study of Latin stems and modern root derivation. Students learn
about Roman history and culture through a variety of English readings and creative projects.. LATIN II Full-credit, graded course • Open to Forms IX, X, XI, and XII • Successful completion of Latin I; for rising Form IX CSG students, successful completion of Latin in Form VIII with a grade of B- or better and departmental signature. • Full year, 1 credit Students continue with the
