MODERN LANGUAGE AND CLASSICS

In today’s increasingly global environment, world languages are essential to the intellectual and cultural development of all students. The Modern Language and Classics curriculum is designed to develop students’ modes of communication and acquaint them with other cultures. Toward this goal, the department offers a series of courses, some compulsory and some elective, in French, Spanish, Chinese, Latin, ancient Greek, American Sign Language, and Italian. Class time focuses on writing, speaking, and listening skills in conjunction to grammar and culture. At the honors level, an appreciation of literature becomes increasingly important.

American Sign Language

▸ 1 CREDIT

How can visual communication impact your daily life and introduce you to an important and growing culture?

The only true American language, ASL is one of the fastestgrowing languages in America, and with the recent surge in ASL media, it is moving more and more to the forefront of the American consciousness. In this trimester course, students will learn the basics of ASL vocabulary, grammar, and syntax, with a focus on communication. Students will also learn about Deaf culture, its rich history, and important topics in accessibility and disability studies, while they hone the ancillary skills associated with ASL, such as dexterity and visual and nonlinear thinking.

Ancient Greek Honors

▸ 3 CREDITS; PREREQUISITE: GRADE OF 93 IN LATIN 3 HONORS OR 85 IN AP LATIN

How can a love of Latin become a passion for the classics?

What came before Ancient Rome?

In this one-year course, students will prepare to read ancient Greek from Homer to Plato in the original by acquiring a basic knowledge of classical Greek grammar and a basic vocabulary. This course is intended for students with proven success in Latin who wish to continue or broaden their study of the classical languages. This course emphasizes real-world experience in practicing the discipline of the classics and expressing its use and value to others, including interacting with language in ancient art and artifacts and presenting the language, mythology, and philosophy to younger students as a bridge to the future study of the classics.

Chinese 1

▸ 3 CREDITS

What is it like to learn the Mandarin Chinese language that is spoken by over 1 billion people around the world, about one-fifth of the global population?

In this course, students will use both Chinese Pinyin and Chinese characters and receive instruction in all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The first-year program focuses on accurate pronunciation, listening comprehension, and fluency when speaking in simple sentences. Writing is aimed at understanding the composition of characters. Technology is part of the learning experience with select texts and applications to enhance student engagement and understanding.