● World Language

WORLD LANGUAGES

The primary goal of language study is to prepare each student to communicate and to comprehend cultural similarities and differences more effectively in today's complex and interconnected world. Modern language instruction gives equal prominence to the language itself and to reading, history, and national culture. Classical language study includes the structure of Latin as well as readings in a variety of literary selections.

Students are required to complete a three-year consecutive sequence of study in one language. The World Language Department offers four-year programs in French, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, and Latin. In addition, juniors and seniors can opt to take a yearlong elective in Italian language and culture.

The honors program is offered for French, Latin, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish (starting in the 2nd level). This program is a rigorous course of study in advanced grammar and written and oral expression designed for those students who want to study the language intensively and have the recommendation of their current language teacher.

Yearlong Courses (2 credits)

French 1, 2, 2H, 3, 3H, 4, 4H, 5, AP

Italian

“Benvenuti All’italia!” Seminar in Italian Language and Culture Latin 1, 2, 2H, 3, 3H, 4, AP, 5H Mandarin Chinese 1, 2, 2H, 3, 3H, 4, 4H Spanish 1, 2, 2H, 3, 3H, 4, 4H, 5, AP

LATIN CLASSICAL LANGUAGES

LATIN 1

Who were the people of the Roman Empire? Latin 1 students will investigate the lives of everyday Romans through the stories of those who made their lives in Rome in the 1st century BCE. Our text, Suburani, encourages students to think more broadly about the variety of experiences for people who resided in the regions under Roman influence. In this class, we will acquire vocabulary, forms, and syntactical patterns of the language via the reading method. Language features are taught in context with the ultimate goal of building reading fluency in Latin. In addition to text, we will interpret samples from Latin literature, epigraphy, material culture, and other archeological evidence to put together a more complete picture of Romans in their everyday context.

LATIN 2 or HONORS LATIN 2

What was life like in the provinces of the Roman Empire? Latin 2 students will explore the people and cultural exchange between the regions of Lusitania (Portugal), North Africa, Greece, and Asia Minor through the perspectives of multiple characters who made their life and livelihood across the vast Roman Empire. We will study the passive voice, subjunctive mood, and complex clauses in the context of our reading. Outside of our class text, students will hone their independent reading skills with the myths of Perseus, Hercules, and stories of transformation based on Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Honors students will read and analyze authentic Latin texts by the start of the second semester, beginning with selections from Caesar’s De Bello Gallico. All students in Latin 2 will transition to authentic texts before the end of the second semester in preparation for Latin 3. Prerequisites: one year of Upper School Latin or two years of Latin at the Middle School level. Placement, including honors placement, will be at the discretion of the department chair, including a possible placement examination.

LATIN 3 or HONORS LATIN 3

How did the Romans see themselves and others? This course serves as an introduction to the genres of historical ethnography, rhetoric, and epic poetry in Latin. In the first semester, students work at their own pace through grammar and morphology modules to personalize their review of major forms and constructions from prior study. We will work together on the final grammar topics, including subordinate clauses in the subjunctive mood. Texts may include selections from Caesar’s De Bello Gallico, Cicero’s In Catilinam, and Livy’s Ab Urbe Condita. In the second semester, the focus shifts to poetry and literary style. Students study Roman culture and myth while reading selections from Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Honors students will prepare readings from Caesar’s De Bello Gallico in addition to Ovid and Vergil in order to preview topics on the AP syllabus in the subsequent year. Prerequisite: Latin 2/2H or two years of Upper School Latin. Placement, including honors placement, will be at the discretion of the department chair, including a possible placement exam.

LATIN 4

How does literature reflect social and political culture? Students will read selections from Vergil’s Aeneid as well as from Caesar’s De Bello Gallico. In addition to translation, interpretation, and analysis of texts for both style and content plays a large part in class discussions, individual reflection, and assessment. As needed, students will work through a self-paced review of major grammatical topics and morphology from prior study. Prerequisites: Latin 3 and the permission of the department.

AP LATIN

This course follows the College Board syllabus for the Advanced Placement course with selections from both Vergil’s Aeneid as well as from Caesar’s De Bello Gallico. In addition to readings from the syllabus, students will work through a self-paced review of morphology and major grammatical topics and practice recognizing these features on AP style multiple choice and free response questions. Students who take AP Latin are expected to take the Advanced Placement exam in May. Prerequisites: Latin 3 Honors and/or the permission of the department

HONORS LATIN 5

What is Romanitas? In the first semester, students will read selections from Livy’s Ab Urbe Condita, including the episodes of Romulus & Remus, the early kings of Rome, and the Republican heroes Cloelia, Mucius Scaevola, and Horatius Cocles. In the second semester, students will consider the same question through the lens of the Roman poet, Horace. We will trace the development of the poetic genre from Greek predecessors in order to identify what elements of Latin poetry are distinctly Roman. In addition to our course texts, students will read an author and work of their choice and conference with the instructor once weekly in tutorial style about this independent reading. Exploration of literary themes and style, as well as analysis of original source and secondary source material will be a regular component of this course. Honors Latin 5 prepares students for the skills and content of an undergraduate course in Latin. Prerequisites: Latin 4 or AP Latin and/or the permission of the department.

FRENCH MODERN LANGUAGES

FRENCH 1

This course introduces students to the four language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking in French. This course covers elementary grammar with an emphasis on vocabulary and pronunciation. Students are exposed to a range of themes and an overview of French culture, history, and geography. A particular emphasis on oral drills will emphasize the verbal aspect of the French language. Prerequisite: Placement is at the discretion of the department.

FRENCH 2 or HONORS FRENCH 2

This course is a continuation of French 1 and reinforces grammatical structures and vocabulary from the beginning level. Intermediate grammar and speaking skills are introduced with various themes that emphasize the study of Francophone culture and history. Students further their listening, speaking, writing, and reading skills with an emphasis on oral and written work. The Honors level involves more advanced readings and more frequent writing assignments. The Honors course moves at a quicker pace, and students analyze in-depth more demanding materials. Prerequisite: For French 2: French 1. For French 2H: Placement is at the discretion of the department chair, including a possible placement examination.

FRENCH 3 or HONORS FRENCH 3

In this course, students solidify previously learned grammatical concepts and increasing vocabulary while continuing to develop reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Students are encouraged to use their language skills more actively and at a more sophisticated level. In addition to these skills, students will also familiarize themselves with the geography of the Francophone world, including the provinces, territories and capitals within these countries. The Honors level involves more advanced readings and more frequent writing assignments. The Honors course moves at a quicker pace, and students analyze in-depth more demanding materials. Prerequisite: For French 3: French 2. For French 3H: Placement is at the discretion of the department chair, including a possible placement examination.

FRENCH 4 or HONORS FRENCH 4

This upper-level course includes an accelerated review of basic grammar with continued emphasis on greater proficiency in the four language skills. Students focus on advanced grammatical structures, syntax, lexicon, and idiomatic expression. The French 4 Honors course is framed by a historical/literary/artistic overview of France and the readings and projects reflect that bias. The Honors level involves more advanced readings and more frequent writing assignments. The Honors course moves at a quicker pace, and students analyze in-depth more demanding materials. Prerequisite: For French 4: French 3. For French 4H: Placement is at the discretion of the department chair, including a possible placement examination.

FRENCH 5

This upper-level course includes a consolidation of basic grammar with continued emphasis on greater proficiency in the four language skills. Students focus on idiomatic expression. This course includes thematic units such as French gastronomy or France during the Occupation. Prerequisite: French 4 or equivalent.

AP FRENCH LANGUAGE

This course prepares the student for the College Board AP French Language exam and focuses on the four target-language skills at an advanced level. It is organized around an in-depth look at the Francophone world and challenges encountered in that world. The readings reflect this bias. Authentic materials are used extensively in this course, including French newspapers and news programs as well as podcasts and other on-line sources. Prerequisite: A grade of B or better in French 4 Honors and the final approval of the department. All enrolled students will be well prepared to take the optional AP exam.

ITALIAN

“BENVENUTI ALL’ITALIA!” SEMINAR IN ITALIAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE

This elective course combines study of the Italian language with cultural aspects of Italy, past and present. Students examine Italy’s regional geography, topography, and geopolitical position in Europe, while they learn terms and practical information to help them travel and navigate in Italy, including vocabulary for transportation, shopping, and cuisine. Students will be required to identify styles and key works of Italian art and architecture--for example, Renaissance, baroque, and futurist--and will discuss important moments in its history, including the reunification of Italy and Mussolini’s fascist period. The history of opera and the role of popular music in Italian culture will be covered, accompanied by listening selections, and students will research industrial and fashion design, view foundational works of Italian cinema, read literary selections in translation, and learn useful Italian vocabulary relevant to each topic discussed. The course will culminate in a project where each student will either delve more deeply into one of these cultural aspects (opera or Italian fascism, for ex.) and present to the class, or will present various cultural aspects of a given region of Italy (the cuisine, historical/cultural figures, etc. of Tuscany, for ex.). The course is open to juniors and seniors. No prerequisite necessary.

MANDARIN CHINESE

MANDARIN CHINESE 1

This course is a basic introduction to modern standard Chinese (Mandarin). Students will be exposed to the fundamental building blocks of Chinese that are necessary for future linguistic development, including lessons on pronunciation and tones, pinyin (the official phonetic transcription system for Mandarin), and the structural components of simplified Chinese characters. The first-level class will focus on vocabulary and sentence structures that are useful for personal introductions and conversations about families, friends, and hobbies. The course is centered on successful communication, and classroom activities are designed to engage students in active listening and speaking. At the same time, Chinese characters are introduced methodically and at a reasonable pace, so as to foster students’ interest in the development of important reading and writing skills. Through various forms of media and interactive classroom presentations, special attention is also paid to an awareness of Chinese culture, customs, and history.

MANDARIN CHINESE 2 or HONORS CHINESE 2

This course builds upon the progress that students have made in Chinese I. The Level 2 class continues forward with a communication-centric approach, encouraging students to take an active role in developing their listening and speaking skills. Students are exposed to additional vocabulary and more advanced grammar structures, learning to converse about topics including school life, shopping, transportation, travel, and weather, among other things. Chinese characters are introduced at a slightly faster pace, and there is a continued focus on the structural components of written characters that will help students to assimilate new vocabulary more quickly in future stages of learning. By the end of the course, students should be able to read and understand simple passages of writing in Chinese. Language study will continue to be enriched with Chinese history and culture through various multimedia sources. Honors-level students will be self-directed and demonstrate a readiness for more rigorous study of the written language. Honors students will be required to read and translate additional authentic primary-source literature, and to develop a working knowledge of classical idiom (chengyu). Prerequisite: Mandarin Chinese 1.

MANDARIN CHINESE 3 or HONORS CHINESE 3

This course continues the communication-based approach to learning Mandarin developed in Levels 1 and 2. Topics covered in Level 3 include eating out, asking for directions, seeing a doctor, and socializing at parties, among other things. Grammar will gradually get more complicated and non-intuitive for an English speaker, and students will have to employ their analytical and other intellectual skills in order to fully master new structures and expressions. Longer, more complex Chinese passages will be part of classroom reading and new characters will be introduced at a quicker pace. Students will be expected to hold longer conversations with the instructor and their classmates, and they will be required to recognize and reproduce in writing a growing body of vocabulary and expressions. Further understanding of Chinese history and culture will be achieved through means similar to those used in Levels 1 and 2. Honors-level students will be self-directed and demonstrate a readiness for more rigorous study of the written language. Honors students will be required to read and translate additional authentic primary-source literature, and to develop a working knowledge of classical idiom (chengyu). Prerequisite: Mandarin Chinese 2 / 2 Honors.

MANDARIN CHINESE 4 or HONORS CHINESE 4

This course builds on Levels 1 through 3 and is designed for students who wish to take their study of Mandarin Chinese to the next level. A stricter focus is placed on communicating exclusively in the Chinese language during class, and students will continue to develop their skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Characters and expressions are introduced at a more rapid pace, approaching the style of college-level instruction. Students will continue working with the Integrated Chinese textbook, but there will be an increased focus on learning from select authentic language materials such as chapter books, newspaper articles, poems, songs, clips from television series, and movies. Honors-level students will be self-directed and demonstrate a readiness for more rigorous study of the written language. Honors students will be required to read and translate additional authentic primary-source literature, and to develop a working knowledge of classical idiom (chengyu). Prerequisite: Mandarin Chinese 3 / 3 Honors.

SPANISH

SPANISH 1

This course provides an introduction to the Spanish language through the skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students are taught basic vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, and an essential foundation of grammar structures. Additionally, students learn about the contemporary Spanish speaking world and its culture. Prerequisite: Placement will be at the discretion of the department.

SPANISH 2 or HONORS SPANISH 2

This course builds on the elements learned in Spanish 1, developing the student's ability to discuss present, past and future events with emphasis on vocabulary development through written and oral communication. Classes will integrate conversation, listening, reading and writing. Students will be presented with real-life scenarios throughout the year and culture will be integrated in the classroom for full immersion. The honors level will work at a quicker pace and have more advanced readings and writing. Prerequisites: One year of Upper School Spanish or a minimum of two years at the Middle School level along with the recommendation of the department.

SPANISH 3

In this level, topics from Spanish 2 are reinforced and a broad range of new grammar topics are explored including the subjunctive mood and the perfect tenses. Students gain new perspectives on the Spanish language through films, music, and readings. Projects include presenting a fictional “Incredible Day” in the past tense, pitching a miracle medical device, creating a cooking show, as well as a variety of other oral presentations. Prerequisite: Spanish 2 / Spanish 2H.

HONORS SPANISH 3

Students in this course strengthen their speaking skills and cultural understanding through reading and discussion of Spanish and Latin American short stories, historical selections and feature films. Grammar and vocabulary study is intensive. Students are expected to write more detailed and accurate essays and to present their ideas regularly in class. There will be different projects related to the content we are studying throughout the year. Prerequisites: Honors Spanish 2 and recommendation of the department.

SPANISH 4

This upper-level course leads the student to greater proficiency in listening and speaking skills and includes reinforcement (1st semester) and expansion (2nd semester) of grammar, vocabulary, and idioms. Students work, analyze, and interpret different kinds of authentic texts and media including short movies, adapted newspaper articles, and literary texts (short stories and literary extracts). Students will strengthen their oral and written skills by completing various individual and group projects and by creating different multimedia products (short movies, fliers, presentations, written essays, and more). Prerequisite: Spanish 3 / 3H.

HONORS SPANISH 4

This challenging upper-level course prepares students for the AP Spanish Language program (see below). Emphasis is placed on mastery of grammar and vocabulary at an advanced level. Students will be asked to do extensive reading, writing, and speaking. Some of the topics explored include immigration and the US-Mexico border, the use of technology in today’s society, and an in-depth focus on the Spanish Civil War. Students will make frequent presentations both in-class and by video. They will explore the migration stories of their families as well as teach a cultural topic of their choosing from the Spanish-speaking world. The course includes a variety of feature films, music, and literature including Federico García Lorca’s “La Casa de Bernarda Alba.” Prerequisites: Honors Spanish 3 and recommendation of the department.

SPANISH 5

Spanish 5 provides upper-level students with the chance to put their Spanish speaking and writing skills into a “real world” context. This course will explore in depth a variety of global challenges that Hispanic communities face including immigration, poverty, the destruction of the environment, child labor, chemical substance addition and narcoterrorism, and civil war. Other topics include Spanish culture and history as manifested in Spanish cinema and different artistic movements. Students will be expected to read, research, and come to class prepared to discuss these topics in depth. They will also collaborate to make films, creative projects, and frequent presentations. Prerequisite: Spanish 4

AP SPANISH LANGUAGE

This course focuses on speaking and writing in the target language at an advanced level. Although this course is designed to prepare the student for the College Board AP Spanish Language exam, it does so with the overarching objective of making the student a better communicator in the Spanish language, as well as more culturally conscious. It is organized around a range of contemporary and relevant topics, as well as some aspects of Spanish and Latin American history. Throughout the year advanced grammatical concepts are reviewed while simultaneously building vocabulary. We also work on specific speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills necessary to achieve an advanced level of proficiency in Spanish. All enrolled students will be well prepared to take the optional AP exam. Prerequisites: A grade of B or better in Spanish 4 Honors and the final approval of the department.