Foreign Languages

The Foreign Language Department believes that the study of both modern and classical languages is an integral part of preparing our students to function effectively in a world community made smaller and more interdependent daily. The teaching of grammar in the foreign languages is structured to increase the students' awareness of English similarities and differences. With the study of both modern and classical languages, the students' systems of values are extended as they are made aware of patterns of culture and modes of daily life other than, and often different from, their own. Foreign languages offered include French, German, Chinese, Latin, and Spanish.

Foreign Languages: Year Courses

French I
An introduction to the basic structure of the language. Students learn to write simple French. Speaking and understanding oral French and building a good vocabulary are strongly emphasized. The class is conducted predominantly in French.

French II
A continuation of the fundamental language structure presented in French I. Students are introduced to all verb tenses and do extensive vocabulary study. Students continue to develop oral skills. The class is conducted predominantly in French.

Honors French II
A study of French II with a more analytical approach to grammar. Additional topics will be covered as time permits. Students will begin to read short pieces of literature in French. The class is conducted in French.

French III
A comprehensive review of French grammar with emphasis on skill development and composition. The student is introduced to readings of literary merit and is expected to comment on and write about these readings in French. The class is conducted in French.

Honors French III
A study of third year French with increased emphasis on skill development. Included will be numerous oral presentations, extensive writing through essays and journals, and the study of several French books. The class is conducted in French.

French IV
An advanced course that emphasizes the practical application of French language skills. The work includes the reading of contemporary French periodicals, conversation, practical vocabulary, and practical writing. Students are expected to keep a journal in French. The class is conducted in French.

Honors French IV
A detailed review of French grammar expanded with the introduction of advanced structure skills. Emphasis will be placed on building vocabulary in order to improve conversation and writing skills. Students will also be introduced to the key events in French history and read abstracts of literary works from representative authors including prose, poetry, novel and theater play. The class is conducted entirely in French.

French V
This course is aimed at developing reading-comprehension skills. Students will read newspapers and magazine articles on varied topics. Each reading will bring the opportunity to expand student's vocabulary and to enhance conversational skills with discussions and debates. Students will be required to write an essay on each topic studied throughout the course.

AP/IB French V
A college-level program of advanced reading and composition using works from French literature to prepare the student for the Advanced Placement Language exam.

AP French Literature (Independent Study)
An independent study course designed to prepare students for the AP French Literature exam. Students will read the literary works prescribed by the AP Guide and will study techniques for reading and analyzing French drama, prose, and poetry. (Prerequisite: successful completion of French V/AP and departmental approval)

German I
An introduction to the German language with a particular emphasis on grammar and vocabulary building. Students will be expected to express accurately the basic grammatical structures both in spoken and written German. Tapes and videos will be used to supplement the basic class material.

German II
A continuation of the introduction to the language begun in German I. Students are expected to achieve reasonable proficiency in spoken and written German. The grammatical material of the class will be supplemented by videos and reading of contemporary German prose.

Honors German II
A study of second-level German stressing a more contextual approach to grammar and additional, more advanced reading selections in German. The class is conducted predominantly in German.

German III
While reviewing the grammar introduced in German I and II, students will read about German history from 1871 to Reunification. Additional readings about Germany's 16 states and its neighboring countries, as well as the daily lives of German teenagers, will facilitate vocabulary acquisition. Strong emphasis will be placed on developing good conversation and writing skills. The class is conducted predominantly in German.

Honors German III
A study of third year German with particular emphasis on developing advanced reading, writing, and speaking skills. Students will be expected to make oral presentations, write short essays in German, and keep a journal on reading selections. The class is conducted predominantly in German.

German IV
A comprehensive review of German grammar and composition. Strong emphasis will be placed on improving conversation and writing skills. The course work includes the reading of a German novel and a play. The class is conducted in German.

Honors German IV
A study of fourth level German with added emphasis on conversation and writing skills. Oral presentations about German history, art, and music will make active use of students' language skills.

AP/IB German V
A college-level program of advanced reading, composition, and grammar designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate examination. (Prerequisite: departmental approval)

Chinese I
A study of the basic principles of the Chinese language. In addition to survival conversational skills, it will also introduce the Chinese writing system-the syllabaries and Chinese characters. Aspects of the culture related to language acquisition will be discussed.

Chinese II
A continuation of the structures of the language begun in Chinese I. Students will continue to build their vocabulary and learn additional grammatical structures and useful Chinese expressions. By the end of the course, students should be able to read 350 Chinese characters and write 200 Chinese characters. Aspects of Chinese culture are an ongoing aspect of the course.

Honors Chinese II
Besides learning the above, honor students learn Chinese idioms. He or she will read and translate short story books or other materials in addition to the text book.

Chinese III
While reviewing the Chinese characters and sentences in I and II, students will continue to learn more vocabulary and grammatical structure as well as Chinese culture. By the end of the course students should be able to read 500 Chinese characters and write 350 Chinese characters.

Honors Chinese III
Besides learning the above, honor students learn Chinese idioms. He or she will read and translate short story books or other materials in addition to the text book.

Latin I
An introduction to the basic grammar, syntax, and vocabulary of Latin. Students learn to manipulate the myriad inflections of Latin and become adept at reading simple myths in Latin. Strong emphasis is placed on the cultural contributions of the Roman Empire, particularly as they are reflected in our language and vocabulary.

Latin II
A continuation of the fundamental structures begun in Latin I following a review of first-year work. The student will master more sophisticated Latin forms, including the subjunctive and indirect statement, in order to read the materials drawn from ancient authors.

Honors Latin II
A study of Latin II with a more in-depth study of grammar. Additional topics, such as history and culture, will also be covered as time permits. Students will read more complex connected prose passages in Latin.

Latin III
A continuation of the study of Ovid, followed by other authors, such as Pliny and Livy. Culminates with an introduction to Cicero's writings, both letters and orations, with the purpose of examining his style and understanding the political scene within which he worked.

Honors Latin III
Students in this advanced third year course will read works by Cicero, Ovid, Plautus, and selected Medieval Latin writers, and write critical essays based on the reading. The early Roman Empire will be studied from both literary and historical standpoints.

Latin Lyric Poetry (2007-08)
Students in this course read selected poems of Catullus, Horace, Tibullus, Propertius, and selections from Ovid's Amores. Comparison of authors' styles and mode of expression will be emphasized in literary analysis.

Latin Epic Poetry (2006-2007)
Students will read selected passages from Vergil's Aeneid and Ovid's Metamorphases. Literary analysis and critical writing are emphasized as the course progresses.

AP/IB Latin: Lyric Poetry (2007-08)
A college-level study of the poets Catullus and Ovid or Horace. These poets form a perfect corollary to the epic poet Vergil and thus round out the student's knowledge of various genres of Latin literature.

AP/IB Latin: Epic Poetry (2006-2007)
A college-level course which studies Books I, II, IV, VI, X, and XII of Vergil's Aeneid, with consideration given to the contents of the remaining books. Emphasis is on literary analysis and critical writing.

Spanish I
An introduction to the Spanish language, with emphasis on the basics of grammar and spoken Spanish. Students are expected to master essential verb structures and to express themselves both orally and in writing. The class is conducted predominantly in Spanish.

Spanish II
A continuation of the introduction to the language begun in Spanish I. Students are introduced to all Spanish verb tenses, with the exception of the imperfect subjunctive, in addition to extensive vocabulary and idiom study. The class is conducted predominantly in Spanish.

Honors Spanish II
A faster-paced study of Spanish II that employs a more analytical approach to grammar. Students are introduced to the geography and culture of Spain. Additional topics will be covered as time permits. The class is conducted in Spanish.

Spanish III
An extension of the skills covered in Spanish I and II, with emphasis on correct written and oral expression and vocabulary building. The course includes a comprehensive review of all Spanish grammar. Students will be expected to write a longer essay and give an extended oral report in the spring. The class is conducted in Spanish.

Honors Spanish III
An extension of the skills covered in Spanish I and II with emphasis on correct written and oral expression and vocabulary building. The course includes extensive essay writing and practice of spoken Spanish through oral reports. Students will be expected to write a longer essay and give an extended oral report in the spring. The class is conducted entirely in Spanish.

Spanish IV
A comprehensive review of Spanish grammar that places emphasis on improving composition and conversation skills while expanding vocabulary. The class includes reading and discussions on Hispanic civilization, emphasizing similarities and points of contrast with the North American civilization. The class is conducted in Spanish.

Honors Spanish IV
A brief but comprehensive review of Spanish grammar that places emphasis on building vocabulary to enhance both written and conversational skills. The class includes a study of Hispanic civilization topics. Students will read short works of literature. The class is conducted entirely in Spanish.

Spanish V
This course is designed to be a bridge between a grammar/vocabulary based course and a university level conversation class. Using task-based activities, students will practice listening, reading, writing and speaking in Spanish. Students will use authentic materials (newspaper and magazine articles, short stories, films and songs) as a springboard to enhance their conversational skills and cultural understanding of Hispanic cultures. Spanish grammar will be reviewed as needed. The class is conducted entirely in Spanish.

AP/IB Spanish V
A program of advanced reading, composition, and grammar which provides preparation for the Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Spanish Language examinations. The class is conducted entirely in Spanish.

AP Spanish Literature (Independent Study)
An independent study course designed to prepare students for the AP Spanish Literature exam. Students will read works by the five authors prescribed by the AP Guide and will study techniques for reading and analyzing Spanish drama, prose, and poetry. The class is taught in Spanish. (Prerequisite: successful completion of Spanish V/AP and departmental approval).