Modern & Classical Languages

The department of Modern and Classical Languages believes that the acquisition of another language prepares our students to function effectively in our world community by breaking the confines of stereotypes, developing appreciation for the similarities and differences of other cultures, enhancing career opportunities, and increasing cognitive skills. Students should continue the study of one or more foreign languages until an appropriate level of proficiency is achieved, taking into consideration individual learning styles and longevity in the language program.

Course Descriptions

Modern Languages: Chinese

Please note that based on enrollment numbers, courses in Chinese may function as mixed level classes (for example, regular and honors level students in the same class). These groupings vary from year to year.

Chinese I

A study of the basic principles of the Chinese language. In addition to survival conversational skills, the course also introduces the Chinese writing system and aspects of the culture related to language acquisition. By the end of the course, students should be able to read and write 253 Chinese characters.

Chinese II

A continued study of the structures of the language. Students 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 and write 456 Chinese characters. Aspects of Chinese culture are an ongoing aspect of the course.

Honors Chinese II

Prerequisite: Qualification based on Chinese level I performanceIn addition to meeting the expectations of Chinese II, honors students learn Chinese idioms. Students 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 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 and write 643 Chinese characters.

Honors Chinese III

Prerequisite: Qualification based on Chinese level II performance. In addition to meeting the requirements of Chinese III, honors students learn Chinese idioms. Students read and translate short story books or other materials in addition to the text book.

Chinese IV/Honors Chinese IV

Prerequisite: Qualification based on Chinese level III performance. While reviewing the Chinese characters and sentences from Chinese III, students continue to learn more vocabulary and grammatical structure as well as Chinese culture. Honors students learn Chinese idioms and read and translate short story books or other materials in addition to the text book. By the end of the course students should be able to read and write 751 Chinese characters.

Chinese V/Honors Chinese V

Prerequisite: Qualification based on Chinese level IV performance. While reviewing the Chinese characters and sentences from Chinese III and IV, students continue to learn more vocabulary and grammatical structure as well as Chinese culture. Students read and translate short story books or other materials in addition to the text book. By the end of the course students should be able to read and write 900 Chinese characters.

Modern Languages: French

French I

This course serves as 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 most verb tenses and engage in extensive vocabulary study. Students continue to develop all their language skills and also develop a keen understanding of the differences in everyday life in France and the U.S. The class is conducted predominantly in French.

Honors French II

Prerequisite: Qualification based on French level I performance/recommendation of instructor. A continuation of the fundamental language structure presented in French I, students are introduced to most verb tenses and engage in extensive vocabulary study. Students continue to develop all their language skills and also develop a keen understanding of the differences in everyday life in France and the U.S. Additional topics are covered as time permits. The class is conducted in French.

French III

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

Honors French III

Prerequisite: Qualification based on French level II performance. A study of third year French with increased emphasis on skill development. Included are numerous oral presentations, extensive writing through essays, and the study of a French novel. The class is conducted entirely in French.

French IV

An advanced course that emphasizes the practical application of French language skills, work includes the reading of contemporary French periodicals as well as some element of literature, conversation, practical vocabulary, and practical writing. Students continue to develop their awareness of French and francophone cultures by reading contemporary French periodicals as well as some elements of literature. The class is conducted in French.

Honors French IV

Prerequisite: Qualification based on French level III performance. A detailed review of French grammar expanded with the introduction of advanced structure skills. Emphasis is placed on building vocabulary in order to improve conversation and writing skills. Students continue to develop their awareness of French and francophone cultures by reading contemporary French periodicals as well as some elements of literature. This class is conducted entirely in French.

French 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 practice listening, reading, writing, and speaking in French. Students use authentic materials (newspaper and magazine articles, short stories, films, and songs) as a springboard to enhance their conversational skills and understanding of Francophone cultures. French grammar is reviewed as needed. The class is conducted entirely in French. This class prepares students for the International Baccalaureate examination.

AP French

Prerequisite: Qualification based on French level IV performance. A program of advanced reading, composition, speaking, and vocabulary-building provides preparation for the AP and International Baccalaureate French language examinations. The core themes of AP (family/community, science/technology, beauty/aesthetics, contemporary life, global issues, personal/public identity) and IB (media and communication, global issues, social relations issues) are addressed throughout the year. Students are expected to express themselves in French, both written and spoken, in a variety of contexts and modes: presentational, interpersonal, formal, and informal. The class is conducted entirely in French.

Modern Languages: German

German I

An introduction to the German language with a particular emphasis on grammar and vocabulary building, students are expected to express accurately the basic grammatical structures both in spoken and written German. Tapes and videos are 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 is supplemented by videos and readings.

Honors German II

Prerequisite: Qualification based on German level I performanceA 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 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, facilitate vocabulary acquisition. Strong emphasis is placed on developing good conversation and writing skills. The class is conducted in German.

Honors German III

Prerequisite: Qualification based on German level II performance. A study of German with particular emphasis on developing advanced reading, writing, and speaking skills, students are expected to make oral presentations, write short essays in German, and keep a journal on reading selections. The class is conducted in German.

German IV

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

Honors German IV

Prerequisite: Qualification based on German level III performance. A study of German with added emphasis on conversation and writing skill, oral presentations about German history, art, and music make active use of students’ language skills.

Advanced German Study

Prerequisite: German IV/Honors German IV. For students who have completed level IV in German prior to their senior year, advanced study may be arranged as independent study or as part of the German IV classroom. Advanced study in German may be used to help students prepare for the AP or IB exams in German language. Students are scheduled with the highest level German class available.

Modern Languages: Spanish

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 most Spanish verb tenses in the indicative mood. The class is conducted predominantly in Spanish.

Honors Spanish II

Prerequisite: Qualification based on Spanish level I performance/recommendation of MS instructorA fast-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 are covered as time permits. The class is conducted in Spanish.

Spanish III

An extension of the skills covered in Spanish I and II with a curriculum designed to building the language foundation of each student through the incorporation of new vocabulary and grammar. The course includes fluency-building activities; and the language skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking are equally emphasized. The class is conducted predominantly in Spanish.

Honors Spanish III

Prerequisite: Qualification based on Spanish level II performance. An extension of the skills covered in Spanish I and II with a curriculum designed to building the language foundation of each student through the incorporation of new vocabulary and grammar. The course includes extensive fluency-building activities; and the language skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking are equally emphasized. 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. Developing cooperative learning, team work, and individual skills, students use real life task-based activities to practice the four skills by using authentic materials. The class includes reading and discussions on Hispanic civilization, emphasizing similarities and points of contrast with the North American culture. The class is conducted in Spanish. Technology is applied every day in the classroom using a personal device.

Honors Spanish IV

Prerequisite: Qualification based on Spanish level III performance. A brief but comprehensive review of Spanish grammar that places emphasis on building vocabulary to enhance both written and conversational skills. Developing cooperative learning, team work, and individual skills, students use real life task-based activities to practice the four skills by using authentic material. The class includes a study of Hispanic culture and traditions. Students read selections dealing with contemporary issues and some short literary texts. The class is conducted entirely in Spanish. Technology is applied every day in the classroom using a personal device.

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 practice listening, reading, writing, and speaking in Spanish. Students use authentic materials (newspaper and magazine articles, short stories, films, and songs) as a springboard to enhance their conversational skills and understanding of Hispanic cultures. Students are also be expected to perform oral presentations on a variety of personal experiences. Spanish grammar is reviewed as needed. The class is conducted entirely in Spanish.

AP Spanish

Prerequisite: Qualification based on Spanish level IV performance. A program of advanced reading, composition, speaking, and vocabulary building which provides preparation for the AP and IB Spanish language exams. The core themes of AP (family/community, science/technology, beauty/aesthetics, contemporary life, global issues, personal/public identity) and IB (media and communication, global issues, social relations) are addressed throughout the year. Students are expected to express themselves in Spanish, both written and spoken, in a variety of contexts and modes: presentational, interpersonal, formal, and informal. The class is conducted entirely in Spanish.

Classical Languages: Latin

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 edited original texts 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 incorporating a review of first-year work, students master more sophisticated Latin forms, including the subjunctive mood, in order to read material drawn from both Roman and post-Roman Latin literature. Additional topics, such as history and culture, are also covered as time permits.

Honors Latin II

Prerequisite: Qualification based on Latin level I performance. A study of Latin II with a more in-depth study of grammar and more complex translation passages. Additional topics, such as history and culture, are also covered as time permits.

Latin III

Latin III is a continuation of the study of advanced grammatical structures with a focus on Classical authors, including readings from Caesar, Catullus, Cicero, Vergil, Horace, and Ovid. Students begin to think critically about the texts as literature.

Honors Latin III

Prerequisite: Qualification based on Latin level II performance. Honors Latin III is a faster‐paced study of advanced grammatical structures and a more in-depth exploration of the authors. Students write critical essays based on the readings.

Latin IV

Prerequisite: Latin IIIStudents read selections from Vergil’s Aeneid and Book III of Horace’s Odes. Literary analysis and critical writing are emphasized as the course progresses, as well as the critical reading of and reaction to scholarly articles pertaining to the above topics. This course prepares students for the Standard Level Latin IB exam.

Latin IV Honors

Prerequisite: Qualification based on Latin level III performance. Students read selections from Vergil’s Aeneid and Book III of Horace’s Odes. Literary analysis and critical writing are emphasized as the course progresses, as well as the critical reading of and reaction to scholarly articles pertaining to the above topics. This course prepares students for the Standard Level Latin IB exam.

Latin V

Prerequisite: Latin IV. Students read selections from Ovid’s Metamorphoses and Catullus’ poetry. Literary analysis and critical writing are emphasized as the course progresses, as well as the critical reading of and reaction to scholarly articles pertaining to the above topics. This course prepares students for the Standard Level Latin IB exam

AP Latin: Epic Poetry

Prerequisite: Latin IV and qualification. A college‐level course which studies excerpts from Books I, IV, V, and VI of Caesar’s Commentarii de Bello Gallico, as well as excerpts from Books I, II, IV, and VI of Vergil’s Aeneid. Students also read those entire works in English. Emphasis is on literary analysis and critical writing.