Modern & Classical Languages

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

HONORS CHINESE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE I

Full year. This course infuses the study of Mandarin with Chinese culture. Students will begin to read, write, speak, and understand spoken Mandarin, while studying Chinese philosophy, poetry, festivals, and art. Activities including excursions to local markets and restaurants, cooking, origami, calligraphy, and more! 

HONORS CHINESE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE II 

Full year. This NEW course builds on the linguistic and cultural foundations developed in Honors Chinese language and Culture I. Students will further develop their Chinese language skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking, while continuing to explore Chinese culture.

CHINESE III 

Full year. While reviewing the Chinese characters and sentences studied in I and II, students will continue to learn more vocabulary and grammatical structure as well as Chinese culture. Units include transportation, food and drink, weather, and travel. Culture is taught through the study of holidays, idioms, proverbs, and stories. By the end of the course students should be able to read and write at least 650 Chinese characters.

HONORS CHINESE III

Full year. Prerequisite: Qualification based on Chinese level II performance 
Honors Chinese III covers the same material as Chinese III; however, expectations for language proficiency and production are greater for honors-level students. 

CHINESE IV

Full year. Prerequisite: Qualification based on Chinese level III performance 
While reviewing the Chinese characters and sentences from Chinese III, students will continue to learn more vocabulary and grammatical structures. Aspects of Chinese culture are taught through the study of Chinese geography, idioms, proverbs, and stories, and by the end of the course students should be able to read and write at least 800 Chinese characters.

HONORS CHINESE IV 

Full year. Honors Chinese IV covers the same material as Chinese IV; however, expectations for language proficiency and production are greater for honors-level students. 

FRENCH I

Full year. This course is an introduction to the basic structure of the language. Fundamental skills including speaking, understanding, and building a good vocabulary are strongly emphasized. The class is conducted predominantly in French.

FRENCH II 

Full year. This course is 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

Full year. Prerequisite: Qualification based on French level I performance/recommendation of Middle School instructor
This course is 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 will be covered as time permits. The class is conducted in French.

FRENCH III

Full year. This course is 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 

​​​​​​​Full year. Prerequisite: Qualification based on French level II performance
This course is a study of third year French with increased emphasis on skill development. Students are introduced to cultural readings and are expected to create frequent oral presentations, extensive writing through essays, and to study a French novel. The class is conducted entirely in French. 

FRENCH IV 

​​​​​​​Full year. In this advanced course students continue to develop their awareness of French and Francophone cultures and focus on the practical application of their French language skills. Work includes – but is not limited to – the reading of contemporary French language periodicals and the study of two or more French movies. On a daily basis, students are expected to engage in conversations, expand their vocabulary and practice their writing skills. This course is conducted in French.

HONORS FRENCH IV

​​​​​​​Full year. Prerequisite: Qualification based on French level III performance 
In this advanced course students continue to develop their awareness of French and Francophone cultures and focus on the practical application of their French language skills. It is the expectation of this course that students develop an understanding of some advanced grammar skills and acquire beyond the basis vocabulary.  Work includes – but is not limited to – the reading of contemporary French language periodicals as well as some elements of literature and the study of two or more French movies. On a daily basis, students are expected to engage in conversations, expand their vocabulary and practice their writing skills. This course is conducted in French.

FRENCH V 

​​​​​​​Full year. 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 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, and the class is conducted entirely in French. Note: this course also prepares IB students for the Standard Level assessments.

AP FRENCH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE

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

IB FRENCH HIGHER LEVEL 

​​​​​​​Full year. Prerequisite: Qualification based on French level IV performance AND enrollment in the IB Program
At the Higher Level, students are expected to extend the range and complexity of the language they use and understand in order to communicate. They continue to develop their knowledge of vocabulary and grammar, as well as their conceptual understanding of how language works, in order to construct, analyze and evaluate arguments on a variety of topics relating to course content and the target language culture(s). Students will also engage with the text types and themes required for the IB examinations. This course is conducted entirely in French. Note: this course prepares students for the Higher Level IB assessments.

HONORS SPANSH FOR HERITAGE SPEAKERS 

Full year. This NEW course builds upon the Spanish language skills of students who have been raised in Spanish-speaking communities or households. The course develops more advanced speaking skills, addresses weaknesses in writing, expands vocabulary, and explores relevant cultural issues. Students enrolled in this honors-level course must demonstrate an advanced level of speaking proficiency.  Qualification based on teacher recommendation and/or oral proficiency interview (OPI).

SPANISH I

Full year. This course is an introduction to the Spanish language and culture, 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

Full year. This course is a continuation of the introduction to the language and culture begun in Spanish I. Students are introduced to most Spanish verb tenses in the indicative mood and grow their Spanish language proficiency through reading, writing, listening and speaking. The class is conducted predominantly in Spanish.

HONORS SPANISH II

Full year. Prerequisite: Qualification based on Spanish level I performance/recommendation of Middle School instructor
This course is a faster-paced study of Spanish II that emphasizes the four critical skills in second language learning of speaking, listening, writing, and reading.  Students strengthen and expand conversational skills while developing their abilities to communicate and move from present to past to future in their speech, writing, and interpretation of the language.  Students are introduced to the geography, music, and culture of Spanish speaking countries. The class is conducted in Spanish.  

SPANISH III

Full year. This course is an extension of the skills covered in Spanish I and II with a curriculum designed to strengthen 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

Full year. Prerequisite: Qualification based on Spanish level II performance
This course is an extension of the skills covered in Spanish I and II with a curriculum designed to strengthen and deepen 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 moves at an accelerated pace and is conducted entirely in Spanish. 

SPANISH IV

Full year. This course is a comprehensive review of Spanish grammar that places emphasis on improving composition and conversation skills while expanding vocabulary.  Students will use authentic materials and task-based activities to practice communication through reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The class includes reading and discussions on Hispanic civilization and tradition, emphasizing similarities and points of contrast with the North American culture. The class is conducted in Spanish.

HONORS SPANISH IV 

Full year. Prerequisite: Qualification based on Spanish level III performance
This is an advanced course where students continue to develop and expand their awareness and general knowledge of the Hispanic and Latin American culture. The class focuses on the practical application of every skill. It is the expectation of this course that students develop an understanding of advanced grammar skills and acquire beyond the required vocabulary.  Work includes – but is not limited to – oral presentations and projects, the study of contemporary issues, periodicals, short stories, and movies. On a daily basis, students are expected to engage in speaking interactions, expand their own vocabulary, and practice their writing skills. This course is conducted in Spanish.

SPANISH V

Full year. This is an advanced course where students continue to develop and expand their knowledge of Hispanic and Latin American cultures.  The class focuses on the practical application of every skill.  It is expected that students develop advanced grammar skills and move beyond the required vocabulary. Work includes – but is not limited to – oral presentations, projects, discussing contemporary issues, reading short stories, and studying Spanish films.  Students will use authentic materials (newspapers, magazine articles, short stories, and films) as a springboard to enhance their conversational skills. This class is conducted entirely in Spanish. Note: this course also prepares IB students for the Standard Level assessments.

AP SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE

Full year. Prerequisite: Qualification based on Spanish level IV performance
This course is a program of advanced reading, composition, speaking, and vocabulary building which provides preparation for the Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Spanish language examinations. The core themes of AP (family/community, science/technology, beauty/aesthetics, contemporary life, global issues, personal/public identity) 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. 

IB SPANISH HIGHER LEVEL 

Full year. Prerequisite: Qualification based on Honors Spanish level IV performance AND enrollment in the IB Program
At the Higher Level, students are expected to extend the range and complexity of the language they use and understand in order to communicate. They continue to develop their knowledge of vocabulary and grammar, as well as their conceptual understanding of how language works, in order to construct, analyze and evaluate arguments on a variety of topics relating to course content and the target language culture(s).  Students will also engage with the text types and themes required for the IB examinations. This course is conducted entirely in Spanish.  Note: this course prepares students for the Higher Level IB assessments.

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

LATIN I

Full year. This course is 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. Students are also introduced to the cultural contributions of the Roman Empire, particularly as they are reflected in our language and vocabulary.

LATIN II-DL9

Full year. Prerequisite: Qualification based on 7th and 8th grade Latin performance 
This 9th grade course creates a bridge between Latin I and Latin III for double-language students wanting to continue their study of Latin outside of the traditional classroom model. This student cohort follows the fundamentals of the Latin II curriculum via a guided independent study with a Country Day teacher, using interactive technology. Teacher input and student output activities are assigned and should be completed independently each seven-day cycle. Students meet with the teacher once at the beginning of the semester to outline course expectations, three to four times throughout the semester for scheduled assessments, and for extra help as needed. This course does not have semester exams and is graded as credit/no credit; however, student performance determines qualification for Latin III/Honors Latin III. Open only to 9th grade students who are enrolled in an additional language course.

LATIN II 

Full year. This course is a continuation of Latin I with a more in-depth study of grammar and more lines of translation. Additional topics, such as history and culture, are also covered as time permits.

HONORS LATIN II 

Full year. Prerequisite: Qualification based on Latin level I performance
This course is 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, will also be covered as time permits. 

LATIN III

Full year. 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 will begin to think critically about the texts as literature.

HONORS LATIN III 

Full year. 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 will read authentic selections from Caesar’s De Bello Gallico, Catullus, Cicero’s various works, Vergil’s Aeneid, Horace’s Carmina, and Ovid’s Metamorphoses. 

LATIN IV 

Full year. Prerequisite: Latin III
Students will read selections from Sallust, Propertius, Tibullus, Catullus, Ovid, Cicero, Livy, Horace, and Vergil. Literary analysis and critical writing will be emphasized as the course progresses, as will the critical reading of and reaction to scholarly articles pertaining to the above topics. This course prepares students for the Standard Level Latin International Baccalaureate exam.

LATIN IV HONORS

Full year. Prerequisite: Qualification based on Latin level III performance
Students will read selections from Propertius, Tibullus, Catullus, Ovid, Cicero, Livy, Horace, Sallust, and Vergil. Literary analysis and critical writing will be emphasized as the course progresses, as will the critical reading of and reaction to scholarly articles pertaining to the above topics. This course prepares students for the Higher Level Latin International Baccalaureate exam.

LATIN V 

Full year. Prerequisite: Latin IV
Students will read additional selections from Propertius, Tibullus, Catullus, Ovid, Cicero, Livy, Horace, Sallust, and Vergil.  Literary analysis and critical writing will be emphasized as the course progresses, as will the critical reading of and reaction to scholarly articles pertaining to the above topics. Note: this course also prepares IB students for the Standard Level assessments. 

AP LATIN 

Full year. Prerequisite: Latin IV and qualification
This course is 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. The students will also read those entire works in English. Emphasis is on literary analysis and critical writing. 

IB LATIN 

Full year. Prerequisite: Latin IV and enrollment in the IB Program
IB Latin is comprised of three main parts: study of language, study of literature, and the research dossier project. The main aim of the first part of the syllabus is to equip students with the language skills to read and understand Classical authors in the original Latin.  For the second part of the syllabus, students are given experience of Classical literature through prescribed passages in original language (Catullus, Horace, Ovid, and Vergil).  The research dossier offers students the opportunity to examine an aspect of Classical language, literature or civilization that is of particular interest to them. The student will compile annotated primary source materials relating to a topic in Roman history or culture. Note: this course prepares students for the Higher Level and Standard Level IB assessments.