Foreign Languages

French 1

The first year of study in French is a concise and comprehensive presentation of the essential elements of the language. Beginning students concentrate on vocabulary, grammatical structure, idioms, and verb forms as well as pronunciation and comprehension. Every effort is made to afford students the opportunity to become well versed in all aspects of basic French. Attention is also given to the culture of the people of France.

French 2

In French 2, basic grammatical concepts are reviewed and expanded, and reading and writing also play a significant role in the course. The student gradually acquires a stronger vocabulary and mastery of the syntax. Through the use of certain videotapes and audiotapes, the student arrives at a better understanding and command of the language.

French 2 Honors

Those students who have shown particular promise in a foreign language are selected for a more intensive course of study. In addition to the basic curriculum, students are required to do a number of extra readings selected from a diverse group of works including short stories, poems, and cultural material. Less time is spent on the classroom drill of grammar, and students must be motivated to master this material independently.

French 3

French 3 is designed for students who have acquired basic grammatical skills in French 1 and 2. Classes are conducted in French, and the student is encouraged to answer questions about what he has heard or read. More complex grammatical concepts are also introduced.  Reading and writing in the language are emphasized, and each lesson presents new vocabulary in context. Conversations and compositions strengthen the student's ability to apply basic grammatical principles.

French 3 Honors

French 3 Honors is designed for the student who shows the ability and motivation to go beyond the third year of French. In addition to the regular curriculum, students engage in a variety of activities chosen from books, magazine and newspaper articles, videotapes, and computer programs.  This course is for the student who shows a willingness to work independently and beyond what is covered in the classroom.

French 4

French 4 is for students who have satisfactorily completed the requirements of French 3 and wish to continue their study, but at a more moderate pace than that required in an honors-level course. Grammar is reviewed at a more sophisticated level and writing is done on a more frequent basis. Classes are conducted predominantly in the target language, and the student is given exercises to strengthen his oral skills. Certain literary readings are also introduced.

French 4 Honors

In French 4 Honors the emphasis is placed on developing fluency in speech and writing.  Students examine advanced grammatical concepts. Compositions play an integral part in expanding a student's awareness of stylistic nuances found in foreign language. The course requires extensive reading with an introduction to literary analysis.

French 5 Honors

In French 5 Honors, the emphasis is placed on developing greater fluency in speech and in writing. This course also requires extensive reading. The course is conducted almost entirely in the target language. In addition to reading, speaking, and writing the language, students will be exposed to the language through media such as videos, movies and various sites on the Internet.

Mandarin Chinese 1

This introductory course is intended for students with minimal or no knowledge of Mandarin Chinese.  Throughout this course, the students will learn the foundation of the Chinese language. The students will be introduced to PinYin, the Chinese phonetic system, the basics of writing characters, and vocabulary. Students will also be able to develop basic conversation skills by practicing  self-introduction, introduction of family members, questions and statements about time and dates, invitations, and discussion of hobbies.

Mandarin Chinese 2

At this level, the students will continue to develop speaking and writing skills by expanding their vocabulary base. Along with a more extensive vocabulary, they will also explore and learn more complex grammar and sentence structures to differentiate their speaking and writing styles. A key objective for this course is to have students develop the proficiency to express a unique daily narrative of school life and to be able to discuss various points of cultural differences they have learned through the language.

Mandarin Chinese 3

The daily lessons of Mandarin Chinese 3 will progress from working to read, speak, and write shorter paragraphs and dialogues to working on more extensive passages involving complex vocabulary and grammar structures. Mandarin Chinese 3 students are required to put their knowledge into practice by being put into verbal situations where their individuality and personal speaking style will be displayed and developed.

Spanish 1

The first year of study in Spanish is a concise and comprehensive presentation of the essential elements of both the oral and the written language. Beginning students concentrate on vocabulary, grammatical structures, idioms, pronunciation, and comprehension. Every effort is made to afford the student the opportunity to become well versed in all aspects of basic Spanish and to communicate in the language.

Spanish 2

A continuation of Spanish 1, this course is designed to strengthen a student's aural comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Students are given a thorough grounding in the principles of grammar, which are applied in class discussions and in short written assignments. The student gradually acquires a stronger vocabulary and mastery of the syntax that is used in both oral and written work. Through the use of videotapes and audiotapes, the student arrives at a better understanding and command of the language. Attention is also given to the culture and heritage of the people of the Spanish-speaking world.

Spanish 2 Honors

Those students who have shown particular promise in a foreign language are selected for a more intensive course of study. In addition to the basic curriculum, students are required to do a number of extra readings selected from a diverse group of works including short stories, poems, and cultural material. Less time is spent on the classroom drill of grammar, and students must be motivated to master this material independently.

Spanish 3

Spanish 3 is for students who have acquired basic grammatical skills in Spanish 1 and 2. Classes are conducted predominantly in Spanish, and the student is encouraged to reply orally to questions about what he has read or heard. More complex grammatical concepts are also introduced. Reading and writing the language are emphasized, and conversations strengthen the student's ability to apply grammatical principles.

Spanish 3 Honors

Spanish 3 Honors is designed for the student who shows the ability and motivation to go beyond the third year of Spanish. In addition to the regular curriculum, students engage in a variety of activities chosen from books, magazine and newspaper articles, videotapes, and computer programs. This course is for the student who shows the willingness to work independently and beyond what is covered in the classroom.

Spanish 4

Spanish 4 is for students who have satisfactorily completed the requirements of Spanish 3 and wish to continue their study, but at a more moderate pace than that required in an honors-level course. Grammar is reviewed at a more sophisticated level and writing is done on more frequent basis. Classes are conducted predominantly in the target language, and the student is given exercises to strengthen his oral skills. Certain literary readings are also introduced.

Spanish 4 Honors

Spanish 4 Honors is an advanced course emphasizing speaking, reading, and writing the language correctly. This course also endeavors to cultivate an ability to understand and accept the logic of another cultural dynamic. An advanced grammar review textbook is studied in conjunction with literary selections from Spain and Latin America. Social customs and traditions are discussed with a view toward encouraging students to compare their cultural perspective with that of a Hispanic counterpart.

Spanish 5 Honors: Hispanic Culture Through Literature and Film

This course will use informative and thought-provoking materials to focus on the contemporary history, art, and culture of Spain and Latin America. Films studied in this course will include fictional portrayals of real-world events and dramatizations that portray the various viewpoints and opinions that exist in the Hispanic world regarding its history and current events. Supplementary literature, texts, articles, video clips, music and presentations will provide background to historical events. Students will participate in debates and activities that promote effective oral and written communication. This course is open to students who have completed Spanish 4 or Spanish 4 Honors.

Latin 1

Latin 1 provides a sound grammatical background, emphasizing correct syntax and vocabulary. Since Latin is an inflected language (where word endings rather than word order determine a word’s syntax), students of Latin learn a new way of coding and decoding thoughts and ideas that can prove beneficial in improving writing skills. The Latin 1 student is introduced to the basic declensions of nouns and conjugations of verbs. Case usage of nouns for subjects, direct objects, indirect objects and in prepositional phrases are covered from the very beginning of this course, as are voice, mood, person, number and tense of verbs. To reinforce skills and prepare for classical translations in subsequent years, students are given numerous translation exercises. Latin's close affinity to other languages is referred to throughout the course with emphasis on the role it plays in the etymology of many words in the English language.

Latin 2

The Latin 2 student completes his study of essential grammar, construction, declension, and conjugation, and now possesses a solid understanding of the language sufficient to begin classical translation, which is introduced mid-year. A variety of readings are used to help students make intellectual connections across the millennia. They begin to appreciate the differences between modern Western culture and the culture of the classical period while also developing understanding that human nature is, in many ways, unchanged. Latin's relationship with English continues to be stressed, thus underlying Latin's relevance to, and importance in the student's academic life.

Latin 2 Honors

Latin 2 Honors is for the very able student who intends to pursue upper-level Latin. During the year, students complete the study of all grammar including the use of the subjunctive. Classical translations include a wider range than those taught at the regular level.

Latin 3/Latin 3 Honors

After a brisk review of the grammar and vocabulary covered in Latin 1 and Latin 2, Latin 3 students are introduced to the translation of classical prose and verse. Students are encouraged to become more "free" in their translation, moving away from the literal and developing an individual interpretation of classical writings. Starting with poetry, students will be introduced to the concept of meter, which is critically important in Latin poetry. Following poetry, students will move onto reading Caesar’s De Bello Gallico—his account of his eight-year conquest of Gaul (modern France). Both the poetry and prose units are designed to prepare the student for Advanced Placement Latin if he so desires.

Latin 4/5 Honors

Latin 4 is for the student who has satisfactorily completed the requirements of Latin 3 or AP Latin and wishes to continue his study of Latin literature and classical culture. Latin 4 continues with the translation of classical prose and verse (in alternate years). The student, now experienced in the process of translation, continues to augment his skills in the interpretation of classical writings. 

 

Prose authors: Cicero (Pro Caelio, Catalinarians), Petronius (Cena Trimalchionis), Sallust (Bellum Catalinae), Tacitus (selections) and a Plautus comedy.

Poetry: Catullus, Horace, Ovid, Propertius, Tibullus, Vergil and Juvenal.  There will be one semester of lyric and elegiac poetry and one semester focusing on Latin satire, a uniquely Roman contribution to the literary universe.

Advanced Placement French Language

Advanced Placement French Language is designed for the motivated student who has excelled through the first three or four years of language. The course, conducted entirely in French, is designed to prepare the student for the Advanced Placement Language exam given in May. Students review the nuances of advanced grammar with extensive reading and writing outside of the classroom and various oral activities within the classroom. A variety of media is used including audio and videocassettes, magazines, newspapers, films, and literary works.

Advanced Placement French Literature

Advanced Placement French Literature is for the student who has excelled in the first four years of language. Although there is an occasional review of grammatical structures, it is understood that the student has mastered the essentials of grammar. The students are introduced to the great masters of French literature with the aim of appreciating and enjoying those works. Emphasis is placed on those authors mandated by the Advanced Placement course description. The course includes extensive reading and both oral and written analyses of each work.

Advanced Placement Spanish Language

Advanced Placement Spanish Language is designed for the motivated student who has excelled through the first three or four years of language. Conducted entirely in Spanish, this course prepares students for the Advanced Placement Language examination given in May. Students review nuances of advanced grammar with extensive reading and writing outside of the classroom and various oral activities within the classroom. A variety of media is used including audio and videocassettes, magazines, newspapers, films, and literary works.

Advanced Placement Spanish Literature

Advanced Placement Spanish Literature is for the student who has excelled in the first four years of language. Although there is an occasional review of grammatical structures, it is understood that the student has mastered the essentials of grammar. The students are introduced to the great masters of Hispanic literature with the aim of appreciating and enjoying the works of those masters. Emphasis is placed on those authors mandated by the Advanced Placement course description. The course includes extensive reading and both oral and written analyses of each work.

Advanced Placement Latin

Advanced Placement Latin is designed to provide advanced Latin students with a rich and rigorous Latin course, approximately equivalent to an upper-intermediate (typically fourth or fifth semester) college or university Latin course. Students who successfully complete the course are able to read, understand, translate, and analyze Latin poetry and prose. Students will study selections from Caesar’s De Bello Gallico and Vergil’s Aeneid—texts of critical importance in not only a literary context, but also having huge cultural and historical influence. Students will be prepared to take the AP Latin exam in May.