The goal of the Foreign Language Department is to introduce students to the richness of other cultures through the medium of language. We live in an increasingly interdependent world, where students cannot succeed without the mastery of another language. Starting with the basics of vocabulary and grammar, we give students the building blocks to progress into an accomplished understanding of language and literature. We strive not only for competency but also for fluency and creativity in another tongue.
French, Spanish - Levels 1 and 2
In the first two levels, the foreign language sequences stress the acquisition of the four basic language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. An eclectic method is used, based upon a thorough grounding in grammar and practice in reading and translation, in guided and free composition and in aural-oral skills.
Latin - Levels 1 and 2
In this course students master fundamental Latin grammar, begin to read selected stories or short poems in Latin, learn to recognize the patterns of word derivation from Latin to English and the Romance languages, investigate ancient Roman life and culture, and explore many facets of Greek mythology.
French - Level 3
In Level 3, grammar is reviewed in advanced form, and proficiency in the use of language is sought through a multiplicity of drills, composition, and aural-oral techniques. The students in Regular and Honors levels are introduced to cultural and/or literary texts. Instruction in the target language is a continuing goal at this level.
Spanish - Level 3
In Level 3, grammar is reviewed in advanced form, and proficiency in the use of language is sought through a multiplicity of drills, composition, and aural-oral techniques. The students in Regular and Honors levels are introduced to short stories and plays. Level 3 courses are usually taught in the foreign language.
Latin - Level 3
Students finish the study of the finer points of grammar, continue learning about Roman life and culture and about Greek Mythology, and achieve greater vocabulary-building facility based on understanding how words are derived from Latin. They begin reading selections from various Roman writers on a wide range of perennially vital topics including love, leadership, and heroism.
French - Level 4
Students in the French 4 elective continue to develop their language skills through reading, class discussions and writing assignments. The instructor will try to tailor the course content to the interest of the students who have elected French 4. The offerings may include a survey of French history and civilization with excerpted literature from various historical periods or a study of short fiction from the francophone world with excerpted classics from French literature. French 4 is open to students who have passed a Level 3 French course.
Spanish - Level 4 Regular
This course increases student proficiency in language skills, requires frequent class participation, readings in Spanish, writing, and the use of recorded material. Language usage is stressed, as well as a thorough review of grammar. The course is taught predominantly in Spanish, and examines the history and society of Spain and other Hispanic countries. As an elective course, Spanish 4 requires a teacher's recommendation and a minimum grade of B- at level 3 for admission.
Spanish - Level 4 Honors
This course combines a thorough review of advanced grammar with a study of poems and stories taken from the Spanish 5 AP Literature reading list. Whenever possible, these readings will be supplemented with music, art, and films, as well as additional cultural and historical material. Students will be graded on tests, quizzes, essays, and oral presentations. The course will be taught entirely in Spanish. The recommendation of the department is required.
French/Spanish - Level 4 AP Language
This course will concentrate on further developing the four communicative skills. Classes are conducted entirely in French or Spanish, and emphasize advanced work in grammar, progressive vocabulary building, reading literature and other authentic documents. Intensive writing and extensive speaking stress both formal and informal types of situations. This course will prepare students for the May AP examination, a requirement for this course. May Departmental recommendation is required.
Latin - Level 4/5 AP
The AP Latin class will read Vergil's epic poem "The Aeneid", the entire work in English and selected passages in Latin, in preparation for the AP exam. Students who have completed Latin 3, and also students who have completed AP Ovid-Catullus, are eligible to take this course.
French - Level 5
Students who elect French 5 will continue to practice and develop their language skills through reading and research, class discussions, writing assignments and student oral presentations. As in French 4, the course content will try to respond to the interests of the students in the course. The Contemporary Civilization course will be offered again in 2006-2007. French 5 is open to students who have successfully complete French 4 or the Advanced Placement Language course.
Spanish - Level 5 Regular
One of the department's most advanced courses, it expects a high level of accomplishment from its students and requires them to confront material of substance and sophistication. Students aim at perfecting their reading, writing, and speaking skills, and review advanced grammar concepts. Students continue their study of the history and society of Hispanic countries that commenced in Spanish 4. This course is taught primarily in Spanish. As an elective course, Spanish 5 requires a teacher's recommendation and a minimum grade of B- at level 4 for admission. The course ends with the scripting and filming of a Spanish-language movie.
Spanish - Level 5 AP Literature This course prepares interested students to take the AP Spanish Literature Exam. Classes, conducted entirely in Spanish, consist of discussion and analysis of major Hispanic literary works. The reading list covers a survey of literature in Spanish from the Middle Ages to the Twentieth Century. Departmental recommendation is required.
Latin - Level 5 AP
See above, Latin - Level 4/5 AP.