Course Offerings: Modern Languages

In the first two years of Latin, students develop a thorough knowledge of English and Latin grammar, learn to read easy Latin passages, and discover the Latin derivations of many English words and thus increase their vocabulary. Those who continue beyond the second year read the works of a number of Latin authors with an eye to their social or political significance and for pure enjoyment. They learn a great deal about classical civilization as well as about the language itself. School Year Abroad offers a yearlong Latin program in Italy for Juniors and Seniors. The school is located in Viterbo, 60 miles north of Rome. The program includes a homestay with a local Italian family as well as instruction in Italian and Roman history. Preference is given to students who have completed two years of Latin, though students without a Latin background may apply.

Course ID

Course Title (click on title for course description)

Term

CN120

Chinese I

This is an introductory course in Mandarin Chinese, the official modern language of China, also known as Putonghua. The course concentrates on pronunciation, sentence structure, conversation, development of skills for reading simple texts, and in writing characters of simplified form. Recordings will accompany each lesson. Open to all students.

CN220

Chinese II

This course is a continuation of CN120 and is designed to enable the student to converse in everyday Chinese. The reading emphasizes vocabulary building. Students will review and further develop sentence structure, composition, and oral expression. Open to students who have completed CN120 or its equivalent.

CN320

Chinese III

This course is designed to develop further the student's overall language skills through reading and discussing "Chinese Dialogue" and "Intermediate Reader of Modern Chinese." Discussion of assigned readings is conducted primarily in Chinese. Open to students who have completed CN220 or its equivalent.

CN420

Chinese IV

This course emphasizes the reading and discussion of modern Chinese short stories and essays covering topics such as Chinese history and economics. Readings in modern Chinese newspapers are introduced in the second semester with selections from newspapers from The People's Republic of China and Taiwan. Open to students who have completed CN320 or its equivalent.

CN830

AP Chinese Language

This course will prepare students for the Advanced Placement Chinese Language and Culture Examination. Students taking this course must have a strong command of both written and spoken Chinese. Students will narrate stories based on a series of pictures and will give oral presentations on Chinese culture. The Language Lab will be used extensively. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate proficiency in Mandarin Chinese across three communicative modes (interpersonal, interpretive and presentational) as well as sufficient knowledge of Chinese culture. Since the AP Examination is administered solely via computer (i.e. no handwritten component), a prerequisite of the course is proficiency in the use of either the Microsoft Pinyin or Microsoft Bopomofo programs. Open to students who have completed CN420 or the equivalent and have the permission of the instructor.

CN930

Chinese Essays and Discussion

This course is designed for post-AP Chinese students to further improve their reading and listening abilities through discussion in Chinese of essays of various topics such as economic, political, and social issues and Chinese history. Chinese newspapers are introduced in the second semester with selections from The People's Republic of China and Taiwan. Open with the permission of the department to students who have successfully completed AP Chinese or the equivalent.

CN991

Independent Tutorial in Chinese

This is an opportunity for an individual or group of students to work with the teacher on a language project in which they share an interest.

CN992

Independent Tutorial in Chinese

This is an opportunity for an individual or group of students to work with the teacher on a language project in which they share an interest.

FR120

French I Intermediate

This introduction to the study of French emphasizes the four skills: writing, reading, speaking, and listening. Students learn to use practical vocabulary in a cultural context and the fundamental grammatical structures of the language, including the present, past, and future tenses. Students work in the Language Center regularly to develop listening and speaking skills, and multimedia activities are integrated into the daily class experience. Throughout the year students read a variety of literary selections. The class is conducted in French. Students with little or no previous exposure to French should select this course. At the end of the year students will be recommended for FR220 or FR230.

FR130

Accelerated French I

The objectives of this course are identical to those of FR120; however, this course is for students who have already studied French but are not sufficiently prepared for the second level. The pace is faster, and supplementary readings are integrated into the course throughout the year. The class is conducted in French. At the end of the year students will be recommended for FR230 or FR240. Summer reading is encouraged in preparation for the next level.

FR220

French II Intermediate

This course continues the study of French started in the first level, emphasizing the expansion of vocabulary and the acquisition of more complex grammatical structures. Students use the Language Center frequently to develop listening and speaking skills. Supplementary readings and multimedia activities are integrated into the course throughout the year. Open to students who have completed FR120, FR130, or the equivalent. At the end of the year students will be recommended for FR320 or FR330.

FR230

Honors French II

As in FR220, this course continues the study of French started in the first level, but the pace is accelerated and the expectations are higher. All major grammatical structures are covered. Supplementary materials, such as poetry and short stories, are integrated into the course throughout the year. Open to students who have completed FR120, FR130, or the equivalent and have the permission of the Department. At the end of the year students will be recommended for FR320 or FR330. Summer reading is encouraged in preparation for the next level.

FR240

Honors Accelerated French II

This course is for students who have demonstrated exceptional ability and achievement in the first level. Through an intensive study of grammar, cultural readings, and selected short stories and novels and the use of multimedia activities, students develop their writing, reading, speaking, and listening skills. At the end of the year students will be recommended for either FR430 or FR830. Open to students who have completed FR120 or FR130 and have the permission of the Department. Summer reading is encouraged in preparation for the next level.

FR320

French III Intermediate

This course is a comprehensive review and expansion of the grammatical structures presented in the first two years and emphasizes the use of French in a functional context. Short stories and multimedia activities, such as music and films, supplement the curriculum. Students learn to express themselves coherently and to discuss and write about plot and general themes using target vocabulary and a broad range of verb tenses. All students will participate in a theatrical performance as a culminating experience in the spring. At the end of the year students who demonstrate strong ability and interest are encouraged to continue on to Fourth Year French. Open to all students who have completed FR220, FR230, or the equivalent.

FR330

Honors French III

This course is a comprehensive review and expansion of the vocabulary and grammatical structures presented in the first two years and is designed to challenge those students who have demonstrated strong ability and interest in the second year. Throughout the years students read a selection of short stories and novels and review grammar and write essays as a means of achieving greater technical accuracy and sophistication in both their written and oral expression. Through multimedia activities and oral presentations, students develop their speaking and listening skills. During the second semester students listen to a recorded short story and perform several scenes as a play. Supplementary work is offered in order to prepare students for the SAT II French test. At the end of the year students are encouraged to continue on to Honors French IV or Advanced Placement French Language. Open to students who have demonstrated both strong ability and interest in FR220 or FR230 and have the permission of the Department. Summer reading is encouraged in preparation for the next level.

FR421

French IV

This course, in combination with FR422, is designed to broaden students' understanding of French civilization. Students explore the history, politics, and geography of France through the study of literature, films, and music. Students review grammatical structures in context by writing essays, participating in class discussions, and giving oral presentations. The goal is for students to develop a deeper appreciation of France and the French and a desire to continue to study the language. Supplementary work is offered in order to prepare students for the SAT II French test. Open to students who have completed FR320 or the equivalent.

FR422

French IV

This course is designed to complement FR421. Students continue to work toward the goals introduced in the first semester. Students study the different regions of France and several francophone countries, and they are responsible for organizing a cultural fair for the entire school community. Open to students who have completed FR421 or the equivalent and have the permission of the Department.

FR430

Honors French IV

The objectives of this course are identical to those in French IV, but the pace is faster and the expectations are higher. This course is designed for motivated students who have demonstrated strong interest and ability throughout their third year language course. Evaluation is based on essays and oral presentations. During the second semester students study the different regions of France and several francophone countries and organize a cultural fair for the school community. Open to students who have completed and excelled in FR240, FR320, FR330, or the equivalent and have the permission of the Department. At the end of the year non-seniors are encouraged to continue on to Advanced Placement French Language.

FR830

AP French Language

This demanding course is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement French Language Examination. Students need to have a strong command of all four language skills. Throughout the year students read unedited literary and journalistic prose and watch streamed news programs on line. All students participate in a theater performance at the end of the first semester. Students learn to express their opinions using argument and analysis and study advanced vocabulary and syntax. Supplementary work is offered in order to prepare students for the SAT II French test. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement French Language Examination in May. Open to students who have completed FR240, FR330, or FR432 and have the permission of the Department.

FR940

Post-AP French Literature

This post-AP course is designed for students who have shown exceptional interest, ability, and achievement in French. Students broaden their knowledge of French literature, culture and history through the study of different genres. The course is divided into three parts: nineteenth century Romanticism, World War I and World War II, and French comic books. The fall is dedicated to the nineteenth century French poets who launched the Romantic period in Europe. Students explore the Romantic movement and its impact on French life and read a selection of poems by the classic French poets Hugo, Musset, Lamartine, and Vigny. The winter segues into the twentieth century, and students discover the French perspective on the political and cultural events of this period. Through a selection of literature and films students delve into life in France during the two world wars. In the spring this course concludes with a study of French culture through the French literary tradition of comic books and read selections from the series Astérix and Obélix, Tintin, and Lucky Luke. Students gain further insight into the characteristics that define French cultural identity.

FR991

Independent Tutorial in French

This is an opportunity for an individual or a small group of students to work with a member of the Department on a language or literature project in which they share an interest. Open to Upper Middlers and Seniors who have completed the French curriculum and have the permission of the Department and the Dean of Academic Affairs.

FR992

Independent Tutorial in French

This is an opportunity for an individual or a small group of students to work with a member of the Department on a language or literature project in which they share an interest. Open to Upper Middlers and Seniors with the permission of the Department and the Dean of Academic Affairs.

SP120

Spanish I Intermediate

As an introduction to the study of Spanish, this course emphasizes fundamental grammatical structures and the acquisition and assimilation of practical vocabulary. During the year, students will learn present, past, and simple future tenses. The use of audio and visual materials both in class and in the Language Center helps students develop listening and speaking skills, enabling them to express themselves in Spanish from the start of the course. Class is conducted entirely in Spanish. Students with little or no previous exposure to Spanish should select this course.

SP130

Accelerated Spanish I

The objectives of this course are identical to those of SP120; however, this course is for students who have already studied Spanish but are not sufficiently prepared for the second level. The pace will be faster, and those students who receive an honors grade at the end of the year will be recommended for Spanish II Honors.

SP210

Spanish II

This course is offered to students who would be otherwise unable to complete the Intermediate Spanish II course. Enrollment is open to students who have completed SP120 and who have the permission of the department. Not open to new students.

SP220

Spanish II Intermediate

This course is a continuation of the work begun in SP120 and SP130, focusing on the continued acquisition of basic grammatical structures and vocabulary. Students read a number of short stories throughout the year. The use of audio and visual materials both in class and in the Language Center helps students develop listening and speaking skills, enabling them to express themselves in Spanish from the start of the course. Students are expected to incorporate new grammar and vocabulary into written assignments, and class is always conducted in Spanish. Open to students who have completed SP120, SP130 or the equivalent.

SP230

Honors Spanish II

This course is for students who have demonstrated exceptional ability and achievement in the first level. Intensive study of grammatical structures, vocabulary and culture is supplemented by outside reading to provide an introduction to Spanish literature. The use of audio and visual materials both in class and in the Language Center is a regular component of the course. Open to students who have completed SP120, SP130 or the equivalent and have the permission of the Department.

SP310

Spanish III

This course is offered to students who would be otherwise unable to complete the Spanish III Intermediate course. Enrollment is open to students who have completed SP210 or SP220 and who have the permission of the department. Not open to new students.

SP320

Spanish III Intermediate

The final phase of the three year language requirement, this course is a comprehensive review of the grammar presented in the first two years. The course aims to increase students' communicative skills by reinforcing grammatical structures and by stimulating students to think about a variety of issues and concerns of the Hispanic world. Students will read selected literature, view films and videos, and make regular use of the Language Center. Open to students who have completed SP220, SP230 or the equivalent. Students who finish the course with a strong grade are encouraged to continue on to Spanish IV.

SP330

Honors Spanish III

This course is designed to challenge those students who have demonstrated both high ability and interest in the second year and who intend to study Spanish at the Advanced Placement levels. Students read selections from both classic and modern literature and are introduced to a variety of cultural and historical topics. Although this course presupposes a command of grammar, a review grammar text supplements the literary and cultural readers. Students also work extensively in the Language Center, and oral proficiency is stressed. The objective throughout the year is to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Spanish courses. Open to students who have completed SP220 or SP230 and have the permission of the Department.

SP380

Spanish For Heritage Speakers

This course is designed for native or heritage speakers of Spanish with oral proficiency but little or no formal training in the language. The purpose of the course is to develop reading and writing skills through the use of a text and the study of literature, articles, recordings and film. Interested students should contact the head of the department. Students who complete this course will be strongly encouraged to continue with SP430, SP830 or SP840.

SP421

Spanish IV

This course is designed to give Spanish students who have completed SP320, SP330, or the equivalent the opportunity to explore the culture and history of the Hispanic world through literature and film. Students focus on short stories by a variety of Spanish and Latin American authors as well as undertake an in depth study of different films. Students will write essays, give oral presentations, keep journals, and participate in group projects. This is a one-semester course, but students are encouraged to continue with SP422.

SP422

Spanish IV

This course is designed to give Spanish students who have completed SP421 the opportunity to further explore the language, culture, and literature of the Hispanic world. Students continue their study of both Spanish and Latin American literature in the form of short stories and plays. The second half of the semester is devoted to in-depth studies of contemporary issues in Spanish speaking countries. Students will give oral presentations, keep journals, participate in group projects, and compose an original short story. Students who complete this course will be encouraged to continue to SP520.

SP430

Honors Spanish IV

This course is designed to give students the opportunity to explore Hispanic culture and history in greater depth through literature, film and art. This honors section of Spanish IV will include an emphasis on advanced grammatical structures and the use of such in writing, speaking and laboratory work. This year long course is a natural segue to the Advanced Placement level for the following year. Open to students who have completed SP320, SP330, or SP380 with the permission of the department.

SP520

Honors Spanish V: Hispanic Culture Through Literature and Film

This course will use informative and thought-provoking films to focus on the contemporary history, art and culture of Spain and Latin America. Films 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. Open to students who have completed SP422 or SP430 with the permission of the department.

SP830

AP Spanish Language

This course prepares students for the Advanced Placement Spanish Language Examination in May. Students who qualify for this class have a strong command of both written and spoken Spanish and are ready to undertake a demanding curriculum. Consistent with the composition of the examination, students will be required to read unedited literary and journalistic prose, understand lectures and conversational language, participate effectively in class, and write essays in Spanish. The Language Center will be used extensively, and students will work independently with the resources. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement Language Examination. Open to students who have completed SP330 or SP430 and have the permission of the Department.

SP840

AP Spanish Literature

This course prepares the student for the Advanced Placement Spanish Literature Examination in May. The entire year is devoted to the study of Spanish and Spanish-American literature, culture and civilization. The seminar method of teaching encourages the student to study on his own and, with the help of the teacher, to organize materials in preparation for formal papers and presentations which treat specific works by a variety of authors from different time periods. Students are expected to take the Advanced Placement Literature Examination. This course is open to students who have completed SP830 or have the permission of the Department.

SP991

Independent Tutorial in Spanish

This is an opportunity for an individual or a small group of students to work with a member of the Department on a language or literature project in which they share an interest. Open to Seniors by permission of the Department Head and the Dean of Academic Affairs.