Spanish I

Spanish I is a foundational course which employs a communicative approach for beginners. Students will work on developing all three modes of communication: interpretive (listening and reading), interpersonal, and presentational (both written and spoken) with an emphasis on vocabulary acquisition and narration in the present tense. Roleplay, group projects, reading, games, listening and speaking activities, and listening to music are a sample of different approaches to learning. Students are expected to be proactive in their learning and active participants in the class. Conducted primarily in Spanish, this course is intended for novice students who have not studied the language previously.

Prerequisite: None Credit: WL Period: Full Year Diploma Credit: World Languages

Spanish II

Spanish II continues to develop the three modes of communication begun in Spanish I. The course expands on basic structural and grammatical patterns while revisiting themes from the previous year in greater depth. Students will experience a growth in confidence as they engage in short social interactions on familiar topics and become increasingly independent readers and speakers of Spanish. While Spanish I emphasized narrating in the present, Spanish II will deepen narration in the present while highlighting the past and immediate future. In addition to language structures and acquisition, students will explore the cultures of the Spanish speaking world and learn to appreciate the people and culture through short readings and audio selections, videos, and music.

Prerequisite: Spanish I or Proficiency Exam Credit: WL Period: Full Year Diploma Credit: World Languages

Accelerated Spanish II

Accelerated Spanish II expands on basic structural and grammatical patterns while revisiting themes from the previous year in greater depth. Students will experience a growth in confidence as they engage in short social interactions on familiar topics and become increasingly independent readers and speakers of Spanish. While Spanish I emphasized narrating in the present, Spanish II Accelerated will deepen narration in the present while highlighting the past and future. In addition to language structures and acquisition, students will explore the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world and learn to appreciate the people and culture through short readings and audio selections, videos, and music. This course will be conducted at an accelerated pace and  elaborates on writing and oral comprehension skills. 

Prerequisite: Spanish I and Faculty Recommendation or Proficiency Exam Credit: WL Period: Full Year

Diploma Credit: World Languages

Spanish III

In the Level III course, students will review the grammar from previous years, and be introduced to higher-level structures and compound verb tenses aimed at improving proficiency at the intermediate level. Students will make connections and comparisons to other cultures in order to prepare them to engage with multicultural communities in the United States and around the world. Cultural practices, products and perspectives of the Spanish speaking world will be the foundation of readings, presentations, projects, and discussions. Thematic vocabulary and topics may include relationships and community, holidays and traditions, forms of governments, and the environment.

Prerequisite: Spanish II or Proficiency Exam Credit: WL Period: Full Year Diploma Credit: World Languages

Accelerated Spanish III

In Accelerated Spanish III, students will review the grammar from previous years, and be introduced to higher-level structures and compound verb tenses aimed at improving proficiency at the intermediate level. Students will make connections and comparisons to other cultures in order to prepare them to engage with multicultural communities in the United States and around the world. Cultural practices, products, and perspectives of the Spanish-speaking world will be the foundation of readings, presentations, projects, and discussions. Thematic vocabulary and topics may include relationships and community, holidays and traditions, forms of governments, and the environment.  This course will be conducted at an accelerated pace and  elaborates on writing and oral comprehension skills.

Prerequisite: Accelerated Spanish II and Faculty Recommendation or Proficiency Exam Credit: WL Period: Full Year

Diploma Credit: World Languages

Spanish IV

Spanish IV enhances grammar and strengthens the three modes of communication to encourage a higher level of sophistication and accuracy. Students continue to use the target language exclusively in an effort to develop communicative competence and inspire passion for language and culture. Topics for oral and written expression are drawn from current events, contemporary life, global challenges, and personal and public identities. Through the study of different perspectives, students build greater empathy and understanding of the people and cultures.

Prerequisite: Spanish III or Proficiency Exam Credit: WL Period: Full Year

Diploma Credit: World Languages

Accelerated Spanish IV

Accelerated Spanish IV enhances grammar and strengthens the three modes of communication to encourage a higher level of sophistication and accuracy. Students continue to use the target language exclusively in an effort to develop communicative competence and inspire passion for language and culture. Topics for oral and written expression are drawn from current events, contemporary life, global challenges, and personal and public identities. Through the study of different perspectives, students build greater empathy and understanding of the people and culture. This course will be conducted at an accelerated pace and includes additional cumulative assessments such as writing, projects, and other performance-based assessments. This class is taught in Spanish and students are required to speak exclusively in the target language.

Prerequisite: Accelerated Spanish III and Faculty Recommendation or Proficiency Exam Credit: WL

Period: Full Year Diploma Credit: World Languages

Spanish V

Spanish V will broaden students’ linguistic knowledge base and enhance their cultural awareness. This course will include selected authentic readings, writing, portfolios, audio and video recordings, journals, teaching lessons, current events, projects, and other performance-based assessments. This class thoroughly reviews grammatical concepts, vocabulary, and idioms, and advanced verb usage will be an ongoing process throughout the year. Students can improve their listening, speaking, and writing proficiency.  

Prerequisite: Spanish IV or Proficiency Exam Credit: WL Period: Full Year Diploma Credit: World Languages

French I

French I is a foundational course which employs a communicative approach for beginners. Students will work on developing all three modes of communication: interpretive (listening and reading), interpersonal, and presentational (both written and spoken) with an emphasis on vocabulary acquisition and narration in the present tense. Roleplay, group projects, reading, games, listening and speaking activities, watching authentic films, and listening to music are a sample of different approaches to learning. Students are expected to be proactive in their learning and active participants in the class. Conducted primarily in French, this course is intended for novice students who have not studied the language previously. 

Prerequisite: None Credit: WL Period: Full Year Diploma Credit: World Languages

French II

French II continues to develop the three modes of communication begun in French I. The course expands on basic structural and grammatical patterns while revisiting themes from the previous year in greater depth. Accurate pronunciation is modeled and reinforced. Students will experience a growth in confidence as they engage in short social interactions on familiar topics and become increasingly independent readers and speakers of French. While French I emphasized narrating in the present, French II will deepen narration in the present while highlighting the past and future. In addition to language structures and acquisition, students will explore the cultures of the French-speaking world and learn to appreciate the people and culture through short readings and audio selections, videos, and music.

Prerequisite: French I or Proficiency Exam Credit: WL Period: Full Year Diploma Credit: World Languages

French III

In the Level III course, students will review the grammar from previous years and be introduced to higher-level structures and compound verb tenses aimed at improving proficiency levels at the intermediate level. Students will make connections and comparisons to other cultures in order to prepare them to participate in multicultural communities in the United States and around the world. Cultural practices, products and perspectives of the French speaking world will be the foundation of readings, presentations, projects, and discussions. Thematic vocabulary and topics may include relationships and community, holidays and traditions, forms of governments, and the environment. 

Prerequisite: French II or Proficiency Exam Credit: WL Period: Full Year Diploma Credit: World Languages

French IV

French IV enhances grammar and strengthens the three modes of communication to encourage a higher level of sophistication and accuracy. Students continue to use the target language exclusively in an effort to develop communicative competence and inspire passion for language and culture. Topics for oral and written expression are drawn from current events, contemporary life, global challenges, and personal and public identities. Through the study of different perspectives, students build greater empathy and understanding of the people and culture.  

Prerequisite: French III or Proficiency Exam Credit: WL Period: Full Year Diploma Credit: World Languages

French V

French V will broaden students’ linguistic knowledge base and enhance their cultural awareness. This may include selected authentic readings, writing, portfolios, recordings, journals, teaching lessons, current events, projects, and other performance-based assessments. This class offers a thorough review of grammatical concepts, vocabulary and idioms, and verb usage will be an ongoing process throughout the year. Students will have the opportunity to improve their proficiency in listening, speaking, and writing skills. Films from French-speaking countries will also be studied to emphasize culture and communication.  

Prerequisite: French IV or Proficiency Exam Credit: WL Period: Full Year Diploma Credit: World Languages

Mandarin I

This course is an introductory Chinese language course for students who have little or no prior experience in the language.  The goal is to develop students’ listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in the Chinese language, as well as to gain understanding of Chinese culture.  Pinyin (phonetic symbols) will be used as a supplementary tool to learn the spoken language. Students will learn basic Chinese language skills. In addition, students will acquire basic Chinese computer skills and be proficient with the use of the Chinese typing input system, which will prepare students to  communicate effectively in Chinese. 

Prerequisite: None Credit: WL Period: Full Year Diploma Credit: World Languages

Mandarin II

Themes from Mandarin Chinese I will be reviewed and developed further in order to help students acquire the skills necessary to reach a high novice proficiency in communicating in Chinese. The course will expand upon students’ knowledge and allow them to state preferences, describe their day, and make arrangements to meet. Students will continue to build their active vocabulary by incorporating new combinations of characters from their existing vocabulary. Language skills are strengthened as students develop their interpretive, interpersonal, and presentation skills. Continued exposure to rich cultural and historical influences through film and literature will be a component of the class. Active participation and thorough preparation in and out of class are crucial to increase all language skills in Chinese.

Prerequisite: Mandarin I or Proficiency Exam Credit: WL Period: Full Year Diploma Credit: World Languages

Mandarin IV

This is a course that provides students with the opportunity to build upon intermediate skills to further enhance their language appreciation and cultural competency, including appreciation of poetry. As Chinese language proficiency increases, students will produce increasingly more complex projects on the topics they have studied, especially promoting global awareness. This course prepares students to continue their study of Chinese at an advanced level. At the completion of each unit, students will engage in a performance-based task in the target language. Students will use their language proficiency skills to narrate, describe, and predict events within context. The students will be able to use technology to plan an event, navigate an array of Chinese web-based content, and make payments. At the end of the semester, students will be able to make a purchase on Alibaba to understand and compare how values differ based on the development of your society. Students will create a final project by using a form of media to promote sustainability and a healthy society.  

Prerequisite: Mandarin III or Proficiency Exam Credit: WL Period: Full Year Diploma Credit: World Languages

Mandarin V

In this course, students will further apply their language skills through use of authentic materials such as current events and technology. This course will prepare students to demonstrate their language proficiency across the interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication skills. In addition to communication, the course addresses cultural competence, connections to other disciplines, as well as comparisons between the target language and culture and those of the learners. The students should commit themselves to speak only Mandarin in the class and be proactive to self study and prepare before the class. Language instruction frequently integrates a range of Chinese cultural content that exposes students to perspectives broader than their immediate environment.  

Prerequisite: Mandarin IV or Proficiency Exam Credit: WL Period: Full Year Diploma Credit: World Languages

Latin I

This course offers an introduction to Latin for beginning students as well as for those who might have a previous experience with the language. Elementary forms of grammar and vocabulary are covered throughout the year as well as a primary investigation into Roman history and culture. Students practice communicating in Latin, learning both to translate and compose foundational grammatical sentences; this will better prepare them for more advanced aspects of communication in Latin II. Students will show proficiency in their learning through different modes of traditional assessment as well as through independent project exploration. 

Prerequisite: None Credit: WL Period: Full Year Diploma Credit: Classics

Latin II

This course builds upon those foundations created in Latin I, adding new forms of syntax and grammar, including a completion of the indicative mood. Students strive to fine-tune their translating skills by reading adaptations of major authors. A heightened focus is placed on communication as students develop the skills to translate and compose more complex sentences. Throughout the course, students will study Roman cultural topics through the lens of their Latin readings. A greater focus is put on student agency in researching and presenting projects related to their Roman societal study. Students will show proficiency in their learning through different modes of traditional assessment as well as through their independent project exploration and research analysis.

Prerequisite: Latin I or Proficiency Exam Credit: WL Period: Full Year Diploma Credit: Classics

Latin III

This course begins with a thorough review of all basic grammatical concepts learned in Latin I and II, and it prepares students for the transition between adapted Latin and authentic translation, both of poetry and prose. Students continue to hone their communication skills as they practice with the subjunctive mood. Roman cultural study is driven by reading selections, and independent projects adopt a more open-ended approach, growing from the primarily research-based foundation that was practiced in year I and II. The primary goal of year III is to prepare students for authentic text translation in Latin IV. Students will show proficiency in their learning through varying modes of assessment with attention given to project exploration and inter-disciplinary connection.

Prerequisite: Latin II or Proficiency Exam Credit: WL Period: Full Year Diploma Credit: Classics

Accelerated Latin III

This is an accelerated Latin III course for students who have completed most of their grammatical instruction and are ready to begin reading authentic literature. Through readings encompassing a range of genres, time periods, and political, social, and literary topics, students will strengthen their understanding of Latin grammar, with a particular focus on working with the subjunctive mood, and will continue to hone their skills in translation and literary analysis. Exploration of cultural topics will be driven by the content of readings. Students will demonstrate their learning and language proficiency through a variety of modes of assessment, and independent projects will allow students to make a deeper exploration of Roman society and its relation to the modern world. Upon completion of the course, students will be prepared to continue into Latin IV, an in-depth study of a poetry and a prose author, or into one of the advanced electives, with permission of the instructor.

Prerequisite: Latin II or Proficiency Exam; Faculty Recommendation Credit: WL Period: Full Year

Diploma Credit: Classics

Latin IV

Building upon the foundation laid in Latin III, this course provides students the opportunity to begin work with unadapted, authentic Latin texts. Through selections from influential authors such as Cicero, Livy, Catullus, and Ovid, students will strengthen their understanding of Latin grammar and continue to hone their translation skills, with an increased emphasis on literary analysis. An exploration of the political and cultural issues brought forward in the readings will drive class discussion and student projects, with attention given to interdisciplinary connections. Students will demonstrate their learning and proficiency through a variety of modes of assessment. Upon completing Latin IV, students will be prepared to continue their studies of Latin literature in the advanced electives.

Prerequisite: Latin III or Proficiency Exam Credit: WL Period: Full Year Diploma Credit: Classics

Greek I

This course offers an introduction to Greek for beginning students as well as for those who might have a previous experience with either Latin or Greek. Elementary forms of grammar and vocabulary are covered throughout the year as well as a primary investigation into Greek history and culture. Students practice written communicating in Greek, learning both to translate and compose foundational grammatical sentences; this will better prepare them for more advanced aspects of communication in Greek II. Students will show proficiency in their learning through different modes of traditional assessment as well as through independent project exploration. Supplemental English readings of Greek tragedies will support target language learning.

Prerequisite: None Credit: WL Period: Full Year Diploma Credit: Classics

Greek II

This course builds upon those foundations created in Greek I, adding new forms of syntax and grammar, including a completion of the 6 principal parts of a Greek verb. Students strive to fine-tune their translating skills by reading adaptations of major authors, and they learn to compose more complex sentences. Throughout the course, students will study Greek cultural topics guided by the topics of their readings. A greater focus is put on student agency in researching and presenting projects related to their Greek societal study. Students will show proficiency in their learning through different modes of traditional assessment as well as through their independent project exploration and research analysis.

Prerequisite: Greek I or Proficiency Exam Credit: WL Period: Full Year Diploma Credit: Classics

Greek III

Primarily in the target language, students in this course will explore the topics of truth and justice (or rather, injustice) while also discussing how 21st-century readers ought to interpret ancient texts, especially when considering religious and philosophical points of view. Students are given textual support based on their current level of learning (Advanced students will utilize unadapted texts), and they will engage with these abstract ideas by reading through two of the most influential texts/authors in Western history: Plato and the Letters of St. Paul. These readings will provide the opportunity to compare and contrast Plato’s (and St. Paul's) view of truth and justice with our modern interpretations. Current supplemental readings will also be used throughout the year to better support students' understanding of these ideas and the course will culminate with the question: Is the ancient world wrong in its assessment? 

Prerequisite: Greek II or Proficiency Exam Credit: WL Period: Full Year Diploma Credit: Classics

Italian I

In this introductory course to Italian, students will begin building a foundational vocabulary and developing their skills in reading, listening, speaking, and writing as they also learn to interact with each other through the language. They will learn to describe and navigate the world around them, narrating their actions through the present tense. Students will also be introduced to Italian culture and the 20 unique regions of Italy. Conducted primarily in Italian, this course is intended for novice students who have not previously studied the language. Students will show proficiency in their learning through different modes of foundational assessment as well as through independent project exploration.

Prerequisite: None Credit: WL Period: Full Year Diploma Credit: World Languages

* Italian I should only be taken once a student has reached at least level III of Spanish, French, Mandarin, or Latin. Students need to secure approval from the College Counseling office in order to register for Italian I without concurrent registration in another language course.

Italian I will not be offered for the 2024-2025 School Year.

Italian II

This course expands upon the foundations developed in Italian I. Conducted primarily in Italian, students will be expected to write and speak in the present tense with clarity and fluency, while also demonstrating keen reading and listening comprehension of authentic materials. In Italian II, students’ focus will ultimately be on the past, recounting events using the passato prossimo, as well as the future. Students will also learn to issue commands in offering recipes and giving [travel] recommendations and directions, thereby heightening their cultural awareness.

Prerequisite: Italian I Credit: WL Period: Full Year Diploma Credit: World Languages

* Italian II should only be taken once a student has reached at least level III of Spanish, French, Mandarin, or the Classics. Students need to secure approval from the College Counseling office in order to register for Italian II without concurrent registration in another language course.

Italian II will not be offered for the 2024-2025 School Year.

Italian III

In Italian III, students will continue their exploration of the past tense, expanding on the passato prossimo and distinguishing between narratives set in the prossimo, remoto, and imperfetto. Students will also be able to make future predictions and express their opinions and preferences more formally: giving directions and recommendations to those whom they do not know, as well as assigning value judgments to various statements and current events. In this vein, thematic vocabulary and topics may include relationships and community, holidays and traditions, Italian history and politics, and the environment. 

Prerequisite: Italian II Credit: WL Period: Full Year Diploma Credit: World Languages

* Italian III should only be taken once a student has reached at least level III of Spanish, French, Mandarin, or the Classics. Students need to secure approval from the College Counseling office in order to register for Italian III without concurrent registration in another language course.

American Sign Language I

This introductory course is designed to develop the skills and knowledge needed to communicate in American Sign Language. The aim of this first-year class is to endow students with a novice range of communication skills. The program will develop expressive and receptive language skills through the learning of basic vocabulary, grammatical structures, and cultural awareness. Additional topics should include a survey of historical events that have shaped the habits of the deaf community. Participation in community events that support students' language learning will be explored.

Prerequisite: None Credit: WL Period: Full Year Diploma Credit: World Languages

* Sign Language should be taken in addition to, and not in place of, courses in Spanish, French, Mandarin, or the Classics. Students need to secure approval from the College Counseling office in order to register for ASL without concurrent registration in another language course.

American Sign Language II

This course is designed to continue the development of the foundational skills and knowledge needed to communicate in American Sign Language. The program will develop increasingly more complex expressive and receptive language skills. Students will apply their skills in real-world scenarios and gain experience working within the deaf community in the New York metro area. Students will also learn to apply their skills to their research and coursework in other disciplines.

Prerequisite: ASL I Credit: WL Period: Full Year Diploma Credit: World Languages

* Sign Language should be taken in addition to, and not in place of, courses in Spanish, French, Mandarin, or the Classics. Students need to secure approval from the College Counseling office in order to register for ASL without concurrent registration in another language course.

American Sign Language III

This is a full year course that will provide students with the opportunity to further advance their study of American Sign Language. The study of American Sign Language is a cumulative experience. In ASL I and ASL II, students developed a competent signing vocabulary. They learned to participate in exchanges, comprehend exchanges, and present on a variety of topics using the vocabulary and grammatical structures learned. In this course, emphasis will be placed on improvements in speed and fluency along with reinforcement of appropriate grammar usage and conversation skills. This course will also introduce deaf idioms and their use within Deaf culture. Students will be encouraged to interact with Deaf people in social contexts and a variety of other situations. Language is best learned using an immersion model. Studies have shown that students learning with immersion had brain waves similar to native speakers/signers of the language. Following this model, ASL III will be presented with no voice. Students will be evaluated through various techniques including class participation, classwork, homework, expressive assignments, and receptive assignments.

Prerequisite: ASL II Credit: WL Period: Full Year Diploma Credit: World Languages

* Sign Language should be taken in addition to, and not in place of, courses in Spanish, French, Mandarin, or the Classics. Students need to secure approval from the College Counseling office in order to register for ASL without concurrent registration in another language course.