The World Languages Program at Greenwich Country Day School believes in fostering a love of global learning through rigorous linguistic study as well as deep exploration of culture. Whether learning a spoken language or studying the Classics, we believe that the primary goal of our courses is communication. Elementary-Intermediate level classes are given almost exclusively in the target languages, and students that move into our advanced curricula are taught through elective offerings, giving each of them agency in personalizing their course of study. Through our Diploma and Global Academic Programs, students have the freedom to continue their learning outside of the traditional classroom and engage in meaningful language exchange through immersion in a culturally authentic setting. We recognize that language is integral to all learning, and we strive to infuse World Language offerings into other disciplines, helping to strengthen the school’s interdisciplinary mission. We maintain that meaningful and joyful language learning supports a healthy global perspective in our students, giving them a greater appreciation for the cultures and communities which they will encounter.

Diploma Program Credit: Students can consult with their Diploma Program Director to consider program credit for a course. Beyond courses that explicitly participate in a diploma program, in many core courses, students can design their major projects to meet diploma program credit guidelines.

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, 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 Spanish, this course is intended for novice students who have not studied the language previously.

Prerequisite: None Credit: WL Semester: 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. 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 Spanish. While Spanish I emphasized narrating in the present, Spanish 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 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 Semester: 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 participate in 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 Semester: 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 culture.

Prerequisite: Spanish III or Proficiency Exam Credit: WL Semester: Full Year Diploma Credit: World Languages

Advanced Studies in Spanish Language

The Advanced Studies program in Spanish represents immersive courses that challenge students with deep dives into political, economic, and societal structures; studies of literature, journalism, and artistic expression; and cultural analysis. These courses require the highest level of linguistic proficiency and mirror the rigor and depth of college level elective language courses. These courses frequently link with our Global Academic Programs to include an abroad research component.

Films of the Spanish Speaking World

Students in this course will learn about the history and culture of the Spanish-speaking world through film. Movies from North America, Latin America, and Spain will be viewed and discussed and will increase the students’ knowledge of these countries. Students will prepare for viewing the films by learning about the history, language, customs and culture pertinent to the particular work and country of study. This will allow them to better appreciate and understand the films while also providing them with the tools to discuss, analyze and express their opinions, both orally and in writing. Their aural, grammatical, and language skills will also be tested as they hear and learn about the varied expressions, dialects and accents from different regions of the Spanish-speaking world.

Prerequisite: Spanish IV or Proficiency Exam Credit: WL Semester: Fall Diploma Credit: World Languages

20th Century Latin American Short Story

In this course, students will be introduced to the study of literature in Spanish with a focus on the short story. An introduction to literary terminology, as well as literary genres and movements in the Spanish language will be fundamental. Students will examine social, cultural, and historical contexts of Latin America. We will dedicate particular focus to matters of race, class, gender, and political ideas as they relate to the literature of Latin America. Students will explore Latin America through the lenses of authors such as Gabriel García Márquez, Jorge Luis Borges, Juan Rulfo, and others. Students will learn to interpret and analyze literary texts and themes such as identity, freedom, violence, education, families, urban and rural life.

Prerequisite: Spanish IV or Proficiency Exam Credit: WL Semester: Fall Diploma Credit: World Languages

Music and Dance in the Spanish Speaking World

This course is a study of the origins and history of music and dance from the Spanish-speaking world. It will introduce students to the roots of music and dance in pre-Hispanic culture, moving through history until we reach Latin Billboard hits and famous Latin musicians and dancers. In this class, students will also develop an understanding of the influence that Latin music has had on other cultures and genres around the world.

Prerequisite: Spanish IV or Proficiency Exam Credit: WL Semester: Fall Diploma Credit: World Languages

Spanish for Heritage Learners

In this course, heritage speakers of Spanish will be able to refine their reading and writing skills. Class discussions will give students the opportunity to explore Hispanic culture among people from different Spanish-speaking countries as well as the United States. Spanish and Spanish-American literature, film, and music will be integrated into class discussions, providing students with an interdisciplinary experience.

Prerequisite: Spanish IV, Proficiency Exam, or Faculty Recommendation Credit: WL Semester: Fall

Diploma Credit: World Languages

Food and Identity in the Spanish Speaking World

Students will increase their knowledge of cultures through the examination of food practices of individuals and communities in the Spanish-speaking world. The course will introduce students to how food traditions and local food cultures are maintained and transformed over time and space and how they shape identity. Contemporary issues that pertain to food practices, such as environmental factors and immigration, will be examined. In addition, they will learn how culinary knowledge is used to mark cultural belonging and differences. Students will have the opportunity to visit local restaurants and to experience food preparation in our own GCDS kitchen with the assistance of Chef Stein.

Prerequisite: Spanish IV or Proficiency Exam Credit: WL Semester: Spring Diploma Credit: World Languages

Indigenous Cultures of the Pre-Columbian Americas

This course offers students an immersive study of different cultures including the Aztecs, Mayas and Incas. We'll also take deep dives into the advanced Spanish language research of Mesoamerican cultures like the Olmecas or Zapotecas. Combining the skills of language, anthropology, archaeology, and artistic research, students will develop in-depth analyses of pre-Columbian societies, art, traditions, architecture, and they will explore the causes of societal collapse, along with the possibility of societal resilience.

Prerequisite: Spanish IV or Proficiency Exam Credit: WL Semester: Spring Diploma Credit: World Languages

Cultures of Modern Spain

This course is designed to provide students with a wide ranging introduction to the socio-political and cultural challenges that have defined Spain from the early 20th century to present day. It aims to develop in students the skills of thinking and reading critically and evaluating the implications of the historical events that have shaped the present day. Upon completion of this course, students will have significant knowledge and understanding of Spanish culture and society from a political perspective. They will also be able to analyze the unique and original characteristics of this country, its people, and its global and historical impact.

Prerequisite: Spanish IV or Proficiency Exam Credit: WL Semester: Spring Diploma Credit: World Languages

Contemporary Spanish Conversations

This advanced course provides an opportunity for the development of oral communication skills in Spanish and an understanding of Hispanic culture. Through presentations, debates and other forms of assessment, students will deepen their speaking skills as well as their understanding and production of expression in the target language. Emphasis is on vocabulary acquisition and interactive communication through the discussion of authentic texts, videos and music. Upon completion, students should be able to express ideas and opinions clearly and engage in various forms of advanced conversation.

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

Advanced Studies in French Language

The Advanced Studies program in French represents immersive courses that challenge students with deep dives into political, economic, and societal structures; studies of literature, journalism, and artistic expression; and cultural analysis. These courses require the highest level of linguistic proficiency and mirror the rigor and depth of college level elective language courses. These courses frequently link with our Global Academic Programs to include an abroad research component.

Arrête ton cinéma: An Introduction to French Cinema

Join us for an exploration of the masterpieces of French cinema! Students will acquire a unique perspective on French society, culture, and film by studying the works of Jean-Luc Godard, François Truffaut, Claude Chabrol, and Agnes Varda (among others). Students develop their writing and reading skills through film analysis and hone their speaking ability and listening comprehension through film screenings, the examination of dialogue, and class discussions.

Prerequisite: French IV or Proficiency Exam Credit: WL Semester: Fall Diploma Credit: World Languages

Témoin de Notre Histoire: History of France through authentic documents and artifacts

This class is a survey of more than 2,000 years of French civilization as they encounter the people, places, events, and artifacts that tell the story of this intriguing culture. From the Caves of Lascaux to the vase of Soissons and the Eiffel tower, students will gain a greater understanding of why France is what it is today.

Prerequisite: French IV or Proficiency Exam Credit: WL Semester: Fall Diploma Credit: World Languages

Food for Thought: Gastronomy, Art, and Culture

In this class, we will explore cuisine in France and we will ask how food habits and cooking practices have changed through time and how food culture contributes to shaping local and national identity. The class will explore the history of French cuisine; topics will include meals as social and political performance, the industrialization of food, the impact of technology and media, and the influence of French gastronomy on the world. Class activities will include recreating recipes from the past with Chef Stein, watching films on French cuisine, as well as exploring cooking food shows and social media.

Prerequisite: French IV or Proficiency Exam Credit: WL Semester: Spring Diploma Credit: World Languages

Contemporary Issues in the Francophone World

This course is aimed towards building proficiency by way of weekly consumption of media (podcasts, online newspapers, video) throughout the Francophone world, including regions of Africa, the Caribbean, North America, Oceania, and Europe. Students will participate in class discussions, prepare oral reports and conduct presentations on the issues under study.

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

Mandarin III

Structures and themes in this course continue at a more rigorous pace in order to advance students to develop Chinese language skills by participating in more challenging “real life” conversations. Students learn to initiate and sustain a conversation, discussion, or debate. Students are expected to participate actively in extended oral and written discourse, using compound and complex sentences to provide information coherently and fluently. Students will develop reading strategies to aid comprehension and discuss methods to create presentations and projects. Students will be able to effectively communicate with peers about their daily lives; ask and express their interests and aspirations; express sympathy and regret about an unexpected incident. Students will be immersed in cultural understanding by learning about traditional and contemporary culture, including studies of Chinese proverbs and legends.

Prerequisite: Mandarin II or Proficiency Exam Credit: WL Semester: 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 Semester: Full Year Diploma Credit: World Languages

Advanced Studies in Mandarin Language

The Advanced Studies program in Mandarin represents immersive courses that challenge students with deep dives into political, economic, and societal structures; studies of literature, journalism, and artistic expression; and cultural analysis. These courses require the highest level of linguistic proficiency and mirror the rigor and depth of college level elective language courses. These courses frequently link with our Global Academic Programs to include an abroad research component.

UCONN Early College Experience Mandarin Course

In this advanced course, students will further their spoken and written Chinese skills through use of authentic materials. This course is college level and will focus on commonly encountered grammar structures and vocabulary, as well as utilizing them to increase reading efficiency. This course will also serve to broaden the range of current event topics and terminology for the purpose of carrying on meaningful discussions. Active participation in class will be required of students as they work to expand their proficiency through text readings, interactive activities, and writing exercises. Students will conduct in-depth conversations on topics such as applying to study abroad, making authentic Chinese cuisine, and dealing with travel emergencies, discuss personal financial choices, and global economic influence.

Note: Only students who are registered in the UCONN/ECE program for this course and earn a passing grade will receive 4 UConn/ECE credits. These credits are transferable to 87% of colleges and universities in the U.S.

Prerequisite: Faculty Recommendation Credit: WL Semester: Full Year Diploma Credit: World Languages

Modern China

Beyond the UCONN ECE courses, students will advance their knowledge of Chinese grammar in the cultural context of daily life in China. This will allow students to compare the different cultures and traditions between the US and China and discuss the impact of China’s rapid development and global economic power. Additionally, students will research how to create a healthy lifestyle and implement environmental awareness in their daily lives. Active class discussions, research, debates, and projects are frequent and important components of this class.

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

Modern China Through the News Media

This course uses text and authentic materials drawn from Chinese news media that depicts current trends and issues in China. The goal of the course is to enhance students’ understanding of the social and cultural transformation in contemporary China since 1949. Topics include changing family structure, courtship patterns, and rapid economic growth, and the globalization of the Chinese economy. Online resources and authentic materials such as newspaper articles, movies, documentaries, and songs are used in class to enhance understanding.

Prerequisite: Mandarin IV or Proficiency Exam Credit: WL Semester: Fall Diploma Credit: World Languages

Chinese Arts and Culture

This course will explore Chinese arts and culture. The cuisine of China will be one component of this course because of the importance it plays in Chinese culture. In conjunction with the study of Chinese cuisine, students will create, critique, and enjoy dishes from different regions of China. Calligraphy and poetry will be a unit of study, in which students will produce their own poetry and write with calligraphy. Several contemporary films will be viewed and discussed. Students will write their own reviews and reflection of the selected films. The films will reflect China’s rapid development and cultural changes that are a result of this development. Students will be required to post thoughts and opinions on class blogs. Traditional leisure activities will be introduced, of course, Majiang will be played. The goal is this course is to expand students’ cultural comprehension and acquire an appreciation for Chinese art and leisure pursuits.

Prerequisite: Mandarin IV or Proficiency Exam Credit: WL Semester: Spring 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 Semester: 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 Semester: 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 wth attention given to project exploration and inter-disciplinary connection.

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

Latin IV: The Life of Augustus

This course offers students the chance to explore the life of Augustus Caesar. An in-depth look at how history remembers his achievements and whether those accolades are deserved will be the class’s primary focus. Students will investigate the works of the authors who wrote about his accomplishments, specifically Horace, Suetonius, and Augustus himself, and students will compare the factual nature of historical writing with the propaganda of poetry, trying to get a real sense of who this first emperor of Rome actually was. Students will spend a great deal of time in translation, offering textual criticism and commenting on cultural significance; students will practice recognizing the differences in tone and word usage, and they will explore the similarities and contrasts of Roman power with modern government.

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

Advanced Studies in Latin

The Advanced Studies program in Latin represents immersive courses that challenge students with deep dives into political, economic, and societal structures; studies of literature, journalism, and artistic expression; and cultural analysis. These courses require the highest level of linguistic proficiency and mirror the rigor and depth of college level elective language courses. These courses frequently link with our Global Academic Programs to include an abroad research component.

Nero's Literary Enemies

This course primarily focuses on selections from three of the major works from the authors Seneca (Thyestes), Petronius (Satyricon), and Lucan (Bellum Civile), all of whom were active under Nero’s tyrannical rule and who helped usher in the “Silver Age” of Latin. In these works, students will identify how each writer infuses societal commentary into his text and they will analyze how each author’s word choices and complex grammatical constructions helped to identify issues within Roman society. Whether as an inspiration or oppressor, Nero seems to always be lurking in the shadows.

Prerequisite: Latin IV or Proficiency Exam Credit: WL Semester: Fall Diploma Credit: Classics

Exploring Statius

The focus of this semester course will be on the writings of the Latin poet Statius, specifically his Achilleid. An unfinished work, the Achillied offers students a chance to further explore themthys around the early life of the Greek hero Achillies. Statius’ tome asks that students confront issues like identity and gender stereotyping in the Roman and allows them to draw significant parallels to modern society. Furthermore it addresses topics like maternal relationship and the difficulties of transitioning from childhood to adulthood. Students will analyze the poem’s vocabulary and grammatical construction and recognize the allusions that exist between Statius and other, more well-known, Roman poets.

Prerequisite: Latin IV or Proficiency Exam Credit: WL Semester: Fall Diploma Credit: Classics

Knowing the Land: Virgil's Georgics (Bks I and IV)

This course offers students the chance to explore the didactic aspect of Roman literature. Virgil’s Georgics are a set of educational poems, teaching readers some of the basics of farming, weather recognition, and apiary care. Layered onto this learning, though, are allegories that help identify the issues that were confronting Romans in the aftermath of their most recent civil war. Students will be given the chance to explore the cultural significance of these writings as they pertained to the 1st century BCE; moreover, they will take the opportunity to experiment with the successfulness of Virgil’s agricultural instruction through collaboration with their science classes.

Prerequisite: Latin IV or Proficiency Exam Credit: WL Semester: Spring Diploma Credit: Classics

Latin Prose Composition

This course is a practical introduction to the styles of classical Latin prose, combining regular exercises in Latin composition with authentic readings from a collection of prose stylists. The overall goal is to give students the awareness of an author's individual writing skills as well as to improve their own command of Latin idiom and sentence structure. Students will create personal compositions as well as translations of well-known English selections. Students’ proficiency will be displayed through their accuracy of Latin grammar as well as their reproduction of Roman style.

Prerequisite: Latin IV or Proficiency Exam Credit: WL Semester: Spring Diploma Credit: Classics

Humanities Electives in Classics

Roman History in Cinema

How has Hollywood deformed Roman history? This course seeks to recognize both the reality and misinterpretation that cinema has overlayed onto Roman events, beginning with the founding of Rome through the reign of Constantine. Students will engage in meaningful discussion and reflection aimed at identifying how movies have manipulated how we think about Roman culture and what we believe the Romans to have thought.

Prerequisite: None Credit: WL or HIST/SOC Semester: Fall Diploma Credit: Classics, Visual and Performing Arts

Roman Art and Architecture

This course explores the importance of Roman art and architecture both throughout history as well as in modern society. Students will identify common artistic themes from around the ancient world as well as discuss the propagandic value of Republican and Imperial portraiture. Students will have the opportunity to make comparisons to modern culture and diagnose what role architectural representation might make in our own society.

Prerequisite: None Credit: WL or HIST/SOC Semester: Fall Diploma Credit: Classics, Visual and Performing Arts

Roman Society and History: 100bce-1100ce

For over 1,000 years the Romans had a stranglehold on power in the Mediterranean world: language, economics, religion, law, and culture were all controlled from a small nucleus on the Italian peninsula. This course will investigate the pivotal years of that domination and the challenges that the once flourishing oligarchy faced, allowing students the chance to explore how a republic can devolve into autocracy.

Prerequisite: None Credit: WL or HIST/SOC Semester: Spring Diploma Credit: Classics

Gods, Heroes, and Monsters

This course offers a comprehensive survey of classical mythology. It investigates the legends, myths, and stories which the Greeks and Romans used in explaining their own cultures and historical/religious beliefs. The class will analyze both the art and literature of the ancients, asking students to draw parallels to modern culture/society in the hopes of better understanding the influence that this mythology has had on our own times.

Prerequisite: None Credit: WL or HIST/SOC or ENG Semester: Spring 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 Semester: 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 Semester: Full Year Diploma Credit: Classics

Advanced Studies in Greek

The Advanced Studies program in Greek represents immersive courses that challenge students with deep dives into political, economic, and societal structures; studies of literature, journalism, and artistic expression; and cultural analysis. These courses require the highest level of linguistic proficiency and mirror the rigor and depth of college level elective language courses. These courses frequently link with our Global Academic Programs to include an abroad research component. In Greek, Advanced Studies follows the successful completion of Greek II.

Plato's Euthyphro and Republic

In the target language, students will explore the topics of piety and injustice through the lens of one of history’s greatest thinkers, offering the opportunity to compare and contrast Socrates’ view of these topics with our modern interpretations. Current mediums will be used throughout the year to better support students' understanding of Socrates' point-of-view, and the course will culminate with the question: Is Socrates wrong in his assessment?

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

Introduction to American Sign Language

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 Semester: 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 concomitant registration in another language.