World Languages

Department Chair: Roxana Lopez

The ultimate goal of world language study is to acquire linguistic, communicative and global competencies. Languages offered are Chinese, French, Latin, and Spanish.

9 credits in one language and the successful completion of level 3 are required for graduation.

Chinese

Middle School

Chinese 1A Grade level: 7; Credit: 1.5

Chinese 1 A is a beginning course in the study of Chinese designed for students who start a world language in Middle School. Both Pinyin (a Chinese phonetic system) and characters (the writing system) will be taught so that students will be able to communicate both orally and in written form in most essential everyday life situations. Students will celebrate Chinese holidays and participate in other fun and meaningful activities to gain understanding of the Chinese culture.

Chinese 1B Grade level: 8; Prerequisite: Chinese 1A; Credit: 1.5

The primary goal of Chinese 1B is to build upon the content covered in Chinese 1A and continue to lay a solid foundation in oral communication and writing skills for learning at higher levels. The course places a great emphasis on Chinese culture and engages students in research and group projects on such topics as calligraphy, Chinese cooking and the history of China.

High School

Chinese I Grade level: 9-12; Credit: 3

Chinese 1 is an introductory course designed for Upper School students who are either beginning learners or do not have a sufficient background in language to enroll in Chinese 2. Both Pinyin (a Chinese phonetic system) and characters (the writing system) will be taught so that students will be able to communicate both orally and in written form in most essential everyday life situations. Students will celebrate Chinese holidays and engage in other hands-on activities to explore different aspects of the Chinese culture. The course is offered only if there is sufficient enrollment.

Chinese 2 Grade level: 9-12; Prerequisite: Chinese 1B or Chinese 1, Credit: 3

Chinese 2 reinforces and further develops the skills acquired in Chinese 1 or Chinese 1A and 1B of Middle School. Students tackle more grammatical features and expressions that are Chinese-specific and expand their vocabulary to increase the ability to communicate in Chinese. Development of oral proficiency continues to be a key component of the learning process. Exploration of a changing China in the 20th and 21st centuries as well as its cultural traditions is incorporated into learning through research projects, videos, and short stories.

Chinese 3 Grade level: 10-12; Prerequisite: Chinese 2; Credit: 3

Chinese 3 further develops the knowledge and skills acquired in Chinese 1 and 2. It adopts a balanced approach toward skills in three modes of communication: interpretive, presentational, and interpersonal. Students learn to perform daily practical and social functions in the three modes with increased linguistic complexity and awareness of cultural appropriateness. They continue to build a larger functional vocabulary and work toward mastery of the core of Chinese grammar.

Chinese 4 Grade level: 10-12; Prerequisite: Chinese 3; Credit: 3

Chinese 4 is designed for the students who have successfully completed the study of Chinese at the intermediate level. Using the themes that bear much relevance to students’ lives and Chinese culture as the contexts for learning, the course introduces complex sentence structures and builds a significantly larger vocabulary to increase the depth and expressiveness of communication. Students are engaged in the communication tasks that not only develop oral proficiency but also require integration of all four skills - listening, reading, speaking and writing.

Chinese 4 Honors Grade Level: 11 – 12; Prerequisite: Chinese 3; Credit 3

See Chinese 4 for a general description. The course is recommended for the students who have demonstrated the potential to gain a solid mastery of its content and intend to take a course at the next level or AP Chinese in their senior year. Students will follow the same curriculum designed for the non-honors class, but will develop their skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing in depth and train to communicate fluently in the Chinese language. They will also work to acquire the knowledge of specific aspects of the Chinese culture and be able to present the acquired knowledge effectively in the target language.

Chinese 5 Grade level: 10-12; Prerequisite: Chinese 4; Credit: 3

Chinese 5 is an advanced course designed for the students who have successfully completed the study of intermediate-high level Chinese in the previous year. It trains the students to increase depth and expressiveness of communication in a variety of personal, social, and cultural settings. Classes engage students in producing discourses on a range of topics in the descriptive, narrative and evaluative modes of expression and in developing insights into the Chinese cultural and social values through discussions and presentations.

Chinese 5 Honors: Grade Level: 11-12; Prerequisite: Successful completion of level 4 Chinese and permission of the World Language Department; Credit: 3

Chinese 5 Honors is offered to qualified and motivated students who are prepared to engage in an intensive study of the Chinese language and culture. The course is to sharpen students’ language proficiency and deepen their cultural inquiry through substantial exposure to films and literary works in Chinese and translation. Each thematic unit of the course uses a combination of textual, cinematic, and auditory materials to build effective communication skills in Chinese. It also places an equal emphasis on developing an empathetic understanding of the Chinese culture, both traditional and changing, through exploring the multiple facets of ordinary people’s lives in China.

French

Middle School

French 1A Grade level: 7 Credit: 1.5

French 1A, designed for beginning French students, introduces students to the French language and helps them build a strong foundation of the language. Students will develop a solid understanding of grammar, work on accurate pronunciation, learn to speak in complete sentences, read and comprehend a basic text, and participate in a simple conversation.

French 1B Grade level: 8; Prerequisite: French 1A; Credit: 1.5

French 1B, designed for second-year French students, further develops students’ skills in listening, reading, speaking, and writing. In addition, students will become familiar with the main aspects of French culture and civilization, including the cultures of some of the approximately three dozen countries in the world where French is an official language and where there are strong cultural ties with France.

High School

French 1 Grade level: 9-11; Credit: 3

French I is an introductory course designed for Upper School students who are either beginning French learners or whose background in the language is insufficient to enable them to enroll in a second-level French course. Students are introduced to Francophone culture and learn basic vocabulary and grammar structures that enable them to communicate and engage in simple conversations about daily life. They study the present tense and the past tense of regular verbs. This class is offered only if there is sufficient enrollment.

French 2 Grade level: 9-12; Prerequisite: French 1B or French 1; Credit: 3

French 2 is an intermediate course in the French language. Students do extensive work in grammar and vocabulary development. The choice of readings and the depth of concepts studied vary with the needs of individual groups. Students continue to develop communication skills in the French language and to explore the rich and exciting aspects of the French culture. Students will use vocabulary and grammar structures to further develop the ability to communicate both through writing and through speaking.

French 3 Grade level: 10-12; Prerequisite: French 2; Credit: 3

French 3 is a course for students who have satisfactorily completed two levels of French and who wish to increase their communicative competence in French. Emphasis is put on strengthening students’ ability to communicate and function effectively in a wide variety of contexts using the major language skills: aural comprehension, oral production, reading comprehension, writing, and grammar. Exposure to authentic materials will be used to enhance vocabulary acquisition. Cultural aspects of Francophone countries are an integral part of the course material.

French 3 Honors Grade level: 10-12; Prerequisite: French 2; Credit: 3

French 3 Honors is a course for students who have satisfactorily completed two levels of French and who wish to increase their communicative competence in French. Emphasis is put on strengthening students’ ability to communicate and function effectively in a wide variety of contexts using the major language skills: aural comprehension, oral production, reading comprehension, writing, and grammar. Exposure to authentic materials will be used to enhance vocabulary acquisition. Cultural aspects of Francophone countries are an integral part of the course material. Elements of advanced courses are included, class follows a discussion format and complete immersion is expected.

French 4: French Conversation and Composition Grade level: 11, 12; Prerequisite: French 3 or its equivalent; Credit: 3

French 4 is a course for students who have satisfactorily completed three levels of French and who wish to increase their communicative competence. The intensive development of communicative competence in French is oriented around the investigation and discussions of a theme or themes culturally relevant to French or Francophone societies. Emphasis is put on a continued development of spoken and written expressions in the French language through readings and discussions of civilization and culture materials. Conversations and compositions in French are related to the readings. Culture is emphasized throughout the year.

French 4 Honors: Language & Culture Grade level: 11, 12; Prerequisite: Successful completion of French 3, 3H and/or French 4 and permission of the World Language Dept.; Credit: 3

French 4 Honors is a course for students who have successfully completed French 3 or 3H. Students are exposed to the study of cultural topics and more complex language structures through francophone literature, films, current events and world challenges. The intensive development of communicative competence in French is oriented around the investigation and discussions of a theme or themes culturally relevant to French or Francophone societies. Emphasis is put on a continued development of spoken and written expressions in the French language through readings and discussions of civilization and cultural materials. Projects and presentations are an integral part of this course. Students are trained in aural, oral, and written exercises.

French 5: Cinéma et Francophonie Grade level: 11, 12; Prerequisite: French 4 French Conversation and Composition or its equivalent; Credit: 3

French 5 is a course for students who have satisfactorily completed four levels of French and who wish to pursue their study of the language and its culture. The focus of this course is to expand and enrich the students’ knowledge of French and Francophone countries primarily through movies, television programs, music, art, and newspapers, with emphasis placed on spontaneous use of the language. It is offered only if there is sufficient enrollment.

Latin

Middle School

Latin 1A Grade level: 7 Credit: 1.5

In Latin 1A, students begin the study of the Latin language and Roman culture. The course emphasizes grammar and builds vocabulary through reading a text in Latin based on the life and adventures of Horace. Cultural information about Rome’s early history includes sections on education, slavery, religion, the role of women, mythology and historical figures and events. Throughout the year, students will learn the connections between the English language and Latin through the study of their derivatives.

Latin 1B Grade level: 8; Prerequisite: Latin 1A; Credit: 1.5

In Latin 1B, students continue to review Latin 1A grammar and vocabulary while learning new grammatical concepts and vocabulary as the narrative follows Horace’s life from his education in Rome to university in Athens. The end of the Republic and the roles of famous Roman figures such as Caesar and Cicero are studied and discussed.

High School

Latin I Grade level: 9-11; Credit: 3

Latin I is for students who begin the study of the Latin language and Roman culture in the Upper School. They learn grammar and vocabulary through reading and doing exercises from a text based on the adventures of a Roman family. There is significant emphasis on the relationship of Latin to English vocabulary and grammar and on showing the connections between the ancient and modern worlds. The course is offered only if there is sufficient enrollment.

Latin II Grade level: 9-12; Prerequisite: Latin I or Latin 1B; Credit: 3

In Latin II, students complete the study of basic grammar through reading and exercises. They learn about daily life in Rome and follow the political struggles as Romans faced the dissolution of the republic and the establishment of the Empire. There is significant emphasis on the relationship of Latin to English vocabulary and grammar and emphasis on showing the connections between the ancient and modern worlds.

Latin III: Roman Prose and Poetry Grade level: 10-12; Prerequisite: Latin II; Credit: 3

In Latin III, students read selections from Martial, Apuleius, Plautus, Pliny, and others in the first semester. In the second semester, students are introduced to more prose and poetry by reading selections from Ovid, Catullus, Vergil, and others.

Latin IV: Advanced Readings in Latin Literature Grade level: 11-12; Prerequisite: Latin III; Credit: 3

Latin IV course continues the process of introducing students to the great works of Latin literature. Students will read selections from the poems of Catullus, the Odes of Horace, and the Metamorphoses of Ovid. Further readings will be based on the interests of the students, but may include additional passages from Ovid (the Heroides or the Amores), prose works of Cicero, comedies of Terence and Plautus, etc. The course will include a mix of translation, reading for comprehension, vocabulary-building, and review of grammar, but there is significant emphasis on analysis and interpretation of literature.

Latin IV: Advanced Readings in Latin Literature (Honors) Grade level: 11-12; Prerequisite: Latin III and permission of the World Language Department; Credit: 3

See Latin IV for a general description. Students taking the honors level (recommended for those who intend to continue to Latin V Honors in the senior year) will attend the same class as non-honors students, but will meet additional requirements, such as: 1) fewer vocabulary resources on tests and quizzes, 2) additional sight-reading passages, 3) translations of additional passages/poems of Catullus, Horace, and Ovid.

Latin V Honors: Grade level: 11-12; Prerequisite: Latin IV and permission of the World Language Department; Credit: 3

Students in this course will use their extensive experience in Latin to approach selected ancient texts in a scholarly way. An emphasis on poetry will allow them to build both facility with interpretation and a command of the vocabulary of poetic criticism. The course will include several hundred lines of Vergil’s Aeneid; other texts will be chosen for whole-class study with input from class members. Projects both small and large will encourage students to explore and develop their particular interests. A final capstone project will allow each individual student to design an inquiry combining reading of a Latin text with study of related areas of history, culture, religion, science, or technology.

Spanish

Middle School

Spanish 1A Grade level: 7 Credit: 1.5

Spanish 1A is an introductory course for beginners and advanced beginners in which students learn basic vocabulary and grammar concepts relevant to daily life. Students are introduced to reading, writing, speaking and listening through classwork, including individual and group activities and homework assignments. Primary emphasis is placed on Spanish vocabulary and Spanish and English grammar concepts. Students will learn about different Spanish-speaking countries around the world and people of Hispanic heritage here in the United States.

Spanish 1B Grade level: 8; Prerequisite: Spanish 1A; Credit: 1.5

Spanish 1B builds on the themes and concepts introduced in Spanish 1A. This course further develops student skills in listening, reading, speaking, and writing. Furthermore, students will learn about different lifestyles and celebrations of Spanish-speaking countries around the world and people of Hispanic heritage here in the United States.

High School

Spanish I Grade level: 9-11 Credit: 3

Spanish I is an introductory course designed for Upper School students who are either beginning Spanish learners or whose background in the language is insufficient for them to enroll in Spanish 2. The course will focus on building basic vocabulary, learning communication skills and using different strategies to convey meaning and develop appreciation of the Hispanic culture. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to communicate with ease basic facts and ideas in Spanish, both verbally and in writing. The course is offered only if there is sufficient enrollment.

Spanish 2 Grade level: 9-12; Prerequisite: Spanish 1B or Spanish 1; Credit: 3

Spanish 2 is a high- novice to low-intermediate level course. Students are expected to have mastered the vocabulary and grammar points learned in Spanish 1 (1A/1B) to be able to succeed in this course. Students work extensively in grammar and vocabulary to continue developing their communication skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing in the target language. Students are exposed to the different cultures of the Spanish language so that they learn to identify and find the connections between them. Students will read adapted literature and authentic resources.

Spanish 3 Grade level: 10-12; Prerequisite: Spanish 2; Credit: 3

Spanish 3 is an intermediate level course. Primary emphasis is placed on verb tense identification and usage. Students work extensively on grammar and vocabulary and continue to develop their communication skills through listening, speaking, reading and writing in the target language. Students expand their knowledge and understanding of the Spanish-speaking world while improving self-expression and comprehension through the use of adapted media and literary sources.

Spanish 3 Honors Grade Level: 10 – 12; Prerequisite: Spanish 2 and permission of World Language Department; Credit: 3

Spanish 3 Honors is an intermediate level course for students who have mastered the content taught in Spanish 2 and who wish to move at a more accelerated pace. Students work extensively on grammar and vocabulary and continue to develop their communication skills through listening, speaking, reading and writing in the target language. Primary emphasis is placed on the ability to communicate hypothetically as well as concretely. Students expand their knowledge and understanding of the Spanish-speaking world while improving self-expression and comprehension through the use of authentic media and literary sources. Elements of advanced courses are included, class follows a discussion format and complete immersion is expected.

Spanish 4: Spanish Conversation and Composition Grade level: 11-12; Prerequisite: Spanish 3; Credit: 3

Spanish 4 is designed for students who have satisfactorily completed three levels of Spanish and who wish to increase their communicative competence. Students will explore the cultural diversity of Spanish speaking communities in Latin America and Spain through different authentic resources and experiential opportunities. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to communicate with ease facts and ideas in Spanish, both verbally and in writing.

Spanish 4 Honors: Grade level: 11, 12; Prerequisite: Spanish 3H and permission of the World Language Department; Credit: 3

Students taking this course are interested in continuing an in-depth study of the language and further developing their communicative and reading skills in Spanish. Students read a variety of authors whose work reflects the diversity of Spain, Latin America, and the U.S. Hispanic population. They also review the more advanced grammatical topics. Students taking this course will achieve a high level of mastery of grammatical topics covered in previous levels and will demonstrate the ability to revise their own work effectively. Projects and presentations are an integral part of this course. Students are trained in aural, oral, and written exercises.

Spanish 5: Hispanic Culture through Media Grade level: 11, 12; Prerequisite: Spanish 4 Conversation and Composition or equivalent; Credit: 3

Spanish 5 is designed for students who have successfully completed Spanish 4 and who wish to pursue their study of the language and Hispanic culture at the non-honors level. This course will focus on using the media to develop cultural awareness and appreciation of various Spanish speaking communities. Class follows a discussion format and students will be engaged in activities that require a high level of proficiency in language production.The course is offered only if there is sufficient enrollment.

Spanish 5 Honors: Spanish through Film and Theater Grade level: 12; Prerequisite: Spanish 4 Honors and permission of the Foreign Language Department; Credit: 3

After many years of learning Spanish grammar, students move on to a higher level of study. Honors Spanish through Film and Theater is a course devoted to expanding the students’ knowledge of the cultures of Spain and Latin America primarily through movies, plays and television programs, as well as music, art and literature. This course will allow students to understand the cultural nuances of the Hispanic world, starting from the beginning of the Spanish culture through present day Spain and Latin America. The course will culminate with an analysis paper based on a play or a film of the student’s choice.

Spanish Seminar: Grade level: 12; Prerequisite: Spanish 4 Honors and/or Spanish 5 Honors and permission of the Foreign Language Department; Credit: 3

Spanish Seminar is designed for seniors with an advanced language proficiency (heritage and non-heritage learners) who wish to explore Latin American social challenges through the study of literary works from main authors. The course is divided into three main thematic modules and will follow a discussion format. Complete immersion is expected. A final capstone project will allow each student to present their findings of a research topic of their choice.

World Languages FAQs

Is the World Language requirement three credits in Upper School, or do Middle School World language credits count?

World Language 1A and 1B each carry 1.5 credits which are calculated into the three required credits.

Can a student begin a new or second language in ninth grade?

Sometimes, depending on whether it is advisable given the student’s other academic commitments and whether or not a first-year course in her desired language is being offered in that particular year.

How can I be certain that my daughter is being placed in the appropriate course?

If new to the school, she will be given a placement test in the spring. The results of her placement test in conjunction with the other information in the student’s file will be used to determine the best world language placement for the student.

Can my child take a language course during the summer and then skip into a higher level?

Possibly, if the child takes a 4–6 week intensive language course and earns a B+ or higher on the placement test for a higher level; however, she still needs three Holton credits in World Language to graduate.

Do you know of any summer programs abroad?

Please see the Global Education page