World Languages

LOWER SCHOOL

Chinese 5, Grade level: 5

Through songs, games, video clips, voice recordings, hands-on activities, and the celebration of Chinese culture and holidays, students in fifth-grade Chinese class will be introduced to relevant listening and speaking skills that they can employ to interact with Chinese friends and local diverse communities. Students will build up their vocabulary and strengthen their communication skills with QTalk and by engaging in the active learning of units such as greetings, family members, numbers and dates, animals, and personal belongings.

Chinese 6, Grade level: 6

Sixth Grade Chinese is a beginning-level course to develop a foundation for learning Chinese. Students with little or no knowledge of Chinese are introduced to everyday spoken Chinese and the simplified forms of Chinese characters. The characters are used in conjunction with pinyin to reinforce listening and speaking skills. The course takes a fun, interactive approach with course materials appropriate to Lower School students. Lesson topics include an introduction to Pinyin, greetings, numbers, proper way of inquiring a person’s age, shopping, breakfast items, daily living routines, and going places.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Chinese 1A Grade level: 7; Credits: 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 an understanding of the Chinese culture.

Chinese 1B Grade level: 8; Prerequisite: Chinese 1A; Credits: 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.

UPPER SCHOOL

Chinese I Grade level: 9-12; Credits: 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 Chinese culture. The course is offered only if there is sufficient enrollment.

Chinese 2 Grade level: 9-12; Prerequisite: Chinese 1B or Chinese 1, Credits: 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. The 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; Credits: 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; Credits: 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; Credits: 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 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; Credits: 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; Credits: 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.

LOWER SCHOOL

French, Grade level: 3 and 4

The third and fourth grades are part of a two-year World Language program that offers Lower School students the opportunity to explore two romance languages, French and Spanish. Throughout the year, students become noticeably confident in their skills while they learn vocabulary, practice pronunciation, role play, and make global connections. They learn to identify basic parts of speech, nouns, pronouns, and verbs, and create original sentences. By building their vocabulary and grammar foundation using the Q-talk method - in which translation is eliminated- they learn intuitively as native speakers do in a meaningful context rather than in isolation. Students are aware of their progress and have multiple opportunities to reflect on their language journey using their ePortfolios.

French, Grade level: 5

Fifth-grade students explore the French language structures with specific communicative skills. Daily language practice and review are implemented in the classroom to build upon a solid foundation of their building language skills: writing, speaking and listening. They learn with the Q-talk method in which translation is eliminated and students learn intuitively as natives do. Language is presented and learned in a meaningful context rather than in isolation. In this student-centered learning environment, they are able to produce spontaneous culturally authentic dialogues that can be easily transferred into everyday life situations.

French, Grade level: 6

The sixth-grade students develop proficiency through speaking, listening, understanding, writing, and reading in French. They learn new sentence structures and vocabulary skills including infinitives, conjugations of verbs in the present tense, pronouns, articles, and recognizing cognates among many others. Everyday dialogue practice is an essential part of their learning experience. Students also research French-speaking countries around the world and learn of their diverse history through a multitude of lenses that replace an ethnocentric one. They also create ePortfolio projects, choose a meta category, reflect on their work and make meaningful connections to their language learning.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

French 1A Grade level: 7 Credits: 1.5

French 1A builds on the skills acquired in lower school to solidify students' language foundation. They continue to develop communicative proficiency as well as cultural awareness. Projects and assessments are designed to ensure that students develop the appropriate skills to communicate using French purposefully in authentic situations. There are frequent learning checks and guided activities. Students work individually, in pairs, or in small groups to exchange information, explore texts, watch videos, develop scripts, rehearse dialogues, play games, or tackle and practice a specific grammar point. Themes revolve around self, school, friends, family, activities, and community.

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

French 1B is designed to deepen and reinforce students' previous language acquisitions. They continue to practice communicating orally and in writing in the past, present, and future tenses using increasingly complex structures. They gain perspectives on the Francophone world to develop respect and openness to others.

UPPER SCHOOL

French 1 Grade level: 9-11; Credits: 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 the 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; Credits: 3

French 2 builds on the skills acquired in French 1 to solidify and expand students' language acquisition. Learners continue to work toward developing a functional proficiency in French, and an understanding of and appreciation for other cultures. Through thematic units and projects students deepen and grow their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills to communicate purposefully in authentic situations, and to gain perspectives on the Francophone world. There are frequent learning checks and guided activities.

French 3 Grade level: 10-12; Prerequisite: French 2; Credits: 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; Credits: 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, the 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; Credits: 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 the 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.; Credits: 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; Credits: 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, with emphasis placed on spontaneous use of the language. It is offered only if there is sufficient enrollment.

French 5H: Cinéma et Francophonie Grade level: 11, 12; Prerequisite: French 4H Language and culture or its equivalent; Credits: 3

French 5H is a course for students who have satisfactorily completed four levels of Honors 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, with emphasis placed on spontaneous use of the language. It is offered only if there is sufficient enrollment.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Latin 1A Grade level: 7 Credits: 1.5

Studying Latin provides the opportunity to explore the incredibly diverse world of the ancient Roman empire while learning the language that has served as the template for many modern languages. In Latin 1A, a story-based reading approach will introduce students to the basic workings of the Latin language and encourage reading proficiency. Activities and projects will foster writing, speaking, and listening skills as well, and we’ll examine the close connections between English and Latin vocabulary. As we follow the paths of different characters, students will learn about various aspects of life in the ancient world, including women at work, public health, entertainment, and the role of religion and mythology.

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

In this course, students will continue to build their foundation in Latin grammar while they explore Roman history and mythology through passages and dialogues. They develop an ability to read, understand, and translate simple and complex Latin sentences. Students use their growing Latin vocabulary to facilitate their reading in Latin and in English, and they learn to identify the derivation of English words from Latin. Projects provide opportunities for students to explore topics such as games and entertainment, education, and elections in the ancient world.

UPPER SCHOOL

Latin I Grade level: 9-11; Credits: 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 a 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; Credits: 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; Credits: 3

In this course, students make the transition from reading the adapted passages and dialogues found in grammar texts to working with authentic Latin literature. Students expand their translating skills by reading unaltered Latin with the support of commentaries. Units include prose and poetry from a variety of authors. Students learn to recognize rhetorical, poetic, and metrical devices, employed by each writer, and they are charged with considering and analyzing each author’s personal background as well as the complex historical and political climate in which they lived. Singing poetry in its meter is an important - and fun - endeavor for this level and projects allow for students to explore topics such as Roman religious practices, communication, and art.

Latin Pathways: (Latin IV / Latin IV Honors; Latin V / Latin V Honors)

Latin IV: Grade level: 11-12; Prerequisite: Latin III; Credits: 3

The Latin Pathways courses follow two distinct maps of curriculum, offered in alternating years. Each path allows students to explore a range of authors, from the well-known writers of the Augustan era to those whose voices and works provide a perspective of Latin that reaches beyond the traditional canon. There is a strong emphasis on context building, analysis, and interpretation while examining works through the lens of a particular theme. Time is also allotted to practice reading for comprehension, expanding vocabulary, and reviewing grammar. An emphasis on poetry will allow students to build both facility with interpretation and a command of the vocabulary of poetic criticism. Projects (both small and large) will encourage students to explore and develop their particular interests.

Latin IV (Honors) Grade level: 11-12; Prerequisite: Latin III and permission of the World Language Department; Credits: 3

See Latin IV for a general description. Students who have opted for the Honors designation will attend the same class as non-honors students, but will meet additional areas of challenge, including fewer resources (vocabulary) on assessments; additional sight-reading opportunities; translations of extra lines of a passage; demonstrating a higher level of analysis of the texts, and providing thoughtful exploration and examination of themes and contexts.

Latin V: Grade level: 11-12; Prerequisite: Latin IV; Credits: 3

The Latin Pathways courses follow two distinct maps of curriculum, offered in alternating years. Each path allows students to explore a range of authors, from the well-known writers of the Augustan era to those whose voices and works provide a perspective of Latin that reaches beyond the traditional canon. There is a strong emphasis on context building, analysis, and interpretation while examining works through the lens of a particular theme. Time is also allotted to practice reading for comprehension, expanding vocabulary, and reviewing grammar. An emphasis on poetry will allow students to build both facility with interpretation and a command of the vocabulary of poetic criticism. Projects (both small and large) will encourage students to explore and develop their particular interests.

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

See Latin V for a general description. Students who have opted for the Honors designation will attend the same class as non-honors students, but will meet additional areas of challenge, including fewer resources (vocabulary) on assessments; additional sight-reading opportunities; translations of extra lines of a passage; demonstrating a higher level of analysis of the texts, and providing thoughtful exploration and examination of themes and contexts.

Students in the V Honors level will spend the month of April working on a final capstone project. This will allow each individual student to design an inquiry combining reading of a Latin text with the study of related areas of history, culture, religion, science, or technology.

LOWER SCHOOL

Spanish, Grade level: 3 and 4

The third and fourth grades are part of a two-year World Language program that offers Lower School students the opportunity to explore two romance languages, Spanish and French. Throughout the year, students become noticeably confident in their skills while they learn vocabulary, practice pronunciation, role play, and make global connections. They learn to identify basic parts of speech, nouns, pronouns, and verbs, and create original sentences. By building their vocabulary and grammar foundation using the Q-talk method - in which translation is eliminated- they learn intuitively as native speakers do in a meaningful context rather than in isolation. Students are aware of their progress and have multiple opportunities to reflect on their language journey using their ePortfolios.

Spanish, Grade level: 5

In this course, fifth-grade students learn basic vocabulary and develop their knowledge of grammar and its proper implementation in simple communicative situations. They enjoy a multi-modal approach to learning a new language while solidifying their Spanish foundation. Every Spanish activity includes four integrated areas: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Spanish is the primary language used by the teacher and students. Our Reading Program starts in fifth-grade and it offers stories to further discuss cultural differences. Through the stimulation of reading interpretation, students explore differences and similarities between peoples of different backgrounds, cultures, and races. The goal is to foster the capacity for culturally sensitive interaction with speakers of Spanish by celebrating differences.

Spanish, Grade level: 6

This course focuses on communication. While grammar and vocabulary are essential tools for communication, this course provides students with the opportunity of learning how to communicate in meaningful and appropriate ways in Spanish. Students engage in conversations, provide and obtain information, and express feelings and emotions using Spanish. They explore various Spanish-speaking communities and learn about the nature of the Spanish language and the concept of culture. Our Reading Program offers stories to further discuss cultural differences. Through the stimulation of reading interpretation, students explore differences and similarities between peoples of different backgrounds, cultures, and races. The goal is to foster the capacity for culturally sensitive interaction with speakers of Spanish by celebrating differences.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Spanish 1A Grade level: 7 Credits: 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; Credits: 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.

UPPER SCHOOL

Spanish I, Grade level: 9-11 Credits: 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 an 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; Credits: 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; Credits: 3

Spanish 3 is an intermediate-level course. 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: Comunidades de ayer y hoy, Grade Level: 10 – 12; Prerequisite: Spanish 2 and permission of World Language Department; Credits: 3

This course deepens the study of indigenous communities in the Americas past and present, and focuses on the Aztecs, the Incas, and the Mayans. Students explore how the contributions of the indigenous people in the areas of Health and Well-being, traditional v. western medicine (science), roads and buildings (architecture), harmonious stewardship and conservation of the land (environment), and their belief systems and cultural practices shaped today’s Latin American societies. We will continue to take advantage of the various existing resources that Descubre 3 offers through its online component, Supersite.

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

Spanish 5 is designed for students who have successfully completed Spanish 4 and who wish to pursue their study of the Spanish language and culture at the non-honors level. This course will focus on using the media to delve into the study of different historical contexts and their connection to current events of various Spanish-speaking communities in Latin America, Spain, and the U.S.A. The 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, Theater, and Current Events, Grade level: 12; Prerequisite: Spanish 4 Honors and permission of the World Language Department; Credits: 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: Voces Grade level: 12; Prerequisite: Spanish 4 Honors and/or Spanish 5 Honors and permission of the World Language Department; Credits: 3

Spanish Seminar is designed for seniors with advanced language proficiency (heritage and non-heritage learners) who wish to explore Latin American social challenges through the study of literary works from renowned 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.

SPANISH ELECTIVES

Short Films: Miradas Grade level: 11 ; Corequisite: Spanish 3/3H/4

Miradas has the singularity of using short fictional films as the main resource. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences defines a short film as "an original motion picture that has a running time of 40 minutes or less". Short films are both engaging and authentic; offering experiences close to real life, and real use of living language. Students receive comprehensible input and build listening skills and engage in authentic communicative opportunities. Short films also stress cultural competency and the ability to make connections as students expand their cultural knowledge, and recognize diverse viewpoints and lifestyles.