Upper School World Language

French 1 assumes limited or no prior experience with the language. Students will acquire the speaking, writing, and listening skills to be able to understand and use in informal scenarios using common expressions and basic phrases. The course is conducted primarily in the target language and often incorporates authentic materials. At the end of the course, students will be able to talk about familiar scenarios in basic detail:

• Introduce self and others
• Create questions about self and about others in the present tense on varying topics
• Describe self, others, activities
• Express actions, activities and events in the present tense
• Discuss own likes, dislikes as well as those of other people
• Create informal, interpersonal conversations that are culturally appropriate
• Use and understand appropriate vocabulary for informal settings

French 2 assumes control of vocabulary and shows no significant, fossilized errors in Novice level material. Students will continue to develop the topics of Level 1, working to enhance acquisition of speaking, writing and listening skills necessary to understand spoken and written material in the target language. The course is conducted primarily in the target language. At the end of the course, students will be able to talk about familiar scenarios in increasing detail:

• Express needs
• Express feelings and reactions to less tangible situations.
• Express and understand less concrete ideas.
• Deal with most situations likely encountered while traveling.
• Describe events, experiences, dreams, hopes, and ambitions.
• Talk about family, school, and social settings.
• Demonstrate understanding of culturally appropriate behavior.
• Give brief explanations for opinions and plans.

French 3 assumes control of vocabulary and grammar structures learned in previous levels. The class is designed to strengthen the grammar skills students have acquired, to introduce new advanced grammar, and to lay down the foundation for the interpersonal, interpretative, and presentational skills needed to succeed in advanced language classes. Students continue to use authentic materials such as newspaper articles, documentaries, movies, music, etc. The class is conducted primarily in the target language. At the end of the course, students will be able to write, to speak, and to orally comprehend familiar (formal and informal) scenarios in great detail and will be able to understand the main ideas in complex texts on concrete and abstract topics:

• Express themselves in both written and oral communication
• Demonstrate understanding of spoken and written material in the target language beyond textual comprehension.
• Connect their own knowledge about the world with the material that is presented to them.
• Develop critical thinking skills, cultural competency, and understanding of the language from a native speaker’s viewpoint.
• Interact with a degree of spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers possible without strain for either party.
• Produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain viewpoint on a topical issue giving advantages and disadvantages of various opinions.

French 4 assumes control of vocabulary and grammar structures learned in previous levels. The class is designed to strengthen the grammar skills students have acquired, to introduce new advanced grammar, and to lay down the foundation for the interpersonal, interpretative, and presentational skills needed to succeed in advanced language classes. Students continue to use authentic materials such as newspaper articles, documentaries, movies, music, etc. The class is fully conducted in the target language. At the end of the course, students will be able to speak, to write and to orally comprehend familiar (formal and informal) scenarios in great detail and will be able to understand the main ideas in complex texts on concrete and abstract topics:

• Express themselves in both written and oral communication
• Demonstrate understanding of spoken and written material in the target language beyond textual comprehension.
• Connect their own knowledge about the world with the material that is presented to them.
• Develop critical thinking skills, cultural competency, and understanding of the language from a native speaker’s viewpoint.
  Interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers possible without strain for either party.
• Produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain viewpoints on a topical issue giving advantages and disadvantages of various opinions.

NOTE: Upper Intermediate requires an independent learner who is ready to explore new language topics more quickly, to begin using these more advanced concepts in real-life situations, with a strong control of concepts learned in levels 1, 2, and Intermediate, and few or no fossilized errors in expression.

Note: This course has an honors option.

Prerequisite: B or better in Intermediate or department placement.

French and Francophone cinema, art, literature and history of the 20th century

Advanced Topics in French is a deep dive into French cinema, an important new form of art and technology that flourished in the 20th century. We will explore the connections and interplay of French language films with other artists, musicians and writers of that time. For example, we will learn about the Surrealist and Dadaist movements of the 1920’s and their impact on art, politics and society. We will watch films from the French New Wave movement that began in the 1950s and learn how directors like Truffaut and Godard completely transformed filmmaking and storytelling through their experimental visual and narrative style.

Teachers from other disciplines will come to share their expertise on history, art history, and music. Through an interdisciplinary approach, we will explore how French identity evolved throughout the century taking into account the colonial wars, the women’s movement, immigration, the student and worker revolts of 1968, and other social disruptions in French society. By immersing ourselves in a wide array of artistic forms from this period of time, we will come to understand the influence French art and culture has had in shaping the western world.

Latin 1 introduces students to the world of the ancient Romans by studying the Latin language, culture, history, and, of course, the myths. As students learn new Latin vocabulary, they are encouraged to deepen their understanding of the words by learning English derivatives; this further enriches their own personal English vocabulary as well. Students learn to read Latin following the tales of Sabina through the Suburani textbook series; this series is unique in that it focuses on the underrepresented groups in the Roman Empire and truly allows students to get a picture of daily life in ancient Rome. Additionally, we sometimes speak Latin in order to enhance our understanding of the language itself. The goal of this course is to build a foundation which will allow students to read authentic Latin literature in the advanced levels.

Latin 2 continues the study of Latin grammar, history, culture, mythology and English derivatives; some topics of cultural interest may include life in Pompeii and Greece, gladiatorial games, and weddings. This course continues to follow the adventures of Sabina through the Suburani textbook series; this series is unique in that it focuses on the underrepresented groups in the Roman Empire and truly allows students to get a picture of daily life in ancient Rome. Latin is spoken in class on occasion in order to deepen students’ understanding of the language itself. Students will continue to build a foundation which will allow students to read authentic Latin literature in the advanced levels.

Latin 3 picks up where Latin 2 left off, covering the foundational elements of Latin grammar & syntax in order to strengthen students’ understanding and prepare them to read authentic Latin literature. The course is further enriched by continuing to examine culture, mythology, history and the influence of Latin on English; for at least a portion of the course, we continue to follow Sabina through the Suburani textbook series. Furthermore, students have more opportunities to explore Classical areas of interest such as art, architecture, progress and problems in the time of the Roman Empire.

Note: This class has an honors option

This course offers a chance to reinforce skills and concepts learned in the earlier levels of Latin while being introduced to some primary source Latin. Students will also take a detailed look at Roman Civilization and its influence on modern life. There will be ample opportunity to read adapted and authentic Latin from a variety of authors in both prose and poetry; students get some choice in which authors we read. 

The purpose of this course is to expose students to more authentic and unabridged Latin literature. Each year, the readings follow the interests of the students in the class. In recent history we have read works by Ovid, Vergil, Caesar, Plautus, Cicero, Suetonius, Catullus, Livy, Pliny the Younger and even Tacitus. Through the literature, we will examine the history and Culture of the Romans. Additionally, we often take the challenge to write Latin elegiac couplets in the style of Ovid.

Students will work with the instructor to determine the topic and focus of the course. 

Topics vary from year to year, so the course may be taken more than once.

Mandarin 1 is an introduction to the language and cultures of Mandarin-speaking countries and communities. Basic speaking, listening, reading, and writing of Mandarin will be introduced and practiced within a cultural framework. Mandarin will be the primary language of instruction at the end of the year. Emphasis will be on language as an expression of culture and a medium of communication. Conversation practice in the target language will be part of the regular instruction to reinforce pronunciation, grammar, and syntax. At the end of the course, the student will be able to:

• Recognize the patterns and connections between language, thought patterns, and culture.
• Formulate questions and answers about simple everyday situations based on the learned materials.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate in Mandarin using listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in the Novice-Mid level of the ACTFL student performance descriptors.
• Be aware of the historical and cultural developments in the different Mandarin-speaking countries and communities
• Engage in critical analysis and comparison of the student’s own values and cultural assumptions with those of Mandarin-speaking countries and communities.

Mandarin 2 is for students with three years of previous study in middle school. This may also be the appropriate class for a student who has some previous study in weekend Chinese school. On the placement test, we look for sufficient mastery of pinyin dictation, pronunciation and tones, novice-level vocabulary and expressions taught in Mandarin 1, word order with time and location, alternative questions, measure words, and the ability to compose a handwritten paragraph, minimum of 120 characters in topics such as self-introduction, hobbies and making appointments. Students also need to be able to communicate orally in the Novice-Mid level of the ACTFL student performance descriptors. This class and all subsequent levels are conducted mostly in Mandarin. At the end of the course, the student will be able to:

• Start to recognize, construct, and formulate intermediate-level functions of the Mandarin language.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate in Mandarin using expanded listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in the Novice-High level of the ACTFL level of the ACTFL student performance descriptors.
• Increase the use of complex vocabulary and guess strategies for unknown vocabulary and structure.
• Identify the cultural assumptions revealed by language (examples: greetings, complements)
• Engage in critical analysis and comparison of the student’s own values and cultural assumptions with those of Mandarin-speaking countries and communities.
• Examine the traditions and social practices in different settings and geographical regions of the Mandarin-speaking people.

Mandarin 3 is for students who have completed Mandarin 2 and for exceptionally strong students with three years of previous study in middle school. This may also be the appropriate class for students who has some previous study in weekend Chines school. On the placement test, we look for sufficient mastery of pinyin dictation, pronunciation and tones, beginning intermediate vocabulary and expressions taught in Mandarin 1 and 2, and the ability to compose short paragraphs: a minimum of 250 characters handwritten essay on topics such as school, shopping, and transportation. Students also need to be able to communicate orally at the emerging Intermediate-Low level of the ACTFL student performance descriptors. This class and all subsequent levels are conducted mostly in Mandarin. At the end of the course, the student will be able to:

• Recognize, construct, and formulate questions and answers about more complex everyday situations.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate in Mandarin using expanded listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in the Intermediate-Low level of the ACTFL student performance descriptors.
• Increase the use of complex vocabulary and guess strategies for unknown vocabulary and structure.
• Identify the importance of cultural and social assumptions revealed in the language (examples: greetings, complements, direction, and flow of descriptions)
• Identify the cultural, traditional, ethical, and contemporary values of the Mandarin-speaking countries and communities
• Explore the student’s own values, cultural and social assumptions and contrast them with the traditional and contemporary values of Mandarin-speaking countries

Mandarin 4 is for students who have completed Mandarin 3. Students entering this level must demonstrate adequate proficiency in intermediate vocabulary words, expressions, and grammar. Students at this level receive intensive review and practice of intermediate-level grammar and language functions. Students are expected to be able to communicate at the Intermediate-Mid level of the ACTFL student performance descriptors by the end of the year. This class and all subsequent levels are conducted mostly in Mandarin. At the end of the course, the student will also be able to:

• Identify the importance of cultural and social assumptions revealed in the language (examples: greetings, compliments, direction, the flow of descriptions, and logic of reasoning.)
• Draw out main ideas and locate critical linguistic elements such as grammatical patterns in texts.
• Narrate, describe, compare, and handle simple situations or transactions such as making a flight reservation and ticketing.

Please Note: This course has an honors option.

Mandarin 5 is a continuation of Mandarin 4. Read and discuss texts dealing with geography, history, literature, social and cultural practices of the Chinese-speaking world. Review the linguistic functions and grammatical structures of intermediate Chinese. Speaking, listening, reading, and writing Mandarin will be introduced and practiced within a cultural framework. Mandarin will be the primary language of instruction. Emphasis will be on language as an expression of culture and a medium of communication. Develop reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills at the Low Advanced level. Conversation in the target language will be part of the regular instruction to reinforce pronunciation, grammar, and syntax. At the end of the course, the student will also be able to:

• Demonstrate the ability to communicate with control of linguistic functions and the grammatical structure of Mandarin at Low Advanced level in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
• Distinguish, identify, and appraise the linguistic features of Mandarin-speaking countries and communities.
• Use 75% to 90% of the target language to examine, discuss, and analyze the historical, cultural, social, and economic developments in the different Mandarin-speaking countries and communities.
• Engage in critical analysis and comparison of the student’s own values and cultural assumptions with those of Mandarin-speaking countries and communities.

Prerequisites: A- or better in Mandarin 4 or demonstrated proficiency in the language competency description of Level 4

Advanced Topics allows students to develop an appreciation and understanding of the complexity and diversity of Mandarin-speaking countries and communities through Chinese cinema. Through a combination of film screenings, lectures, and discussions, students will learn how to interpret and analyze Chinese films in the context of their cultural background. Additionally, students will explore how Chinese cinema has been used to represent and comment on elements of Chinese culture and society, such as gender roles and family relationships. The course will also explore how Chinese cinema has been used to critique and challenge government policies and how it has provided a platform for directors to express their individual visions and values. Prominent directors such as Ang LEE, HOU Hsiao-Hsien, Fruit CHAN, JIA Zhangke, ZHANG Yimou, John WOO, Ann HUI, Stanley KWAN, and FEI Mu will be introduced.

Mandarin will be the primary language of instruction. Topics may include bi/multilingual and bi/multicultural presentations in cinema, culture appropriation, reminiscence of diversity in history, social structure and values, etc. In addition to class discussions, journaling, and reflection, students will research and present projects using the medium of their choice on related topics to demonstrate their understanding. This is a student-centered, project-based learning course.

Prerequisites: Permission of current instructor.

Spanish 1 assumes limited or no prior experience with the language. Students will acquire the speaking, writing, and listening skills to be able to understand and use in informal scenarios using common expressions and basic phrases. The course is conducted primarily in the target language and often incorporates authentic materials. At the end of the course, students will be able to talk about familiar scenarios in basic detail:

• Introduce self and others
• Create questions about self and about others in the present tense on varying topics
• Describe self, others, activities
• Express actions, activities and events in the present tense
• Discuss own likes, dislikes as well as those of other people
• Create informal, interpersonal conversations that are culturally appropriate
• Use and understand appropriate vocabulary for informal setting

Spanish 2 assumes control of vocabulary and shows no significant, fossilized errors in Novice level material. Students will continue to develop the topics of Level 1, working to enhance acquisition of speaking, writing and listening skills necessary to understand spoken and written material in the target language. The course is conducted primarily in the target language. At the end of the course, students will be able to talk about familiar scenarios in increasing detail:

• Express needs
• Express feelings and reactions to less tangible situations.
• Express and understand less concrete ideas.
• Interact with day to day situations.
• Describe events, experiences, dreams, hopes, and ambitions.
• Talk about family, school, and social settings.
• Demonstrate understanding of culturally appropriate behavior.
• Give brief explanations for opinions and plans.

Spanish 3 assumes control of vocabulary and grammar structures learned in previous levels. The class is designed to strengthen the grammar skills students have acquired, to introduce new advanced grammar, and to lay down the foundation for the interpersonal, interpretative, and presentational skills needed to succeed in advanced language classes. Students continue to use authentic materials such as newspaper articles, documentaries, movies, music, etc. The class is fully conducted primarily in the target language. At the end of the course, students will be able to write, to speak, and to orally comprehend familiar (formal and informal) scenarios in great detail and will be able to understand the main ideas in complex texts on concrete and abstract topics:

• Express themselves in both written and oral communication
• Demonstrate understanding of spoken and written material in the target language beyond textual comprehension.
• Connect their own knowledge about the world with the material that is presented to them.
• Develop critical thinking skills, cultural competency, and understanding of the language from a native speaker’s viewpoint.
• Interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers possible without strain for either party.
• Produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain viewpoints on a topical issue giving advantages and disadvantages of various opinions.

Spanish 4 assumes control of vocabulary and grammar structures learned in previous levels. The class is designed to strengthen the grammar skills students have acquired, to introduce new advanced grammar, and to lay down the foundation for the interpersonal, interpretative, and presentational skills needed to succeed in advanced language classes. Students continue to use authentic materials such as newspaper articles, documentaries, movies, music, etc. The class is primarily conducted in the target language. At the end of the course, students will be able to write, to speak, and to orally comprehend familiar (formal and informal) scenarios in great detail and will be able to understand the main ideas in complex texts on concrete and abstract topics:

• Express themselves in both written and oral communication.
• Demonstrate understanding of spoken and written material in the target language beyond textual comprehension.
• Connect their own knowledge about the world with the material that is presented to them.
• Develop critical thinking skills, cultural competency, and understanding of the language from a native speaker’s viewpoint.
• Interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers possible without strain for either party.
• Produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain viewpoints on a topical issue giving advantages and disadvantages of various opinions.

NOTE: Students who take this course with the honors option are expected to be independent learners who are ready to: explore new language topics at a faster pace, use these more advanced concepts in real-life situations, and demonstrate a strong control of concepts learned in Levels 1, 2, and 3, with few or no fossilized errors in expression.

Note: This course has an honors option.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intermediate Spanish and Department placement.

Finding Belonging in the In-Between

This Advanced Seminar Topics course centers on the immigrant’s story and how the quest for identity can often be driven by conflicting societal and cultural factors. This course aims to expand students’ ability to communicate at a greater lexical level in all language skills while delving into advanced topics such as politics, history, identity and belonging. Students will be expected to hypothesize, express and defend opinions, and formulate original thoughts in a less structured environment through open discussion and discourse. The course includes analysis of news, culture and literature to aid students in understanding the varied social, political, and economic realities of migrants. We will also examine current issues such as bilingual education, the struggles faced by migrant workers, and the roles Latino’s hold in today’s America. As a culminating project, students will interview a Spanish-speaking immigrant and present their formal reflection to the class. This is not an AP prep course however, students will be exposed to the language and the communities in which it is spoken and should be sufficiently equipped for the AP exam if they choose to take it.

Prerequisite: Permission of current instructor.

This Advanced Seminar Topics course centers on the art, film, and culture story and explores how Latin American film reflects key ideas of art and culture in Spanish-speaking countries. This course aims to expand students’ ability to communicate at a greater lexical level in all language skills while delving into advanced topics. Students will be expected to hypothesize, express and defend opinions, and formulate original thoughts in a less structured environment through open discussion and discourse. The course includes analysis of film, culture, art, and literature to aid students in understanding the varied social and cultural experiences of Latin America. This is not an AP prep course; however, students will be exposed to the language and the communities in which it is spoken and should be sufficiently equipped for the AP exam if they choose to take it.

Prerequisite: Permission of current instructor.