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Foreign Language Department Philosophy |  | We foster confidence instudents in their individual abilities to acquire proficiency in a new language. Consequently, we believe in engaging students in active learning by guiding them to set and build upon a foundation in their reading, writing, listening, and speaking of at least one modern foreign language or in the reading of Latin. Recognizing the diversity of learners, we present these central skills in a variety of modes so that each learner may discover and develop his or her individual strengths and an appreciation of world cultures. Our aim in this is to prepare the student for continued study, whether formal or informal, of other languages and cultures. We aim to form courageous men and women who are lifelong learners and who will be motivated to take the responsibility and initiative of becoming their own best teachers.
Full-Year Course Offerings |
Spanish I
During the first year of Spanish study, students learn the building blocks of the language. The emphasis is on communication, and the approach is practical and age-appropriate, as students learn to express likes and dislikes, to make plans to describe people and events. The focus on grammar supplements this study, as these are aspects of the structure of the language, such as verb conjugations and gender, which are unfamiliar to speakers of English. There is a cultural aspect as well, and lessons include information on the diverse Spanish-speaking cultures of the world.
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Spanish II
The second year of Spanish builds upon the basic skills and cultural understandings acquired in the first year. Students move toward greater understanding of language structure and vocabulary in order to perform more comprehensive functions. A major focus during the second year is acquiring proficiency in communicating in the past tenses. Sophisticated grammar, in-depth dialogues, short essays, and increased oral accuracy will be emphasized.
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Spanish III
Spanish III is designed for students who have demonstrated both conversational and grammatical proficiency in first and second year courses. Throughout this course, students will study advanced grammar and vocabularies, which will enhance their abilities to communicate orally, read, and write confidently and comprehensively. After reading longer writings, students will discuss and write about their comprehension and opinions about course topics. Some content areas include investigating job opportunities, making travel arrangements, good health habits, and expression of conditional statements and the subjunctive mood.
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Spanish IV
Courses beyond Spanish III are tailored to the needs and interests of the students. Students who continue beyond the third year of Spanish typically work closely with the instructor on intensive grammar reinforcement and the acquisition of a more comprehensive vocabulary, in addition to participating in activities including reading Hispanic literature and articles in the target language, studying Latin American and Spanish history, films, music, and art, and preparing for the Advanced Placement exam.
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French I
During the first year of language study, students acquire novice-level proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing the target language. These skills are learned through a functional approach with an emphasis on communication. The cultural focus is the francophone world, and students gain an understanding of the language and an appreciation for the cultures behind the language. A third focus of French I is the development of study and organizational skills necessary to excel in the acquisition of a foreign language.
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French II
French II builds upon the basic skills and cultural understandings acquired in the first year. Students move toward greater understanding of language structure, significantly increase their vocabulary, and begin to use complex functions. A major focus during the second year is acquiring proficiency in communicating in the past tense, as well as building grammatical precision. Strong emphasis is placed on oral expression, reading practice, and writing skills.
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French III
In the third year of French, students deepen their knowledge of grammar significantly, particularly verb tenses, greatly enhancing their abilities to communicate orally and in writing, and to read and comprehend spoken French with greater ease. Activities in the four language skills increase in complexity, with the goal of training students to function proficiently and more naturally in the target language. Francophone cultural themes continue to be threaded throughout the curriculum.
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Advanced Levels of French
Enrollment is by teacher permission only.
Courses beyond French III are tailored to the needs and interests of the students. Students who continue beyond the third year of French typically work closely with the instructor on intensive grammar reinforcement and the acquisition of a more comprehensive vocabulary in addition to participating in activities including reading francophone literature and articles in the target language, studying francophone history, films, music, and art, and preparing for the Advanced Placement exam.
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Latin I
This standard introductory reading course is heavily grammatical and requires rote memorization of fundamental paradigmatic forms, including four conjugations of verbs in six tenses and five declensions of nouns. Students also master a selection of irregular verbs, pronouns, prepositions, adjectives, and adverbs. Students learn how to read accurately in Latin from a lexicon of about 800 words and to translate the inflections of the ancient tongue into sound English. Consequently, the course is very much a study of English grammar and vocabulary and thus can serve as a remedial course for students weak in these areas. Additionally, the history, culture, and mythology of the Romans and their Greek cousins are subjects of regular discussion. Students are assessed weekly and at the end of the trimester.
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Latin II
This standard reading course builds on skills and knowledge gained in Latin I. Students learn the passive system of verbs, master participles, gerunds and infinitives, and finally delve into the uses of the subjunctive. Additionally, students study the comparative forms of adjectives, irregular verbs, pronouns, and advanced grammatical features such as ablative absolute, passive periphrastic, and indirect statement. Students expand their vocabulary, and more importantly, the fluency of their reading. Also, the history, culture, and mythology of the Romans and their Greek cousins are a subject of daily discussion. Students are assessed weekly and at the end of the trimester.
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Advanced Latin
Latin III and IV students work together on a text or texts of mutual interest but under distinct expectations according to their relative levels of competency, especially in regard to syntax. Authors such as Caesar, Cicero, Pliny and Ovid may be read.
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