We teach foreign languages not only as basic tools of communication in an increasingly interdependent world, but also as a central and distinctive feature of human life. By stressing the four basic skills-- understanding, reading, writing, and speaking a foreign language--we aim to impart a love and respect for language per se. Audio-visual materials, CD-ROMs and the Language Lab are used extensively. Through art, film, and literary and other readings, students learn not only the language but also the culture, geography, and history of the country or countries where it is spoken.
Students are encouraged to enroll in an optional second language at any time.
Requirement:
Three years of French, German, Japanese, Latin, or Spanish
Full-Credit Courses
After Level 1 in Spanish and after Level 2 in German, Latin, and Japanese, Honors Courses are offered to students who have demonstrated superior ability and interest. The material covered is essentially the same as that in regular courses, but Honors students are held to a stricter standard and receive supplementary reading and writing assignments. Departmental approval is required for all Honors and Advanced Placement Courses.
All first-year and AP full-credit courses meet every day.
French
Beginning French (200)
In this course, which uses the Capretz video-based program, students are introduced to the basic vocabulary and grammatical structures of the language. Readings, songs, poems and other literary materials supplement the curriculum. All four skills are developed, with special emphasis on conversation. Francophone culture, geography and history are incorporated regularly into the course work.
French Transition (201)
This course is a five-week intensive review for all second-year French students. At the end of this period, a comprehensive examination will be administered, on the basis of which students will continue in either of the following:
Intermediate French Language and Culture (202)
Although the fundamentals of French grammar are presented formally throughout the year, the emphasis in this course is on the development of fluency in French and on a more detailed study of reading and writing based on literary texts. Appropriate cultural topics are introduced through art and audio-visual materials. The use of French as a vehicle of daily communication is stressed. Active oral participation is of primary importance and is reinforced throughout the year.
Intermediate French Language and Literature (203)
This course parallels the Language and Culture course described, but with much more extensive literary readings and thorough study of grammar. Written assignments will be frequent. French will be used exclusively in the classroom.
Advanced French Language and Culture (204)
This course continues the work of the Intermediate course described above. More extensive general readings, geography, and culture will form the basis of the course. Conversational skills will be emphasized throughout the year.
Advanced French Language and Literature (205)
Taught entirely in French, this course is designed for students with a solid background. The class revolves around the four basic skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing French. French literature, including poetry and plays, is introduced and studied as a source of language and culture. Grammar is reinforced and vocabulary increased through readings and constant conversation in French. (Departmental approval is required.)
French Language and Civilization IV (206) and V (208)
These courses are designed for students who wish to continue their study of French into the fourth and fifth years. They are year-long investigations into various aspects of the language, civilization and culture of France and the French-speaking world. The subjects will vary and will be taught on a two-year rotation, thus allowing students to take the courses twice without redundancy. Taught in French, the courses will include discussions, debates, and oral presentations as well as written work. Depending on subject matter and student interest, the class may also include guest speakers, field trips, and individual projects. Materials will be eclectic, embracing literature, art, music, and film.
Pre-AP French Language (207)
This course is designed for those students who need another year of preparation before taking the AP Language examination. Intensive practice of all four skills, grammar review, and literary readings make up the content of this course. (Departmental approval is required.)
Advanced Placement French Language (212)
Conducted entirely in French, this course prepares students for the Advanced Placement examination in French language. The course is designed to achieve verbal fluency. Oral French is stressed and perfected through audio-tapes, language laboratory drill sessions, films, and frequent reading and writing assignments. Readings include representative works by major French authors from the Renaissance to the present. Grammar is reviewed thoroughly. The class also views videotaped versions of the readings, which are then discussed. Students are asked to write critical and analytical essays about literature and other topics.
Advanced Placement French Literature (213)
Conducted entirely in French, this course prepares students for the Advanced Placement examination in French literature. Readings include representative works by major French authors from the Renaissance to the present. Students write expository essays in French and analyze literary works with an emphasis on the interplay of style and content. The class also views video-taped versions of the readings, which are discussed critically in French.
German
Instruction in all German courses is computer-based, supplementing or replacing conventional textbooks. More traditional audio-visual materials are used, but they are increasingly being replaced by television broadcasts via satellite dish and materials from the Internet. Poems and their settings by German composers are a prominent feature of all courses.
German I (217)
An introduction to German language and culture, this course is based on formal grammar study with constant comparison to English grammar. Vocabulary and idioms are taken from everyday life. Study of German culture and geography stresses Germany's position in Europe and the world.
German II (219)
Grammar study continues, supplemented by a simple reader. Vocabulary building and acquisition of idioms prepare the student for much more extensive reading in the third year. Practice in writing and speaking continues.
German III (221) German III Honors (222)
The third year sees the completion of formal grammar study, usually by the end of the first trimester. The remainder of the year is devoted to reading short stories and poems and to developing the student's ability to write and speak German.
German IV (223) German IV Honors (224)
Grammar review and continued vocabulary building form the basis of this course. Students read drama, prose, and poetry from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Classic German films will be screened regularly.
German V (225)
This course is designed for those students wishing to continue their study of German without taking the Advanced Placement examination. A continuation of German IV, it presents readings from nineteenth and twentieth century literature as well as from newspapers and periodicals. Classic German films will be screened regularly.
Advanced Placement German (229)
In this course, students prepare for the Advanced Placement examination. Readings are similar to those in German V, but students are expected to cover more material, and at a higher level of difficulty. Audio tapes and films are used extensively.
Greek
Classical Greek I (293)
Half-credit course
The Greek program aims to provide a knowledge of the elements of Attic Greek (the language of ancient Athens), exemplified when possible by the language of the best authors of antiquity, and to impart a basic working vocabulary. This course introduces the grammar and structure of the language and covers a significant body of syntax and vocabulary. First-year students read brief selections from various authors.
Classical Greek II (294)
Half-credit course
While students are still working to master grammar and syntax, they are introduced to the works of Greek authors, which may include Demosthenes, Lysias, Plato, Homer, and Xenophon. All regular forms of the noun and verb are covered, although a minimum of time is spent on drills and exercises.
Greek and Latin Roots of English (296)
Half-credit course
Grades ten through twelve
This course is designed to introduce students to the most common Greek and Latin roots and their derivatives in the English vocabulary. The rules of word formation will be studied, including those prefixes and suffixes most often encountered in English compounds. Some attention will also be given to etymology and semantics as well as to popular or folk etymology.
Italian
Italian I (297)
Half-credit course
Italian I offers an introduction to the Italian language, designed particularly to develop speaking, writing and understanding. Students work with dialogues and grammatical pattern practice. Completion of this course will enable the student to communicate in basic situations and will provide a foundation for continued work in Italian II or at the university level.
Italian II (298)
Half-credit course
The aim of this course is to further the development of the basic language skills acquired in Italian I. The course focus is on an intensive study of grammatical structures with a continued emphasis on developing oral skills and in improving reading and listening comprehension.
Japanese
Japanese I (232)
Grades 8 and up
Introductory in nature, this course is designed to foster in students the ability to understand, speak, read, and write modern Japanese. Emphasis is placed on speaking. Students learn grammar and vocabulary through practicing dialogues, reading short passages, and writing Japanese journals. Appreciation of Japanese culture is essential to understanding the language, so cultural aspects are also emphasized. In class and on Japan Day, students experience Japanese cuisine, games, songs and calligraphy. The class also participates in a Japanese tea ceremony off-campus.
Japanese II (234)
Students build on skills and knowledge acquired in Japanese I, with continued emphasis on speaking. Students learn more vocabulary and grammar through practicing dialogues, readings, and writing frequent journals. There are two major projects: the performance of a Japanese play for Japan day and the study of Haiku. Students will participate in a one-day exchange program with a local Japanese school to experience Japanese school life.
Japanese III (236)
Students continue to learn oral and written Japanese. Practical communication skills are always emphasized. Reading literary passages, writing essays and Haiku, and performing plays are some of the activities undertaken in this class. Students will plan and participate in Japan Day. Japanese cultural activities are offered.
Japanese IV (238)
This course is conducted primarily in Japanese. The emphasis is on development of fluency in Japanese, including grammar review, Haiku and essay writing, and reading simple literature. Students will plan and perform a play on Japan Day, and will participate in other cultural events. Use of a Japanese word processor is encouraged. Students will be ready to take the SAT II in Japanese.
Japanese V (240) and Japanese V Honors (241)
This course is designed for students with a Japanese background or with an advanced level of Japanese study experience. Students learn to speak both Plain and Polite forms, write essays with more Kanji, and read Japanese literature. They are also encouraged to participate in speech contests, to use a Japanese word processor and e-mail.
Latin
Latin I (247)
This introductory course aims to impart a number of concepts, including Latin sentence structure, word formation, and derivation, the basics of Latin grammar, vocabulary acquisition, and some understanding of classical antiquity and its legacy to the modern world. Readings not only reinforce vocabulary and grammar, but also introduce the student to major events and personages in ancient history.
Latin II (249)
This course includes a review of Latin I and a completion of the rudiments of grammar. Students learn much new vocabulary while continuing to work with historical readings. For the first time, they read selections of Latin prose literature in the original, mostly from the works of Caesar. Some poetry may be read as well.
Latin III (251) Latin III Honors (252)
The objectives of this course are to read, understand, and interpret Latin prose literature in the original. Authors include Cicero, Sallust, and Pliny the Younger. Some poetry may be read. Students explore the stylistic differences and literary richness of classical authors as well as a more specific theme: the political scene in the late republic and the early empire.
Latin IV and Latin V
The following two courses are to be offered in alternate years.
Students who have completed Latin III should register for Latin IV. (253)
Students who have completed Latin IV should register for Latin V. (255)
Latin Lyric Poetry
(Offered in 2001-2002)
The objectives of this course are to read, understand, and interpret Latin poetry. The emphasis will be on Latin lyric poetry. Authors will include, but not be limited to, Catullus and Horace. Some Ovid may also be read.
Latin Epic Poetry
(Offered in 2002-2003)
The objectives of this course are to read, understand, and interpret Latin poetry. The emphasis will be on Latin epic poetry. Readings will include, but not be limited to, Vergil's Aeneid. Some Ovid may also be read.
The following two courses are offered in alternate years:
Advanced Placement Latin: Lyric Poetry (259)
Offered in 2001-2002
In this course, students read a substantial number of the lyric poems of Catullus and Horace, with emphasis on appreciation, critical analysis, and translation. The most commonly used meters are carefully studied. The place of Catullus and Horace in Latin literature and their influence on modern literature are also considered.
Advanced Placement Latin: Epic Poetry (260)
Offered in 2002-2003
In this course, students read considerable portions of Vergil's Aeneid in Latin. A thorough knowledge of the plot of the remaining portions is required. The course emphasizes an appreciation of the Aeneid as poetry, the study of the epic as a literary genre, and the workings of Latin verse in hexameter. The political views of Augustus are also studied.
Russian
Russian I (263)
Half-Credit Course
The aim of this course is to provide students with a knowledge of everyday conversational Russian through dialogues, questions and responses, and other group exercises. The students will be introduced to the basic grammatical forms needed to read a variety of texts.
Russian II (265)
Half-Credit Course
Students continue to study the rudiments of grammar and to master vocabulary, idioms, and everyday expressions. They become familiar with the two verb aspects. The course stresses practical application and includes regular visits to the Language Laboratory. Appropriate readings reinforce vocabulary and structures. Geography, history, and culture, including songs and poems, are an integral part of the course.
Russian III (267)
Half-Credit Course
This course is a continuation of Russian II and incorporates additional materials on Russian geography, history, and culture.
Russian IV (269)
Half-Credit Course
This course is a continuation of Russian III.
Russian V (271)
Half-Credit Course
This course is a continuation of Russian IV.
Spanish
Spanish I (277)
In this introductory course, students learn the fundamentals of spoken and written Spanish. Through active engagement in classroom discussions, which are conducted almost exclusively in Spanish, and through the use of the Destinos videotape program and other audio-visual materials, students begin to understand and speak Spanish. Simple readings as well as writing exercises on literary and topical subjects complement the course to cultivate in students a fluency in the written language and an appreciation of Hispanic culture. Spanish I classes meet weekly in the Language Laboratory.
Spanish II (279) Spanish II Honors (280)
A continuation of work begun in Spanish I, Spanish II aims to increase students' mastery of the oral and written language. Students continue in the Destinos videotape program and in their class discussions to understand and to speak Spanish, and the readings and writing activities are also more complex and sophisticated. Spanish II students regularly visit the Language Laboratory to complement the work being done in the classroom.
Spanish III (281)
Third-year students continue their work in oral and written Spanish. After a review of difficult structures, they gain extensive practice in the correct use of complex structures, idiomatic expressions, and practical vocabulary. While reading passages are included to develop comprehension and build vocabulary, the main emphasis is on oral proficiency.
Spanish III Honors (282)
Requires Departmental Approval
Conducted entirely in Spanish, this course stresses a thorough review of Spanish structure, extensive oral practice, and composition. Selections from works by major Spanish and Latin American authors are studied and discussed.
Spanish IV (283) and V (285): Introduction to Latin American Studies
The courses are designed for students who wish to continue their study of Spanish into the fourth and fifth years. Readings will include works, especially short stories, by García Marquez, Borges, Cortázar, Carpentier, Rulfo, etc. The poetry of Pablo Neruda, César Vallejo, etc. will also be examined. A few short plays will be read. The readings will vary and will be taught on a two-year rotation, allowing students to take the courses twice without redundancy. Readings will be supplemented by videotapes whenever possible. The courses will be conducted in Spanish.
Spanish IV Honors (284)
Prerequisite: Spanish III or III Honors and Departmental Approval
Conducted entirely in Spanish, this course is offered to students who have excelled in Spanish III. Students refine their skills toward improved proficiency in speaking and writing. Video and audio materials provide opportunities for discussions and writings on non-literary topics. This course provides an introduction to literary discourse through the exploration of works by Garcia Marquez, Lorca, Rulfo, and Jimenez. Advanced grammar topics are reviewed as needed.
Spanish IV AP Language/Literature (289)
Prerequisite: Spanish III Honors and Departmental Approval
This is the first of a two-course sequence, combined with Spanish V AP Literature, for students who have excelled in Spanish III Honors. Students in this sequence will take the Advanced Placement Spanish Language exam after this course. The course aims to foster oral and written proficiency for the Language exam, and begins the two-year task of preparing for the Literature exam, which students take after the second course. Readings include selections from Unamuno, Lorca, Borges, Matute, Jimenez, and Garcia Marquez.
Spanish V AP Spanish Language (286)
Prerequisites: Spanish IV Honors and Departmental Approval
Designed to prepare the student for the Advanced Placement examination in Spanish Language, this course aims to foster oral and written proficiency. Regular oral presentations and frequent compositions help the student attain fluency. Readings include texts by Sabato, Lorca, and Garcia Marquez. Taped materials and films are used in this course, which is conducted entirely in Spanish.
Spanish V AP Literature (290)
Prerequisites: Spanish IV AP Language/Literature and Departmental Approval
This course is designed to prepare the student for the Advanced Placement examination in Spanish Literature. The student is expected to understand lectures in Spanish on literary topics and to respond both orally and in writing. Readings include texts by Unamuno, Lorca, Borges, and Garcia Marquez. Critical and analytical essays are assigned frequently. Audio-visual materials, including films, are used throughout the course.