World Languages

F112 FRENCH 1 

Students will utilize the three modes of communication (Interpretive, Interpersonal & Presentational) in order to become confident and capable speakers of French.  Students will hone their skills through learning vocabulary and grammar in context and through exposure to the cultures of the Francophone world.  Students will make cross-cultural connections and comparisons that will enable them to expand their understanding of the target language.  With an emphasis on oral communication, students will participate in simple conversations about familiar topics using the vocabulary and grammatical patterns they learn.  They will read familiar material and write short, guided compositions on topics within their vocabulary and grammatical control.  They will expand their knowledge of the customs and culture of Francophone countries, to include social patterns, activities, and roles.    

F222 FRENCH 2 

Students will utilize the three modes of communication (Interpretive, Interpersonal & Presentational) in order to become confident and capable speakers of French.  Students will hone their skills through learning vocabulary and grammar in context and through exposure to the cultures of the Francophone world.  Students will make cross-cultural connections and comparisons that will enable them to expand their understanding of the target language.  Students will learn sounds, stress patterns and intonation of the language.  Students will express themselves both orally and in writing by recombining the vocabulary and language structures creatively.  They will comprehend and read simple questions and statements about daily activities and interests.  Students will also learn about the geography, customs and culture of Francophone countries.  

FRENCH 332 FRENCH 3 

Students will utilize the three modes communication (Interpretive, Interpersonal & Presentational) in order to become confident and capable speakers of French. Students will continue to develop their proficiency through learning vocabulary and grammar in context and through exposure to the cultures of the Francophone world.  Students will understand short conversations and will be understood by natives accustomed to dealing with foreigners.  Emphasis will be on consistent use of the language for classroom activities.  Students will recount uncomplicated events and experiences orally, read short authentic material for the main idea, and will write about familiar topics using more complex grammatical structures.  A deeper insight into the target culture is developed.  

FRENCH 441 FRENCH 4H:

Students will utilize the three modes communication (Interpretive, Interpersonal & Presentational) in order to become confident and capable speakers of French. Students will continue to develop their proficiency through learning vocabulary and grammar in context and through exposure to the cultures of the Francophone world.  Students will focus on increased accuracy and appropriateness of speech in formal presentations and spontaneous conversations when narrating, describing, seeking and giving information.  Students will read authentic material, particularly on familiar subjects, and will discuss contemporary subjects.  They will also write about these topics in some detail.  A broader knowledge of cultural contributions in the arts, historical and current events in the Francophone culture will be developed.  

FRENCH 551 AP FRENCH: LANGUAGE and CULTURE

Students will utilize the three modes of communication (Interpretive, Interpersonal and Presentational) in order to become confident and capable speakers of French Students will continue to develop their proficiency through learning vocabulary and grammar in context and through exposure to the cultures of the French-speaking world.  The course is designed to prepare students for the AP French Language and Culture Exam and is a rigorous college level class equivalent to that of a third-year course.  Students should have a secure knowledge of grammar and vocabulary as well as strong interpretive, interpersonal and presentational skills.  All instruction, written and verbal communication will be conducted in French by both the instructor and the students.  A variety of authentic audio, video and written texts will be included.  Students will listen to songs, narrations of newspaper and magazine articles, news reports, movie reviews and other types of sound recordings.  Written texts will include literature and newspaper and magazine articles.  Students will develop their speaking skills through verbal interaction with the instructor and simulated conversations with native speakers.  Speaking activities will include role-plays, oral reports, speeches and picture storytelling.  Writing a variety of compositions, answering essay questions on assignments and tests and journal writing will enhance writing skills.  The AP French Language and Culture course is structured around six themes:  families and communities, contemporary life, personal and public identities, global challenges, science and technology, and beauty and aesthetics.  

FR661 FRENCH VI Honors: Advanced Topics in Post-AP French

As a post-AP offering, this course will build upon the knowledge and understanding of the history and culture of the Francophone world begun early in the French curriculum. This course will deepen students' interpretive skills through a variety of literature, films and other authentic media.  Through discussions in class and correspondence writing, students will refine their interpersonal skills, while honing their presentational writing and speaking with presentations, essays and other written assignments.  

 L112 LATIN I 

This course is an introduction to classical Latin. Key concepts presented include major noun functions, the indicative and imperative mood of verbs, relative pronouns and the comparison of adjectives. As the class continues, advanced grammatical and syntactical concepts with special emphasis on verbs and translation. Increasingly complex selections of connected prose are read and major developments in Roman culture and history are also studied. Students also study English words derived from Latin roots as well as historical and cultural information. The reading of short selections of connected prose is required. 

L222 LATIN II 

This course continues to build on the work of the previous year, including grammatical forms, textual readings as well as cultural and historical topics. Complex selections of text, including both prose and poetry are read.  Major grammatical topics such as the ablative absolute, indirect discourse, and the uses of the subjunctive are studied.  

 L332 LATIN III 

During the first half of the, year, students read selections from Caesar's Gallic Wars; in the second half of the year, this course introduces students to the epic poetry of Virgil's Aeneid. Grammatical analysis, comprehension, translation and interpretation of text are all stressed in reading assignments, as are the cultural and historical implications of the times.  It is the firm belief that the major authors should be read in the context of Roman times. 

L441H LATIN IV 

This course provides an introduction to major Roman authors.  In the past, such authors as Catullus, Cicero, Horace, Lucretius, Petronius, Seneca, and Tacitus have been read and analyzed.  Authors are chosen from various themes relating to the Republican and Empire periods of Rome, and are often tailored to student interest, such as history, mythology, genres of literature and rhetoric. Students should be familiar with analyzing and interpreting linguistic nuance in order to derive meaning.  Students should be able to work independently, using dictionaries and primary sources only. 

L551 Advanced Placement LATIN 

The AP Latin course focuses on the in-depth study of selections from two of the greatest works in Latin literature: Vergil's Aeneid and Caesar's Gallic War. The course requires students to prepare and translate the readings and place these texts in a meaningful context, which helps develop critical, historical, and literary sensitivities. Throughout the course, students consider themes in the context of ancient literature and bring these works to life through classroom discussions, debates, and presentations. Additional English readings from both of these works help place the Latin readings in a significant context. 

MA112   MANDARIN CHINESE I 

This course covers the elementary structures of the Mandarin Chinese language.  It provides beginning training in reading, writing, and oral skills, and includes mastery of 200 characters.   The study of Chinese culture is an important aspect of study. 

 MA222   MANDARIN CHINESE II 

This course is a continuation of MA112 or its equivalent. This course will continue to focus on four skill areas: Speaking, listening, reading and writing. Students are expected to master an additional 300 characters and learn more complex grammatical structures. Students are required to engage in daily conversational activities to further their communication skills.  PREREQUISITE: MA112 

 MA332   MANDARIN CHINESE III 

This course is intended for students who have completed MA222 or its equivalent.  The course will help students improve their ability to understand, speak, read, and write Chinese, and particularly aims at helping students enlarge their vocabulary and learn more complex sentence structures. PREREQUISITE: MA222     

 MA442  MANDARIN CHINESE IV 

The fourth year of Mandarin Chinese is intended for students who have completed Chinese 332 or equivalent.  This course is designed to help students develop more sophisticated vocabulary and further enhance reading, writing and speaking ability in Chinese. Authentic materials such as newspapers, short stories and other multimedia sources are used extensively in this course. Students will be trained to converse and write basic compositions in Chinese for general communication purpose. PREREQUISITE: MA332 

 MA552 MANDARIN CHINESE V 

The fifth year of Mandarin is designed to help students further advance their overall language skills. Students will continue to learn new vocabularies and grammar structures.  Multimedia resources will be a main component during lectures. Students will be reading and discussing current events and news related to China to help them develop a better understanding of the Chinese culture. Students are expected to write extensively. PREREQUISITE: MA442 

SP112 Spanish I  

This introductory course is designed for students with little or no previous study of Spanish. Some students in class might have studied Spanish in middle school but have not grasped some of the important structures of the language.  This course teaches basic language patterns and vocabulary.  Focus is on all three modes of communications (Interpersonal, Interpretive, and Presentational).  Students will learn vocabulary and grammar in context and through exposure to the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world.  With an emphasis on oral communication, students will participate in simple conversations about familiar topics within their vocabulary and grammatical control.   Homework assignments are an integral part of this course; they reinforce concepts/skills introduced and explored in class.  Completion of homework assignments is a must.  Active participation is required.  

 SP222 Spanish II  

Students continue to further develop skills in all three modes of communications (Interpersonal, Interpretive, and Presentational).  Emphasis is placed on comprehension of Spanish as well producing content in the target language incorporating familiar vocabulary and structures.  Supplementary materials are introduced to enhance language use.  Aspects of contemporary culture of the Spanish-speaking world are introduced through the use of media, games, and adapted readings and in small or large group discussions.  Integrated Performance Assessments are used to track the progress of every student.  Homework assignments are an integral part of this course; they reinforce concepts/skills introduced and explored in class.  Completion of homework assignments is a must.  Active participation is required.  

 SP221 Spanish II Honors  

Students continue to further develop skills in all three modes of communications (Interpersonal, Interpretive, and Presentational) at an accelerated pace in order to become confident and capable speakers of Spanish.   Emphasis is placed on comprehension of Spanish as well producing content in the target language incorporating familiar vocabulary and structures.  Supplementary materials are introduced to enhance language use.  Aspects of contemporary Spanish culture are introduced through the use of media, games, and adapted readings and in small or large group discussions.  Integrated Performance Assessments are used to track the progress of every student.  Homework assignments are an integral part of this course; they reinforce concepts/skills introduced and explored in class.  Completion of homework assignments is a must.  Active participation is required.  

 SP332 Spanish III  

Students continue to develop and increase their language acquisition in Spanish through the study of language structures in cultural and historical contexts. Students will be engaged in a study of language structures and vocabulary through all three modes of communications (Interpersonal, Interpretive, and Presentational). Aspects of contemporary Spanish and Hispanic methods cultures are emphasized in this class. Integrated Performance Assessments are used to track the progress of every student.  Homework assignments are an integral part of this course; they reinforce concepts/skills introduced and explored in class.  Completion of homework assignments is a must.  Active participation is required.  

 SP331 Spanish III Honors  

Students continue to develop and increase their language acquisition in Spanish through the study of language structures in cultural and historical contexts. Students will be engaged in a study of language structures and vocabulary through all three modes of communication (Interpersonal, Interpretive, and Presentational). Aspects of contemporary Spanish and Hispanic cultures are emphasized in this class. Integrated Performance Assessments are used to track the progress of every student.  Homework assignments are an integral part of this course; they reinforce concepts/skills introduced and explored in class.  Completion of homework assignments is a must.  Active participation is required.  

In addition, the following ancillary materials may also be utilized. Total Physical Response storytelling materials, novels, short stories, soap operas, and authentic realia such as but not limited to frequent level-appropriate listening activities that correspond to the textbook as well as music, radio announcements, podcasts, SAT II Spanish, and pre-AP activities, newspapers, magazines, Wiki’s and other online exercises. In an effort to better prepare students for further honor classes and the Advanced Placement Course, it is imperative that students in Level 3H exhibit diligence in regard to attitude and work ethic.  

 SP442 Spanish IV  

Spanish IV aims at developing and improving students’ oral and written communication through the continued study of the language, literature and culture of Spain, Latin America and Hispanic communities in the United States.  It also seeks to improve the students’ ability to read and appreciate literary and non-literary texts in Spanish, deepening in this way student’s awareness and understanding of the cultural diversity of the Spanish-speaking world.  The course is organized by themes based on contemporary social, political and cultural issues of Spanish-speaking societies such as: cultural identity, the changing roles of women and family, economic development and its effects on cultural heritage and environment, and the individual’s rights in the political system.  

 SP441 Spanish IV Honors  

As in Spanish IV, Spanish IV Honors aims at developing and improving students’ oral and written communication through the continued study of the language, literature and culture of Spain, Latin America and Hispanic communities in the United States.  It also seeks to improve the students’ ability to read and appreciate literary and non-literary texts in Spanish, deepening in this way student’s awareness and understanding of the cultural diversity of the Spanish-speaking world.  The course is organized by themes based on contemporary social, political and cultural issues of Spanish-speaking societies such as: cultural identity, the changing roles of women and family, economic development and its effects on cultural heritage and environment, and the individual’s rights in the political system.  

In the Honors course, students will continue to develop their proficiency in the three modes of communicative competence: interacting with other speakers of Spanish, understanding oral and written messages in Spanish and making oral and written presentations in Spanish.  They will show a greater level of accuracy when using language structures and are exposed to more complex features of the Spanish language.  Successful completion of this course is a prerequisite for Spanish V Honors and/or AP Spanish.  

 SP551 Spanish V Honors   

This AP Spanish Language and Culture course is conducted in Spanish and utilizes authentic materials from the Spanish-speaking world.  This course is designed to provide students with various opportunities to further their proficiency in all areas of communicative competence; Interpretive, Interpersonal and Presentational.  This will be accomplished through the exploration of themes and contexts they will see on the AP exam and include Contemporary Life, Science and Technology, Beauty and Aesthetics, Global Challenges, Personal and Public Identities, and Families and Communities.  

SP661 SPANISH V Honors, SPANISH AP  

This AP Spanish Language and Culture course is conducted in Spanish and utilizes authentic materials from the Spanish-speaking world.  This course is designed to provide students with various opportunities to further their proficiency in all areas of communicative competence; Interpretive, Interpersonal and Presentational.  This will be accomplished through the exploration of themes and contexts they will see on the AP exam and include Contemporary Life, Science and Technology, Beauty and Aesthetics, Global Challenges, Personal and Public Identities, and Families and Communities.  

SP552 SPANISH VI Honors: Advanced Topics in Post-AP SPANISH   

As a post-AP offering, this full-year course will build upon the knowledge and understanding of the history and culture of the Spanish-speaking world begun early in the Spanish curriculum, where the focus on comparison of the experience of others to our own fosters empathy and better prepares our boys for the challenges of our multicultural world. Students will complete an in-depth study of an individual Spanish-speaking country (one per student), covering history and culture and including current issues and events. Representative literary works will reflect the major historical, cultural and social movements of the countries under study and will include poems and short stories as well as essays, documentary films, and podcasts. In addition, through visual art, literature, and short films the class will explore topics such as: The other; The immigrant, the exiled and the displaced; The dreamer and the fool; and Men and women in the 21st Century while providing opportunities to enhance written communication through autobiography, letters, reviews, essays and creative writing.  

• Students must demonstrate strong command of the three modes of communication (Interpretive, Interpersonal, Presentational) in the targeted language .
• B+ average or above in current language class  
• Recommendation from current teacher  
• Currently enrolled in honors level or first level of the targeted language  
• Minimum (one year, two years or three years) of the targeted language pending on the desired level  
•  Self-motivated and self-disciplined  
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively   
• Strong interest in the targeted language and culture  
• Incoming new student with a minimum score in the 80th percentile on the Placement Exam         and/or permission from instructor and/or Language Department Chair    
•  Permission from prospective instructor  

NOTE:   All honors Placements will be reviewed by the Language Department Chair and finalized by the Director of Studies 

• Students must possess superior skills in the three modes of communication (Interpretive,             Interpersonal, Presentational) in the targeted language  
• An average of A- or higher in current language class  
• Recommendation from current teacher or program director  
• Currently enrolled in a level four honors class or higher  
•  Minimum four years of the targeted language with a grade average of A- or higher  
•  Self-motivated and self-disciplined  
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively   
•  Strong interest in perusing targeted language and culture  
• Ability to work with and use a variety of resources in the targeted language  
• Incoming new student with a minimum score in the 90th percentile on the Placement Exam         and/or permission from instructor and/or Language Department Chair    
• Permission from prospective instructor  

NOTE:  All Advanced Placements will be reviewed by the Language Department Chair and finalized by the Director of Studies