World Language

The Foreign Language department offers study in Latin or Spanish.  The study of foreign language is an essential part of a student’s education.  It enables the student to understand and appreciate other cultures in a shrinking world and contributes to overall intellectual development.  In order to fulfill our graduation requirement, at least three years of foreign language must be completed during grades 9-12.  Four years in the study of a language is strongly recommended for students seeking admission to competitive colleges.

Latin I –This course will introduce the student to the language and culture of Ancient Rome. Emphasis will be placed on grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. Latin I stresses the fundamentals of Latin translation while incorporating the history, culture, and literature of Ancient Rome. The influence of Rome on our language and culture will be explored.

Latin II – Second year Latin will continue the student’s studies of the Ancient language of Rome.  Students will increase their vocabulary and understanding of Latin grammar.  There will be continued emphasis on reading and comprehension and writing in Latin.  This course will broaden the knowledge of Roman history and culture and continue to build English vocabulary with Latin derivatives.

Latin III –Third year Latin will continue the student’s studies of the Ancient language of Rome.  During the third year students will continue to increase their vocabulary and understanding of Latin grammar, as well as composition.  Students will experience a range of authors from Classical to Medieval and will broaden their knowledge of Roman history and culture.  English vocabulary and derivatives will be a continued focus of this course.

Latin IV – Students will increase their vocabulary and will complete their study of grammar.  This course will primarily focus on translation practice and composition, as well as exploring a number of authors, prose and poetry.  This course will broaden the knowledge of Roman history and culture and continue to build English vocabulary with Latin derivatives.

Latin V – Fifth year Latin will continue the student’s studies of the Ancient language of Rome.  Students in Latin V will further explore and practice the application of Latin grammar through the intense study and translation of Roman Mythology. This course will primarily focus on translation and mythology, but will also include Roman history and culture.  This course will broaden the knowledge of Roman mythology and history and continue to build English vocabulary with Latin derivatives. 

AP Latin- Students in the fourth and fifth year prepare for the Advanced Placement AP Latin: Vergil Exam through comprehensive practice in reading and writing comprehension. The course explores the literary works of Vergil and Caesar. As in all such courses at this level, the basic objective is progress in reading, translating, understanding, analyzing, and interpreting Latin. Students will also explore advanced concepts in meter and scansion, and figures of speech.

Spanish I – The focus of elementary Spanish is a solid foundation on which to build. Students develop their language skills by studying and using vocabulary and grammar in culturally authentic situations. Class periods emphasize verbal activities supplemented by written exercises. Cultural material is integrated into the text and reinforced by appropriate audio and visual aids. The student is continually challenged to use Spanish in both speaking and writing

Spanish II – The focus of  the Spanish II class is to gain continued exposure to Hispanic cultures and an introduction to Hispanic literature. Students will master the use of all Spanish grammar skills (present, past, future, conditional, passive and subjunctive tenses) and continue expanding vocabulary in order to develop more complex conversational skills. The student is continually challenged to use Spanish in both speaking and writing

Spanish III – The emphasis in this course is comprehension and expression, both oral and written. The study of grammar and the acquisition of vocabulary are continued. Students are placed in situations where they can use their language skills creatively and participate in progressively challenging conversations. They read short stories, articles, and plays and are provided with cultural or historical information appropriate to the readings. The class is progressively conducted in Spanish.

Spanish IV (Honors) – Students learn through comprehensive practice in oral and reading comprehension. The continued refinement of written and oral expression, familiarity with Hispanic countries and culture and exposure to their literature, plus the acquisition of more sophisticated vocabulary and idioms are stressed. This course is conducted in Spanish.

Spanish V (Honors) – An upper level course for students already at a higher level of speaking; the Spanish VI class highlights some Hispanic literary pieces, everyday topics, and culture, with a focus on vocabulary expansion and structured conversation exercises while also weaving in the finer points of grammar at a

AP Spanish  – Students in the fourth and fifth year prepare for the Advanced Placement Spanish Language Exam through comprehensive practice in oral and reading comprehension. The continued refinement of written and oral expression, familiarity with Hispanic countries’ culture and literature, plus the acquisition of more sophisticated vocabulary and idioms is stressed. This course is conducted in Spanish.

 

 

In addition we offer alternative on-line courses through FuelEd and Virtual High School (VHS) for an added fee. These courses require approval from the Head of Upper School and Department Chair.

Click HERE for the World Language Course Sequence with Prerequisites.