Chinese, French, and Spanish 1A

In the Chinese, French, and Spanish 1A courses, students study the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. These courses cover approximately the first half of the high school Level 1 curriculum and emphasize comprehension, pronunciation, vocabulary building, basic language structure, and speaking. In Chinese, students learn to use the phonetic system of Pinyin and to recognize and write simplified Chinese characters. The skills the students learn in these courses form the foundations for the students’ future study of Chinese, French, or Spanish. In addition to developing novice-level proficiency, students of 1A will also begin to gain a greater understanding and appreciation for the many cultures that speak the languages that they are studying.

Chinese, French, and Spanish 1B

Students continue the formal study of Chinese, French, or Spanish with a review of the material covered in Grade 7. In French and Spanish, classes expand grammar concepts to include object pronouns, reflexive verbs, and additional verb tenses. The use of film in French
or Spanish continues to be an important component of the program for the auditory and cultural experience they provide. In Chinese classes, through a series of culture-based activities as well as authentic materials, students learn about Chinese culture and develop a deeper understanding of cultural commonality and diversity. In all three languages, students build on the skills and knowledge of Grade 7: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Lessons present concepts within the context of daily life and culture. With the successful completion of Chinese 1B, French 1B, or Spanish 1B, students are qualified to enter Level 2 of that language in Grade 9.

Chinese, French, and Spanish 1A

In the Chinese, French, and Spanish 1A courses, students study the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. These courses cover approximately the first half of the high school Level 1 curriculum and emphasize comprehension, pronunciation, vocabulary building, basic language structure, and speaking. In Chinese, students learn to use the phonetic system of Pinyin and to recognize and write simplified Chinese characters. The skills the students learn in these courses form the foundations for the students’ future study of Chinese, French, or Spanish. In addition to developing novice-level proficiency, students of 1A will also begin to gain a greater understanding and appreciation for the many cultures that speak the languages that they are studying.

Chinese, French, and Spanish 1B

Chinese, French, and Spanish 1A

In the Chinese, French, and Spanish 1A courses, students study the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. These courses cover approximately the first half of the high school Level 1 curriculum and emphasize comprehension, pronunciation, vocabulary building, basic language structure, and speaking. In Chinese, students learn to use the phonetic system of Pinyin and to recognize and write simplified Chinese characters. The skills the students learn in these courses form the foundations for the students’ future study of Chinese, French, or Spanish. In addition to developing novice-level proficiency, students of 1A will also begin to gain a greater understanding and appreciation for the many cultures that speak the languages that they are studying. 

Chinese, French, and Spanish 1B

Chinese 1

Chinese 2 Enriched

In this rigorous course conducted in Chinese, students study the core Level 2 reading, writing, and speaking skills. In addition, students will delve deeper into the language’s grammatical structure, enabling them to express themselves with more nuance. This course is open to students who have shown excellent aptitude in previous Chinese courses. Teachers will accommodate students who have previous experience with traditional characters to meet the students’ needs. (Prerequisite: Chinese 1 and/or departmental approval)

Chinese 3 Enriched

In addition to satisfying the requirements set out by Chinese 3, this enriched course delves deeper into more advanced grammar structures. Students hone their skills in written expression by regularly writing expository compositions and narratives. This course also stresses reading comprehension, oral/aural skills, and composition style by studying a variety of modern literary genres. Students are exposed to Chinese culture with authentic media and expand learning through oral presentations, and class discussions, strengthening their command of idiomatic Chinese. Teachers will accommodate students who have previous experience with traditional characters to meet the students’ needs. (Prerequisite: Chinese 2 and/or departmental approval) 

Chinese 4: Language and Civilization 

This advanced course develops students’ fluency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in Chinese. Students expand their ability to communicate effectively and properly in various real-life situations, learn more complex grammatical structures, and increase vocabulary by using more characters. In addition, students learn the usage of idioms, authentic sayings, and stories from Chinese mythology. The course considers both contemporary and traditional Chinese cultural elements. Teachers will accommodate students who have previous experience with traditional characters to meet the students’ needs. (Prerequisite: Chinese 3 and/or departmental approval)

Chinese 3

This course is open to students who have completed the second level of Chinese or its equivalent. Students develop greater fluency in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing Chinese through new vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. Selected readings about Chinese culture and literature are used to supplement the content in the textbook series. This course is taught in simplified Chinese characters with exposure to traditional Chinese characters. Students may use either Chinese written system to develop their knowledge and ability. Teachers will accommodate students who have previous experience with traditional characters to meet the students’ needs. (Prerequisite: Chinese 2 and/or departmental approval)

Chinese 4 Enriched: Literature and Cinema

By studying Chinese films and texts, students examine various aspects of histories, societies, and cultures and develop critical and analytical skills specific to literature and cinema. The course emphasizes student participation through class discussions and requires frequent oral and written assignments. The class is conducted entirely in Chinese. Teachers will accommodate students who have previous experience with traditional characters to meet the students’ needs. (Prerequisite: Chinese 3 and/or departmental approval)

AP® Chinese Language and Culture
[Chinese 5 Language]

This advanced course, conducted entirely in Chinese, increases mastery of written and spoken Chinese by studying various authentic print, audio, and audio-visual resources, including journalistic articles, documentaries, poems, newscasts, short stories, and essays. Throughout the year, students write papers, critique films, and participate in oral discussions and debates. Sample topics include current policy and contemporary social issues. Students will be prepared to take the AP® Chinese Language and Culture Examination. The course is organized following the six College Board prescribed thematic units: Global Challenges, Science and Technology, Contemporary Life, Families and Communities, Public and Personal Identities, and Beauty and Aesthetics. (Prerequisite: Chinese 4 or Chinese 4 Enriched and departmental approval)

Chinese Honors Seminar
[Chinese 6 and 7]

Students examine various topics in China’s history, culture, and literature, and Chinese-speaking communities worldwide. The chosen materials, such as short stories and films with related texts, provide the basis for advanced work in composition, oral presentations, and conversation. Writing assignments and projects are designed to develop students’ precision with the language and insight into Chinese culture. Activities such as presentations, debates, and discussions are assigned to enable students to achieve high proficiency in speaking and writing. If the enrollment in this course is fewer than four students, the class will meet twice weekly. (Prerequisite: AP® Chinese Language and Culture and departmental approval)

French 1

This beginning course in French integrates the four basic language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students also learn about French and Francophone culture through short texts and other media which highlight the diversity of the French-speaking world. This course emphasizes comprehension, pronunciation, and vocabulary acquisition to allow students to develop spoken and written expression in French. By the end of the first year, students are able to describe their daily lives in the present and past tenses, talk about their studies and personal interests, describe their families and friends, express likes and dislikes, and ask and answer questions.

French 2 

This course expands the fundamental structures and skills presented in French 1. Students develop their reading skills while beginning the study of literature through short stories. This course also combines authentic audio-visual material with interactive exercises to provide immersion in the French language and culture. (Prerequisite: French 1 and/or departmental approval)  

French 2 Enriched

In this enriched course, students increase their facility in the core skills of reading, writing and speaking. Additional short stories and videos are studied and discussed in French. This course is open to students who have shown strong aptitude in previous French courses. (Prerequisite: French 1 and/or departmental approval)

French 3

Students review basic language structures, begin the study of advanced grammar, improve their comprehension of the spoken language, and strengthen their skills in conversation and composition. Short texts, videos, and audio materials aid in the acquisition of new vocabulary and further expose students to the culture of the French-speaking world. Students read and discuss Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s classic work Le Petit Prince. (Prerequisite: French 2 and/or departmental approval)

French 3 Enriched

Students delve more deeply into advanced grammar and stylistics, improve their comprehension of the contemporary spoken language, and sharpen their speaking skills. This course also stresses reading comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, in-depth composition writing, and the exploration of francophone culture. Students read and discuss Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s classic work Le Petit Prince. They further strengthen their command of idiomatic French through class discussions, oral presentations, and exposure to authentic media. (Prerequisite: French 2 and/or departmental approval)

French 4: Language and Civilization 

Students continue their study of the French-speaking world through a review of advanced grammar and exploration of contemporary culture. Students strengthen their oral and written command of the language through composition, conversation, and oral presentation.  Students also study authentic written and spoken media from important areas of the Francophone world. Films, texts, and French-language videos and podcasts enhance cultural topics studied in this course. (Prerequisite: French 3 and/or departmental approval)

French 4 Enriched: Literature and Cinema

Through the study of French films and texts, students examine various aspects of Francophone histories, societies, and cultures and develop critical and analytical skills specific to literature and cinema. The course emphasizes student participation through class discussion and requires frequent oral and written assignments. Works studied may include texts by recent Nobel laureates J.M.G. Le Clézio, Patrick Modiano, and Annie Ernaux along with canonical works by Molière and Guy de Maupassant. Students also study films by directors such as Jean Renoir, Agnès Varda, and Claire Denis. The class is conducted entirely in French. (Prerequisite: French 3 and/or departmental approval)

AP® French Language and Culture
[French 5: Language] 

This advanced course increases mastery of written and spoken French through the study of authentic cultural materials drawn from all corners of the French-speaking world. Students learn to express ideas with greater accuracy and fluency. They develop listening skills by working with authentic visual and spoken media. They improve their writing through frequent composition work and strengthen reading proficiency through the study of literature and other contemporary texts. This course prepares students to take the Advanced Placement® Examination in French Language and Culture. (Prerequisite: French 4 or French 4 Enriched and departmental approval)

French 5: Culture and Conversation

This course is designed to improve students’ knowledge and understanding of Francophone cultures and to develop conversation skills and proficiency in listening, speaking, and writing. Grammar review focuses on language use in context. Activities and assignments include in-class discussions, presentations, debates, and compositions based on course content, including readings, current events, short stories, and films. (Prerequisite: French 4 or French 4 Enriched)

French Honors Seminar [French 6 and 7]

In this advanced seminar course, students examine a variety of topics which may include the history, political structure, arts, and economy of many French-speaking countries with a focus on developing presentation and conversational skills. Films and related texts give students the opportunity to generate discussion in French, enhance their critical thinking skills, and expand their historical and cultural perspectives on the Franco- phone world. If the enrollment in this course is fewer than four students, the class will meet twice weekly. (Prerequisite: AP® French Language and Culture and departmental approval)

Italian 1

This course employs the communicative method to highlight the basic skills of second language acquisition, alongside Italian culture. Students apply grammatical structures to meaningful activities, which include writing a short children’s story, cooking traditional dishes, taking virtual trips throughout Italy, and creating dialogues that span a broad range of topics. Students also begin to learn how to critically view a film starting with Cinema Paradiso. By the end of Italian 1, students can order in a restaurant, navigate the Italian map, and describe their families, favorite pastimes, and holidays, in the present and past tenses. Students begin a virtual exchange with our Sister School in Amalfi.

Italian 2

The goal of this course is to increase each student’s communicative competency in spoken and written Italian. Within the context of Italian culture, they explore different regions of Italy and the topic of Made in Italy, as well as “real-life” situations, such as finding a doctor in Italy. They also make short videos about their daily lives for their Italian pen pals. Students read and discuss selected texts in Italian, such as the mystery story Giallo al Grand Hotel du Lac. Students continue to incorporate new grammar (reflexive verbs, future, imperfect and conditional tenses) through conversation, dialogues, presentations, and compositions. Students also gain an understanding of specific moments of Italian history as they view and analyze the films La vita è bella and Io non ho paura. Students continue to participate in a virtual exchange with our Sister School in Amalfi.

Italian 3

Students employ the 3 communicative modes to review the basic structures of Italian, to study more advanced grammar (primarily the subjunctive and past absolute tenses), and to strengthen their skills in conversation and composition on topics ranging from the environment and migration to the arts. They visit various Italian cities through virtual websites, research and cook Italian regional food, and present the work and life of their favorite Italian artist and musician through mock interviews, gallery presentations, and songs. They also view and analyze the films Lamerica and Caterina va in cittá.(Prerequisite: Italian 2 and/or departmental approval)

AP® Italian 4 Language and Culture

This advanced course revolves around 6 broad overlapping themes (Global Challenges, Contemporary Life, Beauty and Aesthetics, Personal and Public Identities, Families and Communities, Science and Technology), while drawing upon authentic materials. Throughout the year, students hone their proficiency as they practice the different skills covered by the Advanced Placement® Examination (reading, writing, listening, speaking, and culture) through different platforms and recommended contexts, ranging from Italian film and commercials, the Slow Food Movement, folklore and holidays, poetry, current news, and migration. (Prerequisite: 

Italian 3 and departmental approval)     

Italian Honors Seminar
[Italian 5 and 6]

In this advanced seminar course, students examine a variety of topics which may include Italian literature, history, political structure, and the arts, including film. Students will also focus on developing written, presentation, and conversational skills. Topics may include: Neorealism and film, il Risorgimento, women in Italian culture and society, the history of Italian cinema, readings in Dante, the Italian novel, migration Italy, and Italian theater. Assessments focus on papers, critiques, and class discussion. The instructor establishes the curriculum, in consultation with the students, in order to reflect the students’ interests. If the enrollment in this course is fewer than four, the class will meet twice weekly. (Prerequisite: AP® Italian Language and Culture and departmental approval)

Spanish 1

This course introduces students to the basic elements of the language and cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. Simple, effective, interpersonal communication via spoken and written language is emphasized throughout the course. Students develop the skills and confidence necessary not only to express themselves successfully but also to navigate the Spanish they find in everyday life.

Spanish 2

This course refines the basic skills acquired in Spanish 1. Students continue to study grammar and vocabulary to develop and improve their written and oral expression. While expanding their knowledge of verb tenses, students begin to write longer compositions and speak in greater detail. The course also continues the study of Spanish culture and civilization. (Prerequisite: Spanish 1 and/or departmental approval)

Spanish 2 Enriched

In this fast-paced course conducted in Spanish, students fulfill the requirements of Spanish 2 and develop the core skills of reading, writing, and speaking. Students gain a basic understanding of the subjunctive mood and begin the study of literature by reading and analyzing short stories. This course is open to students who have shown excellent aptitude in previous Spanish courses. (Prerequisite: Spanish 1 and/or departmental approval)

Spanish 3

Students refine and sharpen basic skills and language structures and work to develop more advanced communicative goals. They begin to incorporate these more complex elements into their routine self-expression, thereby extending their reach within the target language. Students develop further their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in Spanish. Readings become more advanced and include short stories and poetry. Hispanic culture plays a more in-depth role in the curriculum. (Prerequisite: Spanish 2 and/or departmental approval) 

Spanish 3 Enriched

Students delve deeper into more advanced grammar structures and hone their skills in written expression by writing more in-depth compositions. This course also stresses reading comprehension, oral/aural skills, and composition style through the study of a variety of modern literary genres. Students are exposed to Spanish-speaking cultures with authentic media, and they expand learning through oral presentations, debates, and general class discussions which strengthen command of idiomatic Spanish. (Prerequisite: Spanish 2 and/or departmental approval)

Spanish 4: Language and Civilization

Through the study of the contemporary Spanish speaking world, students have the opportunity to improve their speaking and writing abilities at a more sophisticated level. This course includes a review of advanced grammar and vocabulary to strengthen correct oral and written command of the language. Modern readings and short films from Spanish and Latin American directors enhance the literary and cultural topics studied in this course. (Prerequisite: Spanish 3 and/or departmental approval)

Spanish 4: Literature

Spanish 5: Culture and Conversation

This seminar is designed to deepen proficiency in listen- ing, speaking, reading and writing, while broadening students’ knowledge of Hispanic cultures and history. Students explore multi-themed writings, film and current events to embark on cultural comparisons and to develop their cross cultural communication skills. They learn to recognize social trends and their evolution throughout recent Spanish and Latin American history, and to effectively bridge cultures and maintain global awareness. (Prerequisite: Spanish 4: Literature or Spanish 4: Language)

AP® Spanish Language and Culture
[Spanish 5: Language]

This advanced course increases mastery of written and spoken Spanish through the study of a variety of authentic print, audio and audio-visual resources, including journalistic articles, newscasts, short stories and essays. Students will be prepared to take the AP® Spanish Language and Culture Examination. The course is organized following the six College Board prescribed thematic units: Global Challenges, Science and Technology, Contemporary Life, Families and Communities, Public and Personal Identities, and Beauty and Aesthetics.
(Prerequisite: Spanish 4: Language and Civilization or Spanish 4: Literature and departmental approval) 

AP® Spanish Literature and Culture
[Spanish 5: Literature] 

Spanish Honors Seminar
[Spanish 6 and 7]

Students examine various topics in history, culture, and literature of Spain and Latin  America. The materials chosen, such as short stories and films with related texts, provide the basis for advanced work in composition, oral presentations, and conversation. These activities and assessments enable students to achieve a high level of proficiency in speaking and writing. If the enrollment in this course is fewer than four students, the class will meet twice weekly. (Prerequisite: AP® Spanish Language and Culture or AP® Spanish Literature and Culture and departmental approval)