World Languages

This course is designed to help students master the phonology of the Spanish language and to teach him how to converse in Spanish, comprehend normal conversation of native speech and to be able to manipulate the language he has learned in an original, creative and spontaneous manner. Introduction to culture is implicit in the course.

This course is designed to help students improve their ability to speak and understand Spanish while introducing him to the reading skill through contemporary cultural selections. The student will expand his vocabulary. Grammar is presented and writing of a controlled nature is begun as well as listening comprehension activities.

This course is designed for students who have excelled in Honors Intermediate Spanish or Intermediate Spanish. In addition to those aims described for Spanish III, preparation for the AP Spanish course is an essential aim of Honors Spanish III.

This upper level elective course is offered to students who wish to continue their study of Spanish at the pre-AP level. Students will study advanced Spanish literature, the focus of which will be the comprehension of the writing styles and techniques of a variety of authors.

The AP Spanish Literature and Culture course uses a thematic approach to introduce students to representative texts (short stories, novels, poetry, and essays) from Peninsular Spanish, Latin American, and United States Hispanic literature. Students develop proficiencies across the full range of communication modes (interpersonal, presentational, and interpretive), thereby honing their critical reading and analytical writing skills. Literature is examined within the context of its time and place, as students reflect on the many voices and cultures present in the required readings. The course also includes a strong focus on cultural connections and comparisons, including exploration of various media (e.g., art, film, articles, literary criticism).

The key objective in French I is to form a base for acquisition and proficiency, the attainment of which requires a focus on communication with accuracy in a cultural context. The four language skills - speaking, listening, reading and writing - are developed throughout the course. The class is conducted primarily in French with frequent opportunities for students to communicate in French. In addition to the student text, various forms of technology are integrated into the curriculum

This course continues to emphasize proficiency acquisition. The course works to improve the student’s ability to speak, read, listen and write in French. Students are expected to communicate in French and can expect that the class is taught in French as well. There is a stronger emphasis on grammar within a cultural context. In addition to the student text, various forms of technology are integrated into the curriculum.

In this course, the students will refine their knowledge of grammar with more developed, longer creative writing assignments. Oral and listening proficiency will continue to be developed. Literature will be introduced, i.e. short stories and contemporary poetry from the Francophone World. Students will develop an understanding and appreciation of the Francophone world through a variety of cultural activities. The class is taught in French and students are expected to communicate in French. In addition to the student text, various forms of technology are integrated into the curriculum.

Honors French III is an advanced language course. Students will develop a deeper understanding of advanced grammar. This course works to enrich a student’s vocabulary and increase their ability to comprehend both spoken and written French. Students in the honors section will begin to evaluative writing in response to classical as well as contemporary literature. In addition to the study of advanced grammar and composition, students read L'Étranger (Camus) and other literature and write papers in response. In most cases, students in this course are preparing for the AP French course in the following year.

This is an elective course for those students who have completed either Honors French III or AP French. It is designed for advanced language students who wish to continue their study of French. The course will work to build proficiency through the exploration of culture, current events, and Francophone literature. Students are expected to be motivated, independent learners as the course will include some project based learning. Students are expected to communicate in French.

This course is an introduction to the language, history, and civilization of Ancient Rome. Students explore the basics of the Latin language and vocabulary and its impact on the English language and vocabulary. Emphasis is placed on reading and writing basic Latin sentences and passages.

In this course, students continue their acquisition of Latin grammar and vocabulary, with special emphasis placed on more complex grammatical structures, such as participles, infinitives, and the subjunctive mood. Students continue to compose in Latin, using the more complex grammatical structures. Students begin to read legends in Latin and adaptations of authentic Latin authors such as Livy.

In this course, students complete their acquisition of Latin grammar and vocabulary, with special emphasis placed on complex grammatical structures, such as participles, infinitives, and the subjunctive mood. Students compose to a greater degree in Latin, using the more complex grammatical structures. Students begin to read authentic Latin from authors such as Livy and Pliny the Younger.

This course includes an extensive review of all Latin grammar and syntax, followed by exploration of Roman myths and legends, read in the original Latin language. In addition, students read authentic works from authors such as Ovid and Pliny the Younger.

Following a brief review of Latin grammar and syntax, students pursue a survey of Latin prose and poetry in the unadapted works of several Roman authors, such as Caesar, Cicero, Ovid, and Vergil. Late in the year, students begin the AP Latin curriculum in preparation for the AP Latin course.

This course combines the study of the Chinese language with an introduction to Chinese culture. Students will gain practical experience in speaking Mandarin with proper pronunciation using the pinyin system to acquire basic conversational skills. Students will learn basic vocabulary and sentence patterns used in daily life and social interaction. Culture notes will be given along with speaking practice necessary for interpersonal communication. In addition, a certain amount of Chinese written characters are studied with a fun approach. This course is a yearlong course that is offered online through the Arrupe Virtual Learning Institute. This course has a weekly synchronous meeting that is mandatory.

Mandarin Level 2 builds on the grammar, writing, and conversational skills established in Mandarin Level 1. This course is a yearlong course that is offered online through the Arrupe Virtual Learning Institute. This course has a weekly synchronous meeting that is mandatory

Introduction to the basics of conversational Italian, including nouns, regular and irregular verbs, and basic conversations from Italian to English and English to Italian. This course will be team taught with by an Italian teacher in the United States and an English teacher in Italy. Students will communicate in Italian with native speakers in Italy. Successful completion of Italian 1 is a prerequisite for admission into Italian 2. This course is a yearlong course that is offered online through the Arrupe Virtual Learning Institute. This course has a weekly synchronous meeting that is mandatory.

Italian Level 2 builds on the grammar, writing, and conversational skills established in Italian Level 1. This course is a yearlong course that is offered online through the Arrupe Virtual Learning Institute. This course has a weekly synchronous meeting that is mandatory.