World Languages

Learning a language is an integral part of being a high school student in the United States. With many different languages spoken throughout the world, we want Fairfield Prep students to be as versed as they can be in a foreign language. The Foreign Language curriculum at Fairfield Prep strives to incorporate the “Five C’s” on teaching languages: communication, culture, connection, comparison and community. Fairfield Prep requires all students to complete their Language studies through the 3^rd level in one language (Latin, French or Spanish); however, many students continue through the AP levels.Our classes are offered at different levels and abilities, allowing our students to learn the language in a setting that is appropriate.

The Foreign Language Department sponsors the Spanish and French Honor Societies and the Latin classes attend the annual Latin day, a festival of surrounding schools where they celebrate all things Latin. As a department, we are involved in community service to the surrounding towns and have a great relationship with the Caroline House, a center for women, and the Bridgeport Rescue Mission Center. The Honor Societies tutor, mentor and donate to these locations throughout the year.

The Foreign Language Department at Fairfield Prep strives to give students the foundation to succeed in the language and within the community. Faculty members are energetic, passionate and proud to help students gain the same love that they have for languages.

- Ms. Melissa A. Goodwin
Department Chair, Foreign Languages

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Students are required to complete three years of language through Level 3.

Spanish Courses

Basic Spanish

This course is designed to help the student 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. Students who successfully complete Basic Spanish at Fairfield Prep will move into Intermediate Spanish or Honors Intermediate Spanish the following year.

Intermediate Spanish

Honors Intermediate Spanish

This course is designed for the student who has excelled in Basic Spanish. In addition to the goals of the Intermediate Spanish, the Honors Intermediate Spanish student will pursue a study of Spanish grammar at a faster pace and in greater depth than a student will in Intermediate Spanish. The Honors Intermediate Spanish class is conducted in Spanish to the greatest degree possible, and the main objective is to develop the student’s ability in the four major language skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing.

Spanish 3

This course is designed to help the student improve and refine his ability to understand and speak Spanish. Reading of literary selections is designed to help him expand his knowledge of Hispanic culture and literature as well as vocabulary and modern idiom. The student is engaged in a comprehensive review of grammar. Heavy emphasis is placed on speaking, listening comprehension, and reading skills.

Honors Spanish 3: Advanced Grammar and Introduction to Literature

Honors Spanish 4: Modern Hispanic Literature

AP Spanish Language and Culture

The AP Spanish Language and Culture course emphasizes communication (understanding and being understood by others) by applying interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational skills in real-life situations. This includes vocabulary usage, language control, communication strategies, and cultural awareness. The AP Spanish Language and Culture course strives not to overemphasize grammatical accuracy at the expense of communication. To best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course is taught almost exclusively in Spanish.

The AP Spanish Language and Culture course engages students in an exploration of culture in both contemporary and historical contexts. The course develops students’ awareness and appreciation of cultural products (e.g., tools, books, music , laws, conventions, institutions); practices (patterns of social interactions within a culture); and perspectives (values, attitudes, and assumptions).

All juniors enrolled in this course are required to take the AP exam.

AP Spanish Literature and Culture

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).

All juniors enrolled in this course are required to take the AP exam.

French Courses

Basic French

The key objective in Basic French 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.

Intermediate French

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.

French 3

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 3: Advanced French Grammar and Introduction to French Literature

Honors French 3 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 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.

Honors French 4: French Culture and Civilization / Honors French 5: Advanced Culture and Francophone Literature

This is an elective course for those students who have completed either French 3 Honors 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.

AP French Language and Culture

The French program offers the Advanced Placement language course as prescribed by the College Board. The AP French language course is an advanced course designed to prepare the student for the College Board AP Exam by expanding the student’s oral, listening, speaking, and writing proficiency. Students build proficiency in various modes of communication including two-way interactions in writing and speaking, interpretation of audio, audiovisual, and print materials and an oral and written presentation of information and ideas. Proficiency in French language will be developed through the exploration of a variety of interdisciplinary themes relating to French culture. These themes outlined by the College Board will be explored through the use of authentic texts, poems, plays, music, and video, will prepare students for the AP French exam while building their ability to speak and comprehend both written and spoken French. The class is conducted entirely in French and it is expected that students will communicate in French.

All juniors enrolled in this course are required to take the AP exam.

Latin Courses

Basic Latin

Intermediate Latin

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.

Honors Intermediate Latin

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.

Latin 3: Prose, Heroes and Legends

Honors Latin 3: Literature of the Late Republic and the Age of Augustus

AP Latin

The AP Latin course promotes reading of Latin poetry and prose with historical and literary sensitivity by reading Caesar’s Gallic War and Vergil’s Aeneid. Students are encouraged to develop linguistic skills by engaging in multiple activities: translating poetry and prose from the required-reading list, precisely and literally, reading passages of poetry and prose with comprehension and analyzing literary texts in clear, coherent written arguments supported by textual examples. AP Latin is roughly equivalent to an upper-intermediate college or university course.

All juniors enrolled in AP Latin are required to take the AP exam.

Arrupe Virtual Learning Institute

Chinese Mandarin Level I

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.

Chinese Mandarin Level II

Italian Level I

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, 3, and AP Italian. This course is a yearlong course that is offered online through the Arrupe Virtual Learning Institute.