Language

The Modern Language Department endeavors to train students to function effectively in the target language in all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Cultural awareness is an integral part of the core program on all levels, and is enhanced through the use of supplementary readings, films, web sites, field trips, Modern Language Clubs, and foreign exchange programs. Use of the language laboratory is also a prominent feature of all programs.

Courses

FR001 French Ia 6cr {07} and FR050 French Ib 6cr {08}
GE001 German Ia 6cr {07} and GE050 German Ib 6cr {08}
SP001 Spanish Ia 6cr {07} and SP050 Spanish Ib 6cr {08}

This two-course sequence in the Middle School covers (over a two-year period) the same material described in level I courses below.

FR101 French I 6cr {09,10} LA
GE101 German I 6cr {09,10} LA
IT101 Italian I 6cr {09,10] LA
SP101 Spanish I 6cr {09,10} LA

This program of immersion in the target language emphasizes the development of listening comprehension skills. The first year student also learns to speak on a variety of everyday topics as well as perform basic routines of daily conversation. The student learns to read simple material and write what he can say. In addition to developing these communication skills, the student gains an understanding of the culture of the target language.

FR201 French II 6cr {09,10,11} LA [FR101 or DptRec]
GE201 German II 6cr {09,10,11} LA [GE101 or DptRec]
SP201 Spanish II 6cr {09,10,11} LA [SP101 or DptRec]

After a basic review of the more important topics of the first year's work, the student continues to develop listening and speaking skills that enable him to participate in conversations in the target language. The student is also exposed to more complex grammatical structures and vocabulary in context. Increased emphasis is placed on writing skills through composition work. Cultural awareness and communicative proficiency remain goals of this level.

FR301 French III 6cr {10,11,12} LA [FR201 or DptRec]
GE301 German III 6cr {10,11,12} LA [GE201 or DptRec]
SP301 Spanish III 6cr {10,11,12} LA [SP201 or DptRec]

In the third year, special emphasis is given to developing more sophisticated communication skills in the target language. The student continues to learn vocabulary and more complex grammar and language structures in context. The focus of this level is on communication of ideas, and the creative use of the target language for self-expression is encouraged. Reading skills are further developed with the increased use of authentic materials and contemporary fiction and/or graded readers.

FR401 French IV 6cr {11,12} LA [FR301 or DptRec]
GE401 German IV 6cr {11,12} LA [GE301 or DptRec]
SP401 Spanish IV 6cr {11,12} LA [SP301 or DptRec]

For some students, this is an elective course. For more advanced underclassmen, this class fulfills their graduation requirement in their junior year. The student continues to develop the active language skills
of speaking and composition. Multimedia elements that combine video, audio and print are used to teach both language and culture. A thorough review of the basic grammar should prepare the student to take the SAT Subject Test by the end of the year.

FR405 French V 6cr {10,11,12} LA [DptRec]
GE405 German V 6cr {10,11,12} LA [DptRec]
SP405 Spanish V 6cr {10,11,12} LA [DptRec]

An elective for seniors depending on demand and interest, this course continues the development of speaking and writing skills on a variety of topics drawn from the contemporary press, films, television and literature. Students should be able to express themselves on a variety of subjects commensurate with their years of study.

FR602 AP French Language 6cr {11,12} LA [DptRec]
GE602 AP German Language 6cr {11,12} LA [DptRec]
SP602 AP Spanish Language  6cr {11,12} LA [DptRec]

This is an intensive elective course designed to develop all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. The format of the course closely follows that of the Syllabus for Advanced Placement Language, as published annually by the College Board. At the conclusion of the course, students take the AP exam administered by the College Board.

FR606 AP French Literature 6cr {12} LA [FR602,DptRec]
SP606 AP Spanish Literature 6cr {12} LA [SP602,DptRec]

The Department recommends that this course be taken by those students who have successfully completed Advanced Placement Language. As the required reading list of literary works may change, prospective students are advised to consult the Syllabus for Advanced Placement Literature published by the College Board. At the conclusion of the course, the students take the AP exam administered by the College Board.

LA400 Foreign Literature in Translation 6cr {12} FA LA

The student will experience a cultural encounter through literature. This full-year course is divided into six units, each unit featuring representative foreign language authors and samples of his/her work in translation, emphasizing the historical background and cultural highlights of that period, and capitalizing on available movies, theater or musical presentations, and/or art exhibits appropriate to that author, country and time period. Each unit will be taught in English by a different instructor. The department presents the literature in its cultural context from the following languages: Spanish (from Spain and Latin America), French, German, Italian, Russian and any other language where there is instructor expertise.

RU101 Russian I 6cr {09,10} LA

After a thorough introduction to the Russian sound system, the student is introduced to the Cyrillic alphabet and cursive writing. Recitation of short dialogs, plus intensive drill of basic paradigms in language lab assignments, helps the student acquire a basic vocabulary and a familiarity with the Russian case system. The student is also introduced to the concept of verbal aspects in Russian. Outside readings, in English, provide cultural content on Russian life and history.

RU201 Russian II 6cr {09,10,11} LA [RU101 or DptRec]

After a review of the basic grammatical principles of Russian I, the student will deal with Russian verbs of motion, the conditional-subjunctive mode and the use of numbers in telling time and dates.
Vocabulary is developed through systematic study of Russian word roots, prefixes and suffixes. Field trips to Russian neighborhoods provide cultural enrichment.

RU301 Russian III 6cr {10,11,12} LA [RU201 or DptRec]

The student is introduced to those verb forms---participles and gerunds---which occur more frequently in the written rather than the spoken language. Vocabulary development continues in the same manner as in Russian II. Readings with controlled vocabularies are taken from graded readers and newspapers and deal with current and historical events, as well as Russian fiction. A thorough review of all the important grammatical structures of the language concludes the year.