Department Chair: Amy Liao
The World Languages Department seeks to nurture dialogue and culturally sensitive interaction with people of diverse languages, perspectives, and practices. Our main goal is for our students to communicate effectively in the target language, with respect and empathy, accounting for the thoughts, opinions, and norms of others. Every year, we work to bring in missing voices from different communities through the study of literature, history, the arts, and current events. We want our students to investigate and reflect through comparisons of cultures studied and their own and to share their voices.
The department promotes students to become self-directed learners and empowers students to Learn well, Live well, Lead well by strengthening their emotional, intellectual, physical, ethical, and social capacity rooted in diversity, equity, and inclusion; health and wellbeing; and global education.
The department leads inquiry-based curriculum that develops language proficiency through experiential and interdisciplinary projects with other departments, and partners with ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) on assessment of biliteracy skills and proficiency and recognition of the value of language diversity.
Languages offered are Chinese, French, Latin, and Spanish.
Nine (9) credits in one language and the successful completion of level 3 are required for graduation.
Chinese
LOWER SCHOOL
Chinese 3, Grade level: 3
Third grade Chinese is a one trimester course to explore Chinese in collaboration with other trimester courses to explore French and Spanish. Students have an opportunity to experience a thematically organized curriculum in one trimester that encourages students to explore learning Chinese through songs, Chinese art and crafts, movements, Chinese cultural games, and hands-on activities. Students will develop speaking and listening skills and be exposed to Chinese characters. Cross-disciplines and technologies will be integrated into student learning. Students will develop their understanding of the Chinese language and culture through their studies.
Chinese 5, Grade level: 5
Through songs, games, video clips, voice recordings, hands-on activities, and the celebration of Chinese culture and holidays, students in Fifth grade Chinese class will be introduced to relevant listening and speaking skills that they can employ to interact with Chinese friends and local diverse communities. Students will build up their vocabulary and sentences and strengthen their communication skills through a theme-based curriculum. Students will engage in the active learning of themes such as greetings, family members, animals, colors, numbers and dates, food and drink items, daily living routines, and going places. Students will learn Chinese culture through studying Chinese classic poems, arts and crafts, and traditional holidays and customs.
Chinese 6, Grade level: 6
Sixth Grade Chinese is a beginning level course to develop a foundation for learning Chinese. Students learn the Chinese phonetic system of Pinyin and basic conversation for daily life. Students in Sixth grade Chinese class will be introduced to relevant listening and speaking skills that they can employ to interact with Chinese friends and local diverse communities. Over the course of the year we will be focused on helping students develop basic communicative Chinese skills. These skills comprise learning to: demonstrate listening comprehension, use new vocabulary, communicate orally comprehend text, use proper spelling, and apply basic sentence structures. Units' themes include: personal and public identities, families/communities, breakfast food items, telling time, daily schedule, hobbies, basic Chinese characters, school subjects and common places in the community. Students will continue studying Chinese culture through songs, games, video clips, arts and crafts, hands-on activities, and the celebration of traditional Chinese holidays.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Chinese 1A Grade level: 7; Credits: 1.5
Chinese 1 A is a foundation course in the study of Chinese designed for students who start a world language in Middle School. Both Pinyin (a Chinese phonetic system) and characters (the writing system) will be taught so that students will be able to communicate both orally and in written form in essential everyday life situations. Students will develop both writing skills, hand writing characters and keyboarding. Students will develop their understanding of Chinese culture and gain knowledge through Chinese arts and crafts, songs, movies, comprehensive projects and cultural events including celebrations of Chinese holidays.
Chinese 1B Grade level: 8; Prerequisite: Chinese 1A; Credits: 1.5
The primary goal of Chinese 1B is to build upon the content covered in Chinese 1A and continue to lay a solid foundation in oral communication and writing skills for learning at higher levels. The course places a great emphasis on Chinese culture and engages students in research and group projects on such topics as calligraphy, Chinese cooking, and the history of China. Students read "American Born Chinese" by Gene Luen Yang to explore stereotypes and how difficult for the minoritized population to fit in.
UPPER SCHOOL
Chinese I Grade level: 9-12; Credits: 3
Chinese 1 is an introductory course designed for Upper School students who are either beginning learners or do not have a sufficient background in language to enroll in Chinese 2. Both Pinyin (a Chinese phonetic system) and characters (the writing system) will be taught so that students will be able to communicate both orally and in written form in most essential everyday life situations. Students will celebrate Chinese holidays and engage in other hands-on activities to explore different aspects of Chinese culture. The course is offered only if there is sufficient enrollment.
Chinese 2 Grade level: 9-12; Prerequisite: Chinese 1B or Chinese 1, Credits: 3
Chinese 2 reinforces and further develops the skills acquired in Chinese 1 or Chinese 1A and 1B of Middle School. Students tackle more grammatical features and expressions that are Chinese-specific and expand their vocabulary to increase the ability to communicate in Chinese. The development of oral proficiency continues to be a key component of the learning process. Exploration of a changing China in the 20th and 21st centuries, as well as its cultural traditions, is incorporated into learning through research projects, videos, and short stories.
Chinese 3 Grade level: 10-12; Prerequisite: Chinese 2; Credits: 3
Chinese 3 further develops the knowledge and skills acquired in Chinese 1 and 2. It adopts a balanced approach toward skills in three modes of communication: interpretive, presentational, and interpersonal. Students learn to perform daily practical and social functions in the three modes with increased linguistic complexity and awareness of cultural appropriateness. They continue to build a larger functional vocabulary and work toward mastery of the core of Chinese grammar.
Chinese 3 Honors: Grade level: 10-12; Prerequisite: Chinese 2; Successful completion of level 2 Chinese and approval of the World Language Department; Credits: 3
Chinese 3 Honors further develop the knowledge and skills acquired in Chinese 2. It adopts a balanced approach toward skills in three modes of communication: interpretive, presentational, and interpersonal. Students learn to perform daily practical and social functions in the three modes with increased linguistic complexity and awareness of cultural appropriateness. They continue to build a larger functional vocabulary and work toward mastery of the core of Chinese grammar. Students are expected to meet higher standards on their course work in the target language and demonstrate a strong ability to apply the content, skills and cultural concepts learned. Chinese is the predominant language of instruction and learning in the classroom.
Chinese 4 Grade level: 10-12; Prerequisite: Chinese 3; Credits: 3
Chinese 4 is designed for the students who have successfully completed the study of Chinese at the intermediate level. Using the themes that bear much relevance to students’ lives and Chinese culture as the contexts for learning, the course introduces complex sentence structures and builds a significantly larger vocabulary to increase the depth and expressiveness of communication. Students are engaged in the communication tasks that not only develop oral proficiency but also require integration of all four skills - listening, reading, speaking and writing.
Chinese 4 Honors Grade Level: 11 – 12; Prerequisite: Chinese 3; Successful completion of level 3 Chinese and approval of the World Language Department; Credits: 3
See Chinese 4 for a general description. The course is recommended for the students who have demonstrated the potential to gain a solid mastery of its content and intend to take a course at the next level in their senior year. Students will follow the same curriculum designed for the non-honors class, but will develop their skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing in depth and train to communicate fluently in the Chinese language. They will also work to acquire the knowledge of specific aspects of the Chinese culture and be able to present the acquired knowledge effectively in the target language.
Chinese 5 Grade level: 10-12; Prerequisite: Chinese 4; Credits: 3
Chinese 5 is an advanced course designed for the students who have successfully completed the study of intermediate-high level Chinese in the previous year. It trains the students to increase depth and expressiveness of communication in a variety of personal, social, and cultural settings. Classes engage students in producing discourses on a range of topics in the descriptive, narrative and evaluative modes of expression and in developing insights into the Chinese cultural and social values through discussions and presentations.
Chinese 5 Honors: Grade Level: 11-12; Prerequisite: Successful completion of level 4 Chinese and approval of the World Language Department; Credits: 3
Chinese 5 Honors is offered to qualified and motivated students who are prepared to engage in an intensive study of the Chinese language and culture. The course is to sharpen students’ language proficiency and deepen their cultural inquiry through substantial exposure to films and literary works in Chinese and translation. Each thematic unit of the course uses a combination of textual, cinematic, and auditory materials to build effective communication skills in Chinese. It also places an equal emphasis on developing an empathetic understanding of the Chinese culture, both traditional and changing, through exploring the multiple facets of ordinary people’s lives in China.
French
LOWER SCHOOL
French, Grade level: 3 and 4
The third and fourth grades are part of a two-year World Language program that offers Lower School students the opportunity to explore two romance languages, French and Spanish. Throughout the year, students become noticeably confident in their skills while they learn vocabulary, practice pronunciation, role play, and make global connections. They learn to identify basic parts of speech, nouns, pronouns, and verbs, and create original sentences. By building their vocabulary and grammar foundation using the Q-talk method - in which translation is eliminated- they learn intuitively as native speakers do in a meaningful context rather than in isolation. Students are aware of their progress and have multiple opportunities to reflect on their language journey using their ePortfolios.
French, Grade level: 5
Fifth-grade students explore the French language structures with specific communicative skills. Daily language practice and review are implemented in the classroom to build upon a solid foundation of their building language skills: writing, speaking and listening. They learn with the Q-talk method in which translation is eliminated and students learn intuitively as natives do. Language is presented and learned in a meaningful context rather than in isolation. In this student-centered learning environment, they are able to produce spontaneous culturally authentic dialogues that can be easily transferred into everyday life situations.
French, Grade level: 6
The sixth-grade students develop proficiency through speaking, listening, understanding, writing, and reading in French. They learn new sentence structures and vocabulary skills including infinitives, conjugations of verbs in the present tense, pronouns, articles, and recognizing cognates among many others. Everyday dialogue practice is an essential part of their learning experience. Students also research French-speaking countries around the world and learn of their diverse history through a multitude of lenses that replace an ethnocentric one. They also create ePortfolio projects, choose a meta category, reflect on their work and make meaningful connections to their language learning.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
French 1A Grade level: 7 Credits: 1.5
French 1A builds on the skills acquired in lower school to solidify students' language foundation. They continue to develop communicative proficiency as well as cultural awareness. Projects and assessments are designed to ensure that students develop the appropriate skills to communicate using French purposefully in authentic situations. There are frequent learning checks and guided activities. Students work individually, in pairs, or in small groups to exchange information, explore texts, watch videos, develop scripts, rehearse dialogues, play games, or tackle and practice a specific grammar point. Themes revolve around self, school, friends, family, activities, and community.
French 1B Grade level: 8; Prerequisite: French 1A; Credits: 1.5
French 1B is designed to deepen and reinforce students' previous language acquisitions. They continue to practice communicating orally and in writing in the past, present, and future tenses using increasingly complex structures. They gain perspectives on the Francophone world to develop respect and openness to others.
UPPER SCHOOL
French 1 Grade level: 9-11; Credits: 3
French I is an introductory course designed for Upper School students who are either beginning French learners or whose background in the language is insufficient to enable them to enroll in a second-level French course. Students are introduced to the Francophone culture and learn basic vocabulary and grammar structures that enable them to communicate and engage in simple conversations about daily life. They study the present tense and the past tense of regular verbs. This class is offered only if there is sufficient enrollment.
French 2 Grade level: 9-12; Prerequisite: French 1B or French 1; Credits: 3
French 2 builds on the skills acquired in French 1 to solidify and expand students' language acquisition. Learners continue to work toward developing a functional proficiency in French, and an understanding of and appreciation for other cultures. Through thematic units and projects students deepen and grow their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills to communicate purposefully in authentic situations, and to gain perspectives on the Francophone world. There are frequent learning checks and guided activities.
French 3 Grade level: 10-12; Prerequisite: French 2; Credits: 3
French 3 is a course for students who have satisfactorily completed two levels of French and who wish to increase their communicative competence in French. Emphasis is put on strengthening students’ ability to communicate and function effectively in a wide variety of contexts using the major language skills: aural comprehension, oral production, reading comprehension, writing, and grammar. Exposure to authentic materials will be used to enhance vocabulary acquisition. Cultural aspects of Francophone countries are an integral part of the course material.
French 3 Honors Grade level: 10-12; Prerequisite: French 2; Credits: 3
and approval of the World Language Dept.
French 3 Honors is a course for students who have satisfactorily completed two levels of French and who wish to increase their communicative competence in French. Emphasis is put on strengthening students’ ability to communicate and function effectively in a wide variety of contexts using the major language skills: aural comprehension, oral production, reading comprehension, writing, and grammar. Exposure to authentic materials will be used to enhance vocabulary acquisition. Cultural aspects of Francophone countries are an integral part of the course material. Elements of advanced courses are included, the class follows a discussion format, and complete immersion is expected.
French 4: French Conversation and Composition Grade level: 11, 12; Prerequisite: French 3 or its equivalent; Credits: 3
French 4 is a course for students who have satisfactorily completed three levels of French and who wish to increase their communicative competence. The intensive development of communicative competence in French is oriented around the investigation and discussions of a theme or themes culturally relevant to French or Francophone societies. Emphasis is put on the continued development of spoken and written expressions in the French language through readings and discussions of cultural materials. Conversations and compositions in French are integral part of the course. Culture is emphasized throughout the year, as well as reinforcement of grammar.
French 4 Honors: Language & Culture Grade level: 11, 12; Prerequisite: Successful completion of French 3, 3H and/or French 4 and approval of the World Language Dept.; Credits: 3
French 4 Honors is a course for students who have successfully completed French 3 or 3H. Students are exposed to the study of cultural topics and more complex language structures through francophone literature, films, current events and world challenges. The intensive development of communicative competence in French is oriented around the investigation and discussions of a theme or themes culturally relevant to French or Francophone societies. Emphasis is put on a continued development of spoken and written expressions in the French language through readings and discussions of civilization and cultural materials. Projects and presentations are an integral part of this course. Students are trained in aural, oral, and written exercises.
French 5: Cinéma et Francophonie Grade level: 11, 12; Prerequisite: French 4 French Conversation and Composition or its equivalent; Credits: 3
French 5 is a course for students who have satisfactorily completed four levels of French and who wish to pursue their study of the language and its culture. The focus of this course is to expand and enrich the students’ knowledge of French and Francophone countries through movies, with emphasis placed on spontaneous use of the language. It is offered only if there is sufficient enrollment.
French 5H: Cinéma et Francophonie Grade level: 11, 12; Prerequisite: French 4H Language and culture or its equivalent; Credits: 3
French 5H is a course for students who have satisfactorily completed four levels of Honors French and who wish to pursue their study of the language and its culture. The focus of this course is to expand and enrich the students’ knowledge of French and Francophone countries through movies, with emphasis placed on spontaneous use of the language. It is offered only if there is sufficient enrollment.
Latin
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Latin 1A Grade level: 7 Credits: 1.5
Studying Latin provides the opportunity to explore the incredibly diverse world of the ancient Roman empire while learning the language that has served as the template for many modern languages. In Latin 1A, a story-based reading approach will introduce students to the basic workings of the Latin language and encourage reading proficiency. Activities and projects will foster writing, speaking, and listening skills as well, and we’ll examine the close connections between English and Latin vocabulary. We will also seek out the stories of those who have been underrepresented or largely ignored, and we will employ our critical thinking skills as we search for a more comprehensive and authentic perspective of this fascinating time in history.
Latin 1B Grade level: 8; Prerequisite: Latin 1A; Credits: 1.5
Latin 1B picks up where Latin 1A left off, and the goals are much the same. Students will continue to build their foundation in Latin grammar while they travel throughout the Roman empire and view the expansion from different perspectives. Through passages and dialogues, students continue to develop their ability to read, understand, and translate simple and complex Latin sentences. Students use their expanding Latin vocabulary to facilitate their understanding, and they continue to strengthen their understanding of English by examining the connections in word origins. Projects provide opportunities for students to demonstrate their understanding of various cultural and historical topics such as travel, communication, and elections in the ancient world.
UPPER SCHOOL
Latin 1 Grade level: 9-11; Credits: 3
Latin I is for students who begin the study of the Latin language and Roman culture in the Upper School. They learn grammar and vocabulary through reading and doing exercises from a text-based on the adventures of a Roman family. There is a significant emphasis on the relationship of Latin to English vocabulary and grammar and on showing the connections between the ancient and modern worlds. The course is offered only if there is sufficient enrollment.
Latin 2 Grade level: 9-12; Prerequisite: Latin I or Latin 1B; Credits: 3
In Latin 2, students complete the study of basic grammar through reading and exercises. They learn about daily life in Rome and follow the political struggles as Romans faced the dissolution of the republic and the establishment of the Empire. There is significant emphasis on the relationship of Latin to English vocabulary and grammar and emphasis on showing the connections between the ancient and modern worlds.
Latin 3: Roman Prose and Poetry Grade Level: 10-12; Prerequisite: Latin 2; Credits: 3
In this course, students make the transition from reading the adapted passages and dialogues found in grammar texts to working with authentic Latin literature. Students further develop their translating skills by reading unaltered Latin with the support of commentaries; units include prose and poetry from a variety of authors. By studying the rhetorical, poetic, and metrical devices employed by each author, students are able to gain a deeper understanding of and appreciation for each work. They are also charged with considering each author’s personal background as well as the complex historical and political climate in which they lived. Singing poetry in its meter is an important (and fun!) endeavor for this level, and projects allow students to explore topics such as Roman religious practices, communication, and art.
Latin 3 Honors: Roman Prose and Poetry Grade Level: 10-12; Prerequisite: Latin 2; Credits: 3
See Latin 3: Roman Prose and Poetry for a general description. Students who have opted for the Honors designation will attend the same class as non-honors students, but will meet additional areas of challenge, including fewer resources on assessments; additional sight-reading opportunities; translation of extra lines of a passage; demonstrating a higher level of analysis of the texts; and providing thoughtful exploration and examination of themes and contexts.
Latin Pathways 4 & 5 Grade Level: 11-12; Prerequisite: Latin 3; Credits: 3
The Latin Pathways 4 & 5 courses follow two distinct maps of curriculum, offered in alternating years. Each path allows students to explore a range of authors, from the well-known writers of the Augustan era to those whose voices and works provide a perspective of Latin that reaches beyond the traditional canon. There is a strong emphasis on context building, analysis, and interpretation while examining works through the lens of a particular theme. Time is also allotted to practice reading for comprehension, expanding vocabulary, and reviewing grammar. An emphasis on poetry will allow students to build both facility with interpretation and a command of the vocabulary of poetic criticism. Projects (both small and large) will encourage students to explore and develop their particular interests.
Latin Pathways 4 Honors & Latin Pathways 5 Honors Grade Level: 11-12; Prerequisite: Latin 3 and approval of the World Language Department; Credits: 3
See Latin Pathways 4 & 5 for a general description. Students who have opted for the Honors designation will attend the same class as non-honors students, but will meet additional areas of challenge, including fewer resources (vocabulary) on assessments; additional sight-reading opportunities; translations of extra lines of a passage; demonstrating a higher level of analysis of the texts, and providing thoughtful exploration and examination of themes and contexts.
Spanish
LOWER SCHOOL
Spanish, Grade level: 3 and 4
The third and fourth grades are part of a two-year World Language program that offers Lower School students the opportunity to explore two romance languages, Spanish and French. Throughout the year, students become noticeably confident in their skills while they learn vocabulary, practice pronunciation, role play, and make global connections. They learn to identify basic parts of speech, nouns, pronouns, and verbs, and create original sentences. By building their vocabulary and grammar foundation using the Q-talk method - in which translation is eliminated- they learn intuitively as native speakers do in a meaningful context rather than in isolation. Students are aware of their progress and have multiple opportunities to reflect on their language journey using their ePortfolios.
Spanish, Grade level: 5
In this course, fifth-grade students learn basic vocabulary and develop their knowledge of grammar and its proper implementation in simple communicative situations. They enjoy a multi-modal approach to learning a new language while solidifying their Spanish foundation. Every Spanish activity includes four integrated areas: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Spanish is the primary language used by the teacher and students. Our Reading Program starts in fifth-grade and it offers stories to further discuss cultural differences. Through the stimulation of reading interpretation, students explore differences and similarities between peoples of different backgrounds, cultures, and races. The goal is to foster the capacity for culturally sensitive interaction with speakers of Spanish by celebrating differences.
Spanish, Grade level: 6
This course focuses on communication. While grammar and vocabulary are essential tools for communication, this course provides students with the opportunity of learning how to communicate in meaningful and appropriate ways in Spanish. Students engage in conversations, provide and obtain information, and express feelings and emotions using Spanish. They explore various Spanish-speaking communities and learn about the nature of the Spanish language and the concept of culture. Our Reading Program offers stories to further discuss cultural differences. Through the stimulation of reading interpretation, students explore differences and similarities between peoples of different backgrounds, cultures, and races. The goal is to foster the capacity for culturally sensitive interaction with speakers of Spanish by celebrating differences.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Spanish 1A, Grade level: 7 Credits: 1.5
Spanish 1A is an introductory course for beginners and advanced beginners in which students learn basic vocabulary and grammar concepts relevant to daily life and beyond. Students are introduced to reading, writing, speaking, and listening in numerous contexts that emphasize their growth in these areas through exposure to authentic material, cultural comparisons, and hands-on learning experiences. Students also learn about the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world with a view toward developing their global competency skills.
Spanish 1B, Grade level: 8; Prerequisite: Spanish 1A; Credits: 1.5
Spanish 1B builds on the themes and concepts introduced in Spanish 1A. This course further develops student skills in listening, reading, speaking, and writing through exposure to higher-level authentic material. Furthermore, students learn about the racial and cultural diversity of the Spanish-speaking world through a specific emphasis on "afrolatinidad." Finally, students engage in written, presentational and interactive activities that aim to prepare them for the transition into upper school Spanish.
UPPER SCHOOL
Spanish I, Grade level: 9-11 Credits: 3
Spanish I is an introductory course designed for Upper School students who are either beginning Spanish learners or whose background in the language is insufficient for them to enroll in Spanish 2. The course will focus on building basic vocabulary, learning communication skills, and using different strategies to convey meaning and develop an appreciation of the Hispanic culture. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to communicate with ease basic facts and ideas in Spanish, both verbally and in writing. The course is offered only if there is sufficient enrollment.
Spanish 2, Grade level: 9-12; Prerequisite: Spanish 1B or Spanish 1; Credits: 3
Spanish 2 is a novice-high to an intermediate-low level course. Students are expected to have mastered the vocabulary and grammar points learned in Spanish 1 (1A/1B) to be able to succeed in this course. Students will work extensively in acquiring vocabulary and developing a grammar foundation to improve their communication skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish. Students will be exposed to the different cultures of the Spanish world so that they learn to identify them and explore their interconnectedness. Students will start reading articles, short stories, and poems as an introduction to Hispanic literature. Technology will be used to enhance daily instruction and extended language practice to facilitate learning both inside and outside the classroom.
Spanish 3, Grade level: 10-12; Prerequisite: Spanish 2; Credits: 3
Spanish 3 is an intermediate-level course. Students work extensively on grammar and vocabulary and continue to develop their communication skills through listening, speaking, reading, and writing in the target language. Students expand their knowledge and understanding of the Spanish-speaking world while improving self-expression and comprehension through the use of adapted media and literary sources.
Spanish 3 Honors: Comunidades de ayer y hoy, Grade Level: 10 – 12; Prerequisite: Spanish 2 and approval of World Language Department; Credits: 3
This course is designed for students who show proficiency in the content learned in Spanish 1 (1A/1B) and Spanish 2. This course is intended to prepare students to continue progressing into an advanced proficiency level in Spanish. Students will engage in communicative activities that require working cooperatively and at an accelerated pace using the four language skills in the three modes of communication: Interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational. The course will focus on improving students’ ability to comprehend the language from different authentic and adapted sources through the study of classic and contemporary Latin American literature from well-known authors. Students will gain a better understanding of Latin American societies today as they explore the contributions, belief systems, and cultural practices of the Aztecs, the Incas, and the Mayans. The daily use of technology will enhance the student experience in using the language both inside and outside the classroom.
Spanish 4: Spanish Conversation and Composition, Grade level: 11-12; Prerequisite: Spanish 3; Credits: 3
Spanish 4 is an advanced course for students who have completed three years of Spanish language study. It focuses on building communication skills while developing a deeper cultural understanding of the Hispanic culture. Students utilize a variety of sources to explore the rich diversity of Spanish-speaking communities in Latin America, the U.S., and Spain. Projects are integral to this course to help students further develop their aural, oral, and written proficiency. Upon successful completion, students will be able to communicate with ease in Spanish.
Spanish 4 Honors, Grade level: 11, 12; Prerequisite: Spanish 3H and approval of the World Language Department; Credits: 3
Students taking this course are interested in continuing an in-depth study of the language and further developing their communicative and reading skills in Spanish. Students read a variety of authors whose work reflects the diversity of Spain, Latin America, and the U.S. Hispanic population. They also review the more advanced grammatical topics. Students taking this course will achieve a high level of mastery of grammatical topics covered in previous levels and will demonstrate the ability to revise their own work effectively. Projects and presentations are an integral part of this course. Students are trained in aural, oral, and written exercises.
Spanish 5: Hispanic Culture through the Media Grade level: 11, 12; Prerequisite: Spanish 4 Conversation and Composition or equivalent; Credits: 3
Spanish 5 is designed for students who have successfully completed Spanish 4 and who wish to pursue their study of the Spanish language and culture at the non-honors level. This course will focus on using the media to delve into the study of different historical contexts and their connection to current events of various Spanish-speaking communities in Latin America, Spain, and the U.S.A. The class follows a discussion format and students will be engaged in activities that require a high level of proficiency in language production.
Spanish 5 Honors: Spain and USA in the 20th and 21st centuries, through Films and Media, Grade level: 12; Prerequisite: Spanish 4 Honors and approval of the World Language Department; Credits: 3
Spanish 5 Honors, is an advanced Spanish course devoted to expanding the student's knowledge of the language and culture of Spain through excerpts from novels and plays, movies, short stories, literary and journalistic articles, websites, and television programs. In this course, "Culture of Spain:20th and 21st centuries, through cinema, theater, arts, and the press". Students will learn about the culture and development of Spain through the study and analysis of the historical, artistic, and social events in these two centuries. The materials and program activities will allow students to develop critical thinking, collaboration, and empathy toward other cultures and identities. The movies, short stories, videos, and the students’ projects will provide many opportunities for the students to maintain, develop and improve their language skills. Projects and presentations are an integral part of the student learning process.
Advanced Spanish Seminar: Voices Grade level: 12; Prerequisite: Spanish 4 Honors and/or Spanish 5 Honors and approval of the World Language Department; Credits: 3
Spanish Seminar is designed for seniors with advanced language proficiency (heritage and non-heritage learners) who wish to explore Latin American social challenges through the study of literary works from renowned authors. The course is divided into three main thematic modules and will follow a discussion format. Complete immersion is expected. A final capstone project will allow each student to present their findings of a research topic of their choice. The course is offered only if there is sufficient enrollment.
SPANISH ELECTIVES
Short Films: Miradas, Grade level: 11 ; Corequisite: Spanish 3/3H/4; Credit 1
Miradas has the singularity of using short fictional films as the main resource. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences defines a short film as "an original motion picture that has a running time of 40 minutes or less". Short films are both engaging and authentic; offering experiences close to real life, and real use of living language. Students receive comprehensible input and build listening skills and engage in authentic communicative opportunities. Short films also stress cultural competency and the ability to make connections as students expand their cultural knowledge, and recognize diverse viewpoints and lifestyles.
