Academics: The Curriculum
Language
L-99 Tutorials
Year/Fall/Spring
The language department offers tutorials in areas that are not covered by the curriculum. Students with specific cultural, historical, or linguistic interests may arrange tutorials with individual teachers.
Open to: 9/10/11/12
LATIN
L-120 Latin I
Year 1 unit Maharidge
Latin is the sine qua non of a liberal education and can open many unexpected avenues for personal growth. This course emphasizes the development of reading and writing skills necessary to the understanding of Latin through the careful examination of inflection and syntax. By the end of this course students should exhibit an understanding of Latin vocabulary, grammatical structure, word order, gender, case usage, and verb tense and voice. Lessons introduce students to Roman culture, illustrating the important contributions of Roman civilization to modern western society. As more than half of English words are derived from Latin, this course also emphasizes the connection of Latin words to English in order to develop the students’ English vocabulary through the study of Latin.
Open to: 9/10/11/12
L-220 Latin II
Year 1 unit Maharidge
This course is a continuation of the first-year course with a similar approach. All basic elements of Latin inflection and syntax are covered by the end of the year as the students gain a facility in the language which allows them to begin reading unaltered classical Latin with confidence. Readings focus on the work of Roman authors and include the historical writings of Julius Caesar and Livy, the biographical writings of Nepos, the comedies of Plautus, and the poetry of Martial and Ovid.
Prerequisite: Latin I (L-120) and recommendation of the department
Open to: 9/10/11/12
L-320/L-420 Latin III/ IV
Year 1 unit Maharidge
This is a course in the reading and appreciation of Latin literature. The first half of the year focuses on the writings of Cicero. Students learn the Roman art of rhetoric through the study of figures of speech, style, and speech composition as practiced by Cicero, perhaps the greatest orator. Cicero’s philosophical writings and personal correspondence also may be explored. Students learn the historical and political background of the late Roman Republic, a turbulent era in which Cicero played a large part. The second half of the year is dedicated to introducing the students to other Roman prose authors, such as Pliny and Sallust and to the Roman poets, such as Ovid, Catullus, and Virgil. Latin of the Middle Ages also may be explored.
Prerequisite: Latin II (L-220) or Latin III (L-320) and recommendation of the department
Open to: 9/10/11/12
L-520 Advanced Placement Latin V: Catullus-Ovid
Year 1 unit Maharidge
This is an advanced reading course in Catullus-Ovid in preparation for the Advanced Placement Latin Language exam. In the Catullus-Ovid course, approximately 70 poems of these two authors are read and analyzed. Students become familiar with the meters of Latin poetry, poetic diction, and figures of speech, and the historical and artistic background of the works read. As with other AP courses, additional assignments should be expected over school vacations. To receive credit for this course, students must take the Advanced Placement exam in Latin Literature.
Prerequisite: Latin III (L-320) or Latin IV (L-420) and recommendation of the department
Open to: 9/10/11/12
FRENCH
L-130 French I
Year 1 unit
First-year French students learn a wide range of vocabulary, expressions, and usage, as well as the grammatical structures to support them. The course employs a textbook, workbooks, and CDs which offer constant practice and reinforcement in natural conversation situations. These materials and class discussion help develop a cultural awareness of francophone countries. Both classroom practice and testing emphasize the importance of all aspects of the material: listening, speaking, reading, writing, and knowledge of culture. Cooperative activities and paired work promote the communicative function of the language.
Open to: 9/10/11/12
L-230 French II
Year 1 unit
In this course students review the fundamentals of French I while gradually building new vocabulary and learning to use additional tenses and structures. By means of written and oral drills, selected readings, audio passages, and lesson-related videos, students increase their skill in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Cultural topics are introduced through occasional readings and visual aids.
Prerequisite: French I (L-130) and recommendation of the department
Open to: 9/10/11/12
L-330 French III
Year 1 unit
By successfully completing this course, students cover all basic French grammatical structures. Through discussion of the reading material, they enrich their vocabulary, gain insight into French culture, and achieve greater ease in oral communication. Students also develop their writing skills through written assignments and short essays. Excerpts of French films and various presentations reinforce the class material and help to expand their understanding of the country and its people.
Prerequisites: French II (L-230) and recommendation of the department
Open to: 9/10/11/12
L-430 French IV: Cours Avancé
Fall .5 unit Sanwal
This course provides an opportunity for students to sample a variety of literary genres (poetry, short story, etc.) and at the same time develop and strengthen their knowledge of French grammar. Selected readings from France, French Canada, Africa, etc. are the focus of classroom discussions and of essay writing. In addition, students review verb tenses and important grammar structures while adding to their repertoire of new vocabulary. They also watch, discuss, and study one of the great classics from French cinema.
Prerequisite: French III (L-330) and recommendation of the department
Open to: 10/11/12
L-431 French IV: Cours Avancé
Spring .5 unit Sanwal
Students continue to strengthen and develop their knowledge of French grammar and vocabulary. In addition, the class studies Le bourgeois gentilhomme (unabridged); this is the focus of class discussion and enables students to examine cultural, historical, and social issues pertaining to the chosen literary text. In addition, students write essays once a week and develop writing skills in the target language. There is a strong emphasis on meaningful and informed participation in class. Students also are expected to do limited research in the library and/or on the Internet and to apply this in class discussion and when writing.
Prerequisite: French IV (L-430) and recommendation of the department
Open to: 10/11/12
L-530 Advanced Placement French V: Cours Superieur
Fall .75 unit Chadabe
This course focuses on developing writing skills. Short essays are assigned weekly. Equal emphasis is placed on developing skills in speaking, listening, and reading with particular attention paid to vocabulary and grammar. The students in this class are exposed to French literature through a wide variety of texts from the Middle Ages to the modern times. As with other AP courses, additional assignments should be expected over school vacations.
French V is recommended for students who intend to take the Advanced Placement exam in French Language.
Prerequisite: French IV (L-431) and recommendation of the department
Open to: 11/12
L-531 Advanced Placement French V: Cours Superieur
Spring .75 unit Chadabe
This course continues to develop writing skills as well as verbal skills. Through vocabulary building, drills in speech patterns, study of pronunciation and intonation, and discussion of contemporary topics, students improve their verbal comprehension and ability to speak. As with other AP courses, additional assignments should be expected over school vacations. To receive credit for this course, students must take the Advanced Placement exam in French Language.
Prerequisite: French V (L-530) and recommendation of the department
Open to: 11/12
SPANISH
L-160 Spanish I
Year 1 unit
After successfully completing Spanish I, students are able to carry on short conversations with acceptable pronunciation, intonation, and syntax and write answers to questions in the present and past tenses. They also are able to express themselves in the future tense. Students develop confidence in oral work and broaden their knowledge of cultures that embrace Spanish as their official language. Work in the textbook is accompanied by short readings and language CDs.
Open to: 9/10/11/12
L-260 Spanish II
Year 1 unit
In this course students continue to develop skills learned in Spanish I, including reading, writing, and speaking. By the end of the course they can employ with reasonable accuracy the future, conditional, and past tenses, and some forms of the subjunctive. Class activities include reading and acting out dialogues, conversing in Spanish, reviewing grammar exercises, and writing compositions. In addition, some short stories are read during the spring semester.
Prerequisite: Spanish I (L-160) and recommendation of the department
Open to: 9/10/11/12
L-360 Spanish III
Year 1 unit
This course provides an in-depth review of Spanish grammar. Special emphasis is placed on improving vocabulary, mastering the language in reading and writing, and perfecting communication skills in Spanish. Through videos and short readings, students examine various aspects of Hispanic culture and are expected to do a considerable amount of writing about the material. They also are introduced to Hispanic literature by reading selected works of prominent authors.
Prerequisite: Spanish II (L-260) and recommendation of the department
Open to: 9/10/11/12
L-460 Spanish IV
Fall .5 unit
This course is designed to improve the student’s command of Spanish in all aspects. Through reading works of Spanish and Latin American authors, students study Spanish literature, while acquiring knowledge of the political history of each country. Brief essays and oral reports are completed following reading assignments and pertinent movies. A final paper is required in the spring semester.
Students planning to take AP Spanish V (L-560/L-561) should enroll in this course.
Prerequisite: Spanish III (L-360) and recommendation of the department
Open to: 10/11/12
L-461 Spanish IV
Spring .5 unit
See Spanish IV (L-460).
Prerequisite: Spanish IV (L-460) and recommendation of the department
Open to: 10/11/12
L-462 History and Culture of Spanish-Speaking Countries through Film I
Fall .5 unit
This course focuses on Spanish conversation, composition, culture, and film. Students hear Spanish as it is spoken in different countries by viewing outstanding films from the Spanish-speaking world. In addition, students converse about the social and cultural aspects of Spanish-speaking countries. Emphasis is placed on the study of the four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) and vocabulary.
Prerequisite: Spanish III (L-360) and recommendation of the department
Open to: 11/12
L-463 History and Culture of Spanish-Speaking Countries through Film II
Spring .5 unit
See Spanish IV (L-462).
Prerequisite: Spanish IV (L-462) and recommendation of the department
Open to: 11/12
Fall .75 unit
This course emphasizes the development of writing skills. Short essays are assigned weekly. Equal emphasis is placed on developing skills in speaking, listening, and reading with particular attention paid to vocabulary and grammar. During the spring semester, emphasis is placed on reading short stories and plays by Latin American and Spanish authors. As with other AP courses, additional assignments should be expected over school vacations.
Prerequisite: Spanish IV (L-461) and recommendation of the department
Open to: 11/12
L-561 Advanced Placement Spanish V: Curso Avanzado II
Spring .75 unit
See Advanced Placement Spanish V: Curso Avanzado I (L-560).
To receive credit for this course students must take the Advanced Placement Spanish Language exam. As with other AP courses, additional assignments should be expected over school vacations.
Prerequisite: Spanish V (L-560) and recommendation of the department
Open to: 11/12
CHINESE
L-170 Chinese I
Year 1 unit Lin
This course, designed for anyone new to the Chinese language, introduces students to spoken and written Mandarin Chinese, paying particular attention to practical vocabulary and sentence patterns. Students learn the Pinyin (romanized) system of writing and gradually learn to read and write the most basic Chinese characters. After they master 200 characters, students are able to create skits and write short essays about their daily lives. By the end of the year they are able to recognize up to 500 Chinese characters.
Open to: 9/10/11/12
L-270 Chinese II
Year 1 unit Lin
This course is a continuation of the fundamentals covered in Chinese I. Students strengthen their abilities in the four skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) for practical communication in Chinese. They develop their knowledge of the 500 Chinese characters learned in Chinese I. Students also improve their skill in understanding Chinese culture through occasional readings, listening to CDs, watching lesson-related videos, while gradually improving their understanding of new vocabulary and sentence patterns.
Prerequisite: Chinese I (L-170) and recommendation of the department
Open to: 9/10/11/12
