World Language Department

The World Language Department believes in the importance of exposing students to the culture, history and language of countries other than our own in order to be prepared to live in our global village.

Students familiar with customs and history of foreign countries gain a broader, more diversified perspective with regards to the world in which they live. The study of foreign language also enhances the student’s understanding of the nature of language in general.

The detailed study of fundamentals of grammar, syntax, and vocabulary teaches students to think grammatically, thereby training them to be more conscientious about the structure of their own language. This vision is shared by the school which requires all students to learn a foreign language for at least three years in order to graduate. The implementation of these beliefs requires diversified approaches and care for all aspects of the communicative performance range (listening, speaking, reading and writing).

World Language

5th Grade Introduction to Spanish and the Spanish Speaking World

The class is designed to introduce students to the Spanish language and culture. The students have the class for one semester. Using handouts, websites, and videos the students learn about the customs, language, and traditions of the many Spanish speaking countries around the world. In addition, students are given the foundations for how to study foreign languages in general through the discussion of various study methods including but not limited to vocabulary cards, note taking, and oral practice outside of class.

6th Grade

The sixth grade French class takes place during the fall semester and is designed to introduce students to French language and culture. There is no textbook for the course, but the students use teacher produced videos, handouts, and websites to learn basic vocabulary and grammar. They also do a research project on a French speaking country or region and present it to the class. Other topics include French schools, holiday traditions, and food.

In the spring semester, the students begin their study of German. As with the French class, there is no grammar textbook and the students continue to use videos, handouts, and websites as their primary resources. The culture material is more focused; the third quarter covers Norse mythology and the fourth covers the Resistance movement during the Holocaust. Smaller units cover life in modern Germany and Austria.

The course is designed to help students polish the study skills necessary for success in learning a world language. The lack of a textbook means they must take good notes and review them and that they must generate their own vocabulary lists. They also learn how to use the internet as a good resource for practice as well as learning what resources are not considered useful.

7th Grade Pre Language

Pre Language Classics is a course of study required of all 7th grade students and is designed to introduce language and various grammatical terms to the students. Within the course, students will discuss the purpose and development of Indo European languages, as well as learn to analyze cultural information and values conveyed in literature. Two components constitute this course: 1. introduction to Latin, 2. literature survey of Greco Roman mythology, including the epic poem, The Odyssey, and selections from Greek tragedy such as Oedipus Tyrannus, Antigone, Medea, and Trojan Women.

French I

French I is an introduction to the basic structures of the French language and its usage through vocabulary and grammar study. Emphasis is on all four elements of learning a language: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. In addition to beginning a foundation in reading and writing in French, students begin to learn pronunciation and spelling patterns and explore the culture of France. The primary focus of the course is beginning to use the language to talk about themselves and their world in a useful, personal way.

French II

French II is a continuation of the study of the French language with slightly more complex grammar structures and exchanges, including the use of more complex verb tenses. This course develops and builds upon the grammar and vocabulary of French 1. Reading and writing gradually become more emphasized as the students develop mastery of additional vocabulary, verb tenses, and sequencing. Students acquire more complex sentences and a wider range of vocabulary for additional situations they will encounter when using the language. This includes beginning to talk about the past and the future.

French III

French III continues the study of the French language with even more complex grammar structures and oral exchanges, including the use of different moods and compound tenses. Emphasis is on the productive elements of language. Students are expected to perform additional writing and speaking activities, including imaginative or hypothetical components. In addition, there is continued emphasis on listening and writing in preparation for using the language successfully in the context of French IV.

French IV

French IV is a comprehensive, multiple approach course that provides an in depth view of France and Francophone countries, their culture, and civilization by means of a contextual introduction to French history, literature, films, music, and art. The course emphasizes utilizing the language skills and strategies that students have acquired in levels 1 3 to understand and communicate these aspects in French. At the same time, the grammar that is reviewed and expanded upon serves to strengthen written and oral language skills.

French V

French V is the culminating level of high school language study. Through the use of literature and other authentic materials, students demonstrate their mastery of not only being able to communicate their ideas verbally or in the written form, but also the ability to analyze, synthesize, and compare and contrast the works explored. In depth study of character development, themes, and major literary elements and movements are also emphasized. Students at this level are expected to perform all aspects of the course in the target language, and there is an emphasis on being able to work largely independently when needed.

German I

German I is an introduction to the study of German language and culture at the most basic level. Students learn the fundamentals of grammar and vocabulary through reading, speaking, and writing, and acquire a general familiarity with the cultural and historical issues relating to the German speaking countries. The basic grammar and vocabulary is presented in such a way as to facilitate the continued study of German in a methodical way over the next several years.

German II

German III

German III continues the study of the German culture and language with even more complex grammar structures and oral exchanges. Emphasis is on the productive elements of language, focusing on writing, speaking, and reading. Students are challenged with more advanced reading passages and grammatical concepts, and will study important composers and artists in the German cultural heritage.

German IV

German V

At this level, the students continue to work on fluency in all skills: speaking, reading, and writing German at an early advanced level. They will also gather information from a range of social/cultural, including German literature from the Middle Ages to today's contemporary literature. Students are asked to select a novel or poems from German writers and be able to research a topic for which they are required to prepare an oral presentation. In addition, students are asked to stay informed about current events in German speaking countries to further class discussions.

Latin I

This course presents an introduction to Latin language through a reading approach. It also includes the study of morphological aspects and simple syntactic expressions. The Roman history concentrates on the early Roman empire, specifically life in Pompeii up to its destruction in 79 A.C.E. A brief overview of the Monarchic and early Republican times is also covered via research projects. Aspects of Roman life of the same historic periods are introduced and discussed.

Latin II

Latin III

Latin IV

Latin V

Spanish I

Spanish II

Spanish III

Spanish IV

Spanish V

This course will require students to be able to use their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in the Spanish language. The course will focus on culture, art, literature, and cinema from Spanish speaking countries. They will be expected to perform individual and group conversations. They will be expected to communicate in both written and spoken Spanish to convey their thoughts, feelings, and ideas. This course will put their Spanish skills to the test.

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World Language Department

World Language

5th Grade Introduction to Spanish and the Spanish Speaking World

6th Grade

7th Grade Pre Language

French I

French II

French III

French IV

French V

German I

German II

German III

German IV

German V

Latin I

Latin II

Latin III

Latin IV

Latin V

Spanish I

Spanish II

Spanish III

Spanish IV

Spanish V

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