Upper School Foreign Language

	Chinese
	Chinese I Chinese I is an introduction to the fundamentals of standard modern Chinese. Basic communication patterns and expression commonly used in Chinese, as well as Chinese culture and customs will be introduced. The goal of this course is to develop communicative competency in listening, speaking, reading and writing skills at elementary level. By the end of the academic year, students should be able to engage in general conversation, as well as read and write simple sentences in simplified characters. Chinese II This course is a continuation to Chinese I. Students will develop further the four basic skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) to enable them to construct more complex sentences. Additional daily cultural situations will be introduced and learned. By the end of the academic year, students should be able to read and write everyday subjects in length with ease.

	French
	French II This course strengthens the students’ proficiency in language. Students gain facility in the use of tense and other essentials of grammar and syntax. The course is conducted entirely in French except when the presentation of new or complicated material requires the use of English. French III Standard/Honors Students in this course complete the study of major grammatical structures in the French language and begin the study of French literature. Classes are conducted entirely in French. Students are expected to speak French and to take French dictation. Considerable attention is given to the development of fluency. Students study the geography and history of France through readings and Internet research. French III Honors provides a strong foundation in grammar and structure in preparation for Advanced Placement. French Culture and Civilization This course continues the study of French using a multiple-approach textbook that provides an in-depth view of France, its culture, civilization, and literature. Each century is introduced with a brief overview of the milestone events and important figures of the period. Grammar is reviewed and expanded but is no longer the focus of the course. This class is conducted almost entirely in French. French IV: Advanced Placement Language This course prepares students for the Advanced Placement French Language Examination by continuing to develop the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course is conducted entirely in French and closely follows the content, format, and expectations of the Advanced Placement Examination. French Literature This course introduces students to a selection of French literary masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the present. In addition to readings and literary analyses, students are encouraged to write poetry, short stories, and maxims emulating the style and tone of a given author. This class is conducted almost entirely in French.

	Latin
	Latin I This course provides an introduction to Latin syntax, grammar, and vocabulary. In addition, students examine Roman history and culture, and study Latin roots of English vocabulary. The goal of Latin I is to give students a solid foundation for further study in Latin and to deepen students’ knowledge of both Latin and English grammar and vocabulary. Latin II This course continues the study of Latin grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. Its chief aim is to enable students to read passages of poetry and prose of increasing length and complexity with confidence. The course also reinforces the students’ grasp of English grammar and usage and includes the study of English vocabulary derived from Latin roots. Latin III Honors Students finish their study of Latin grammar and syntax in this course and begin their study of Latin poetry and prose. A unit on Roman history, with selections adapted from Livy, is followed by an introduction to the poetry of Virgil, Ovid, and Catullus. Students read and analyze the poetry to understand its historical context. Latin IV: Advanced Placement Latin Students continue to study extensive selections from the poetry of Virgil, Ovid, and Catullus. They are expected to understand the Latin, to analyze the poetic techniques used, and to acquire an appreciation of each author’s style. They read the entire Advanced Placement curriculum, practice writing analytical essays, and gain experience in sight reading and in translation of complex texts in preparation for the Advanced Placement Examination.

	Spanish
	Spanish I This course focuses on basic grammar and vocabulary. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition of basic grammatical structures and vocabulary. An introduction to Spanish culture strengthens the beginning student’s understanding and appreciation of the language. Spanish II This course strengthens the students’ proficiency in language. Students gain facility in the use of verb tenses and other essentials of grammar and syntax. The course is conducted almost entirely in Spanish. Spanish III Standard/Honors Students complete the study of all the major grammatical structures in the Spanish language and begin the study of Spanish literature. Classes are conducted entirely in Spanish. In class, students are expected to speak Spanish and to take Spanish dictation. Considerable attention is given to the development of fluency. The Honors class provides the strong foundation and structure essential for recommendation to the Advanced Placement level. Spanish IV and Spanish V Students review all the major grammatical structures and verb tenses. Attention is also given to the continued improvement of speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, as well as to the reading of poetry and fiction. Class is conducted in Spanish and students are expected to speak Spanish. Spanish IV: Advanced Placement Language This course meets the needs of students who plan to prepare for the Advanced Placement Examination in Spanish Language. Emphasis is placed on developing the four language skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing, largely through discussion. Spanish IV closely follows the content, format, and expectations of the Advanced Placement Examination. Spanish V: Advanced Placement Literature Advanced Placement Spanish Literature is the equivalent of a college introduction to the history of literature in Spanish, from the Middle Ages to the present, through selected readings of Peninsular and Latin American authors. Students closely read literary texts of all genres in Spanish, and critically analyze the form and content of literary works using appropriate terminology.