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The study of a foreign language and culture provides a distinct and valuable perspective on our own society and better prepares students for the multicultural world in which we live with the ability to effectively and creatively express themselves in words and ideas. Thereby, students obtain a greater understanding of and appreciation for themselves and others. We instill the joy of communicating in a foreign language through experiential classroom learning and regular trips to countries where the target language is spoken. Language is the blueprint of a culture, and language learning is an essential component in the construction of a tolerant, sustainable society. Students are exposed to the cultures of Spanish and French-speaking people – fostering a sense of global interconnectedness. Students are required to take two years of one language, though many colleges encourage four years.
French I
The first year of French introduces the language on all levels: speaking, reading, writing and listening, by introducing a combination of vocabulary words with grammar principles. Students are encouraged from the very beginning to speak and to listen to the language through student-teacher interchanges, group work, music, films and in-class presentations. Students engage with the French language through a variety of activities, including role plays, dialogues, and games. Daily homework assignments and weekly journals focus on the reading and writing of the language. Frequent quizzes help to reinforce new concepts and help to prepare for more comprehensive written assessments. To expand their cultural knowledge, students will research and present their findings regarding a Francophone area. Students in French I are encouraged to participate in some way in our annual French exchange program, as this will allow them to expand their speaking and comprehension skills with native speakers of French. (Full year)
The second year of French begins with reinforcement of previously learned concepts and goes on to challenge students with a more comprehensive grasp of language and culture. Emphasis is placed on proficiency through student-teacher interchanges in class, through group work, music, films and in-class presentations. Emphasis is placed on pronunciation and inflection as well as on grammar. As in French I, various teaching methods are used in class. Daily homework assignments and weekly journals focus on the reading and writing of the language. Frequent quizzes help to reinforce new concepts and help to prepare for more comprehensive written assessments. Students in French II are encouraged to participate in some way in our annual French exchange program, as this will allow them to expand their speaking and comprehension skills with native speakers of French. (Full year; Prerequisite: French I)
French III
In the third year of French, speaking, reading, writing and listening skills acquired in French I and French II are reinforced, even as new material is taught. Most instruction is done in French and students are expected to speak French as much as possible during class time. Students will learn a great deal of new vocabulary, as well as many new, more sophisticated grammar concepts, such as more complex verb conjugations. French literature is introduced for the first time, using such engaging texts as Le Petit Nicolas. To expand their cultural knowledge, students will listen to music, view films and research then present their findings regarding a Francophone area. Students in French III are encouraged to participate in our annual French exchange program, as this will allow them to expand their speaking and comprehension skills with native speakers of French. (Full year; Prerequisite: French II)
In the fourth year of French, speaking, reading, writing and listening skills acquired in all previous French courses are reinforced, even as new material is taught. All instruction is done in French and students are expected to speak only French during class time. In this class, students will learn a great deal of new vocabulary, as well as review completely all grammar concepts. Students will read French literature, including Camus’ germinal novel L’etranger and plays by Moliere. Students at this highest level are encouraged to participate in our annual French exchange program, as this will allow them to expand their speaking and comprehension skills with native speakers of French and gain a deeper understanding of and appreciation for French culture. (Full year; Prerequisite: French III)
Spanish I
First year students are introduced to language learning with proficiency-based classroom instruction and sound grammatical preparation. The emphasis is on mastering basic language skills: reading, writing, listening to, and speaking everyday Spanish. Using a textbook and supplementary readings, project work and field trips, students gain an appreciation of the language, life, history, geography, and culture of Spanish-speaking people. (Full year)
Spanish II
Spanish II expands upon the knowledge learned in Spanish I. Increased emphasis is placed on mastering basic language skills. Students are exposed to comparative linguistics through the culture, values, and aspirations of the Hispanic world. Students are expected to complete one project per semester on a cultural, bio-regional, historic, or creative topic of their choice. (Full year; Prerequisite: Spanish I)
Spanish III
In third year Spanish, students master intermediate level proficiency in the four basic language areas. Exposure to the culture and history of
Spanish IV-V
Students are immersed in Spanish language and culture. Material is thematically and linguistically integrated to provide a review of the main structures of the language. Students study the ethnic origins of Hispanic culture in
