Modern Languages

Chinese A is an introductory-level course designed to orient the beginning student properly within the Chinese language by introducing fundamental syntactic constructions along with basic vocabulary. We will also be promoting cognitive association between concepts and Chinese characters through character practice and study, and by facilitating culture-based learning. Emphasis is placed on pronunciation and listening skills. Students will encounter various aspects of Chinese language and culture through projects and cultural activities.

This course is a continuation of Chinese A and completes Level I of the language. Students who complete Chinese A and B will be prepared to enter Chinese II. During the course, students continue their acquisition of basic vocabulary and grammatical structures while developing their speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills. In addition to the listening and speaking skills, this course will also focus on recognizing and writing Chinese characters. Students will encounter various aspects of Chinese language and culture through projects and cultural activities.

Beginning their course of study in French, students are introduced to the essential skills of communication and are encouraged to communicate in French at every level: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. They further develop this proficiency through the study of different French-speaking countries with films, readings, games, music, oral presentations and online resources. Beginning their course of study in French, students are introduced to the essential skills of communication and are encouraged to communicate in French at every level: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. They further develop this proficiency through the study of different French-speaking countries with films, readings, games, music, and oral presentations. French A combined with French B prepares students for entry into French II.

In French B, students continue to develop their foundation in French grammar and vocabulary in the context of French-speaking cultures. Students improve speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Successful completion of this class prepares students for French II or possibly II-Honors.

This course is a continuation of the foundational skills introduced in French I. Students will expand their knowledge of basic grammar constructs and further develop and deepen the speaking, listening, writing, and reading skills necessary for continued study in the language. Students will study Francophone cultures through selected short story readings, games, videos, oral presentations, and multimedia projects.

Spanish A serves as an introduction to the fundamental skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. Emphasis is placed on establishing oral proficiency, which is developed through class discussion, skits, presentations and projects. This course also employs games, videos, songs, short readings and online activities to further improve language skills. In addition to foundational grammar and thematic vocabulary units, students explore cultural elements of various Spanish-speaking countries. This year of Spanish combined with Spanish B is the equivalent of Spanish I.

This course is a continuation of Spanish A and completes Level I of the language. Students who complete Spanish A and B will be prepared to enter Spanish II, or possibly Spanish II Honors, as recommended by the teachers. During the course, students continue their acquisition of basic vocabulary and grammatical structures while developing their speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills in cultural contexts. The greatest emphasis is put on developing each student's confidence and oral proficiency skills. This year of Spanish combined with Spanish A is the equivalent of Spanish I.