MODERN AND CLASSICAL LANGUAGES

MODERN AND CLASSICAL LANGUAGES

In the Modern and Classical Languages Department the courses are designed to develop skills in the four styles of communication: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Our course of study allows students to build the skills needed to communicate in an increasingly multicultural and global environment. Students learn to appreciate and to respect the common elements and differences of various societies and cultures, and they also learn to understand and value their own cultures.

We expect our students to demonstrate proficiency through purposeful and active engagement, and our goal is that students graduate with a confident command of the language. Modern languages classes are taught predominantly in the target language. The classical languages value the same skills with a primary emphasis on reading, analysis, and composition of the language.

Requirements: Although the graduation requirement is the completion of three levels of language study, students are encouraged to continue studying the same language to the highest level possible.

Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) sections are offered; course placements are based upon factors including prior performance, student interest, and department approval. Students enrolled in AP courses are required to take the courses for the full year and to take the AP exams. These exams carry an additional fee of approximately $100, and AP courses may involve work over long breaks and sometimes over the summer.

At times an advanced level course and college preparatory level course may run concurrently. Our program is sequential and presumes the level prior as a prerequisite course.