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World Language Department
Placement
For new students only, initial placement in World Language is done by a transcript evaluation. In some cases, a skills test may be necessary. Students may not retake the skills test, but may adjust their placement during their first year after assessment by their teacher, the World Languages Department Chair, and the Academic Office.
Students must complete through level 3 of a language to graduate. Students whose first language (or the language most commonly spoken in a student’s home) is not English are exempt from the World Languages requirement beginning in the 9th grade.

Sequence
W.110/ Chinese I
This first-year course in Standard Chinese is for students who have no or very little prior experience in the language. Over the course of this first year, students will develop foundational skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, as well as gain basic understanding of Chinese culture. Students will learn Hanyu Pinyin (phonetic romanization) along with the four tones, in order to aid in proper pronunciation as well as enable students to digitally produce or type simplified characters. Computer-assisted technology and online course materials are an integral part of the instruction in this class. Students will acquire a strong foundation in basic Chinese language skills by the end of this first year. This course will follow National Standards for Foreign Language Education. (1 credit)

W.111/ Chinese II
Prerequisite: 8th grade: B+ or above in previous level; 9th-12th: C or above in previous level

This course is a continuation of Chinese I. Having learned basic fundamentals skills, students will delve deeper into the more complex grammar structures, gain a stronger vocabulary and continue to improve their ability to recognize and digitally produce (text or type) simplified characters. Emphasis will be placed on conversational Chinese including correct pronunciation with proper tone or inflection. Technology and computer programs are an integral part of this course. At the end of the year, students will be able to type a full topical essay in simplified characters and hold a basic conversation about daily life. (1 credit)
W.112/ Chinese III
Prerequisite: 9th-12th: C or above in previous level.
In Chinese III, students will continue to be challenged in all four areas, listening, speaking, reading and writing as they move towards fluency with greater ease and confidence. Much of our class time will be spent learning about Chinese history including famous historical figures and major events which impacted Chinese culture. More advanced oral presentations and more comprehensive digitally produced writing assignments are expected. By year end, most students will be able to give a brief overview of Chinese history in spoken Chinese. Students will also be able to engage with native speakers on a variety of topics, demonstrating cultural awareness and appropriateness, crossing both linguistic and cultural barriers, and appreciating the wonder and diversity of God’s creation through the learning of Mandarin Chinese. (1 credit)
W.114/ Advanced Chinese: Culture
Prerequisite: B+ or above in Chinese III
China is a fascinating country with a long enduring history, steeped in rich culture. In this advanced level course, students will progress in all aspects of their language skills as they delve deeper into Chinese culture. Topics covered will include: China’s geography, famous traditional holidays, Chinese Philosophy, religion and ideologies as well as Chinese inventions, cuisine, art, poetry, customs, etiquette, and more. Students will discuss and reflect upon the way in which China’s recent advancements and unprecedented developments over the past few decades have impacted and challenged old ideas and traditions. Students will watch movies depicting Chinese culture including a movie about teenage life in China today. Active class participation is expected from all students. (1 credit)
W.113/ Advanced Chinese: Literature [Not offered in 2023-2024]
Prerequisite: B+ or above in Chinese III


In this advanced level course, students will continue to be challenged in all areas of language; listening, speaking, reading and writing as we take a broad overview of Chinese classical and modern literature. Over the course of a year students will reflect and discuss how the thoughts, feelings and experiences of Chinese people down through the ages are reflected in writing and poems. This will include reading experts from the Four Classical Novels, quotes from Chinese philosophers
Confucius, Laozi, Mengzi as well as experts from Sunzi’s “The Art of War” and legalist Han Feizi. We will wrap up the first trimester studying a poem by QuYuan, a national hero who lived during the Warring States period. By second Trimester students will begin studying poems written during the Han, Tang and Song Dynasties including giants such as LiBai and DuFu. Towards the end of the year we will study samples of contemporary literature written in vernacular or “Baihua” the language of the common man, students will grow in their understanding of the political, social, and economic forces which brought about revolution ending centuries of dynastic rule. Students will reflect and discuss how the writings of LuXun, Lao She, and MaoZeDong helped transform China and how these changes clash with past held values as China continues to progress at a remarkable pace. (1 credit)
W.140/ Spanish I
This first year course is intended for students who do not have prior experience with the Spanish language. It introduces foundational grammar and thematic vocabulary of approximately 1000 words, including 200 regular and irregular verbs. There is a balanced approach to all components of language acquisition: listening and reading comprehension, writing skills and speaking. Students learn to introduce themselves, using short dialogues about their nationalities, family, personal interests and school life. Common and practical everyday phrases are also taught and practiced on a regular basis. Additional focus on the varied cultural aspects of the Spanish speaking world is stressed. Students are encouraged to express themselves in Spanish during class time. (1 credit)

W.141/ Spanish II
Prerequisite: 8th grade: B+ or above in previous level, 9th-12th: C or

Above
As a continuation of Spanish I, students will develop their ability to communicate in Spanish while studying new vocabulary and more complex grammatical structures are taught , such as reflexive verbs, informal commands, and possessive pronouns. Past tense verb tenses are also introduced so that students can begin narrating past events and stories. Students are consistently required to speak and write in Spanish about relevant cultural topics and are required to express themselves in Spanish during class time. (1 credit)
W.142/ Spanish III
Prerequisites:
C or above in Spanish II
In the third year of study, an intensive grammar review of all indicative verb tenses occurs. Additionally, the present, past and future tenses within the subjunctive mood are taught. Students will present frequently in Spanish on Spanishspeaking countries, incorporating a variety of cultural aspects for each country. Attention is given to control complex grammatical structures and the building of a more comprehensive vocabulary. Many opportunities for speaking and writing are provided. Students will work towards advanced competency in reading, writing, listening and speaking, and the class is conducted almost entirely in Spanish. (1 credit)
W.143/ Spanish IV Honors
Prerequisite: B+ in Spanish III
In this Honors class students will learn to think creatively, read critically, speak intelligently, and write confidently in the Spanish language. Much dedication to study is required as students work towards greater communicative competence in Spanish. Students should expect 30 minutes of homework each night and to be stretched academically. The class is taught utilizing many authentic resources (current events and pop culture), which keep the class energetic and engaging. The class is taught entirely in Spanish. (1 credit)
W.341/ AP Spanish Language and Culture
Prerequisite: B+ in Spanish IV Honors
The AP Spanish class is challenging because students are intellectually stretched as they reason, consider, debate complex issues completely in Spanish. Authentic resources are primary sources for our understanding of current issues in the Spanish-speaking world, such as politics, immigration, entertainment, and culture.. After a tremendous amount of preparation, students will take the AP Spanish Language test in May. Students should plan on 45 minutes of homework/self study each night in AP Spanish. (1 credit)
W.130/ Latin I
This first-year course introduces the basic elements of the Latin language. Vocabulary skills are stressed both through simple spoken Latin and through emphasis on English words derived from Latin. Cultural and historical background topics and an examination of the Greco-Roman foundations of our modern civilization form an integral part of the course. Students read substantial passages in Latin (based on a Roman family), utilizing nouns and adjectives of the first three noun declensions and verbs of all four conjugations in all six tenses. (1 credit)
W.131/ Latin II
Prerequisites: 8th grade: B+ or above in previous level. 9th-12th: C or better

A continuation of the process begun in Latin I, this course introduces the remaining major grammatical points with particular attention to the passive voice and subjunctive mood. The story of the Roman family, begun in Latin I continues, covering daily life in Rome. Students begin to learn in-depth Roman history, particularly the end of the Republic as it correlates to the text and to the Humanities courses at The Stony Brook School. (1 credit)
W.132/ Latin III
Prerequisite: C or above in previous level
Beginning with a comprehensive review of grammar and syntax, Latin III transitions students from created Latin stories to translation of authentic, unabridged Latin texts by such authors as Augustus, Eutropius, Cicero, and Caesar. Emphasis is placed on accurate translation and interpretation of texts, as well as the locating of texts and their authors in their proper historical and cultural context. Remaining grammar topicsconditional statements, gerundives and more uses of the subjunctive mood - are mastered. The study of Roman history continues and incorporates discussions of Roman emperors, law and politics. (1 credit)
W.134/ Advanced Latin Literature [Not offered in 2023-24]
Prerequisite: A- in Latin III
This advanced elective course is intended for students who have demonstrated mastery of Latin grammar and a strong interest in classical civilization. The class is conducted in a seminar format. The Roman authors we read rotate each year depending on curriculum. This course is offered every other year when AP Latin is not being offered. (1 credit)

W.330/ AP Latin
Prerequisite: A- in Latin III
This college-level seminar course in Latin prose and poetry provides an in-depth examination of Vergil’s Aeneid and Julius Caesar’s Gallic Wars. Textual analysis and interpretation, poetic meters, and historical cultural background are stressed as required by the national syllabus published by the College Board in preparation for the AP Examination. This course is offered every other year when Advanced Latin Literature is not being offered. (1 credit)