World Languages
The study of a foreign language is invaluable in broadening the students' sensitivity to and appreciation of other cultures. The acquisition of a second language increases students' intellectual capacities and facilitates their understanding of different patterns of thought.
The immediate goal of the world languages curriculum is to teach communication skills. From the outset, special attention is placed on the development of the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Advanced Placement courses are offered in French, Latin, and Spanish. Middle School and incoming Upper School students of French and Spanish must demonstrate above-average competency before entering French or Spanish II in ninth grade. Students who show proficiency in the first three years are encouraged to continue their study in Grades 11 and 12. In the fourth and fifth year courses, students focus on the reading of poetry, novels, and plays. Students who are language-proficient may elect to carry two languages.
Middle School
The Middle School World Languages curriculum introduces students to Latin, French, and Spanish, emphasizing language as a bridge to understanding diverse cultures and histories. Students explore the foundations of each language through vocabulary, grammar, and cultural practices, gaining insight into their global significance. In Latin, students uncover the roots of modern languages and explore Roman history, learning how ancient culture still influences us today. They also make connections to English vocabulary, building a foundation for future language studies. In French and Spanish, students develop communication skills while discovering the Francophone and Hispanic worlds. By engaging with authentic cultural materials, they deepen their understanding of these languages' heritage and modern-day realities, fostering a well-rounded, global perspective.
Essential Skills
Our World Language program emphasizes essential skills such as speaking, listening, reading, and writing in the target language. Students develop basic conversational skills to engage in everyday dialogues, which builds their confidence in speaking. Listening comprehension is also a focus, allowing them to understand native speakers and follow simple conversations. Reading and writing activities strengthen vocabulary and grammar, enabling students to express themselves in both oral and written forms. Cultural awareness is integrated, helping students appreciate diverse perspectives and fostering a global mindset.
- Beginner's French A and B
- Beginner's Latin A and B
- Beginner's Spanish A and B
- Grade 6: Introduction to World Languages
Beginner's French A and B
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of the French language. Speaking, reading, writing and listening comprehension will be practiced via assignments, projects, role-plays, and interactive activities and games. Improving conversational skills is emphasized; therefore, all students are encouraged and expected to exercise their oral communication abilities. Students will also learn about francophone cultures and French-speaking areas of the world. They will thus be exposed to authentic cultural material such as songs and other audio and visual materials.
Overview of Topics
- Vocabulary
- Greetings and goodbyes (Grade 7)
- School-related vocab: classroom objects & subjects (Grade 7)
- Family (Grade 7)
- Places in the city (Grade 8)
- Leisure activities: hobbies & sports (Grade 8)
- Vacation and weather (Grade 8)
- Clothing (Grade 8)
- Grammar
- Nouns and articles
- Numbers
- Telling time
- Forming questions
- Adjectives (how to describe)
- Direct and indirect pronouns
- Regular and irregular verbs
- Present, past, and future tenses
Skills Emphasized
- Listening comprehension
- Reading comprehension
- Speaking and writing skills
- Overall understanding of the Francophone culture
- Metacognition
Signature Activities
- French cooking class
- National Exam
- Weather report
- Family Tree project
- Film: Le Ballon Rouge
Texts and Other Resource Materials
- D'Accord 1A
- D'Accord 1B
Beginner's Latin A and B
In this course, students will be able to acquire Latin vocabulary and understand grammatical structure. Students learn English vocabulary influenced by Latin roots and explore the many ways the Roman Empire continues to shape our modern world. Using Suburani as their text, students also discuss various aspects of the ancient world, looking at Roman history and culture, as well as Latin etymologies. Comparisons between our culture and that of the Romans will be made for deep engagement with language and culture. The goal is to give students a solid foundation for further study in Latin.
Overview of Topics
- Noun cases (nominative, genitive, dative, ablative, vocative)
- First, second, and third declensions
- Verb tenses (present, imperfect, perfect)
- Irregular verbs (sum, volo, nolo)
- Imperative verbs
- Prepositional phrases
- Noun adjective agreement
Skills Emphasized
- Mastery of Latin grammar rules, including noun declensions, verb conjugations, adjectives, and pronouns
- Vocabulary building
- Recognizing Latin roots in English words
- Memorization of the four conjugations (present, imperfect, future, etc.) and five noun declensions
- Noun case recognition
- Translation skills
- Reading comprehension
- Understanding Roman culture, mythology, and history
Signature Activities
- Epistolary writing project
- Cena invitation
- Mega gladiator
- Advertisement to join the Roman army
- National Exam
- Metacognition
Texts and Other Resource Materials
- Suburani
Beginner's Spanish A and B
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of the Spanish language. Speaking, reading, writing, and listening comprehension will be practiced via assignments, projects, role-plays, interactive activities, games, and much more. Improving conversational skills is emphasized; therefore, all students are encouraged and expected to exercise their oral communication abilities. Students will also learn about Hispanic cultures and Spanish-speaking areas of the world. They will be exposed to various authentic cultural materials such as songs and audio and visual materials.
Overview of Topics
- Vocabulary
- Greetings and goodbyes (Grade 7)
- School-related vocab: classroom objects & subjects (Grade 7)
- Family (Grade 7)
- Places in the city (Grade 8)
- Leisure activities: hobbies & sports (Grade 8)
- Vacation and weather (Grade 8)
- Clothing (Grade 8)
- Grammar
- Nouns and articles
- Numbers
- Telling time
- Forming questions
- Adjectives (how to describe)
- Direct and indirect pronouns
- Regular and irregular verbs
- Present, past, and future tenses
Skills Emphasized
- Listening comprehension
- Reading comprehension
- Speaking and writing skills
- Overall understanding of the Hispanic culture
- Metacognition
Signature Activities
- Mi calaca (culture project about the celebration of the Day of the Dead)
- Family Tree project
- Weather forecast project
- National Exam
- Design of an online clothing store
Grade 6: Introduction to World Languages
In this course, students explore Latin, French, and Spanish to see how Romance languages are connected and to help them decide which language they will study in Grades 7 and 8. They study vocabulary, grammar, and culture to deepen their understanding of the contexts in which Latin, French, and Spanish were and are spoken.
Overview of Topics
- Introduction to languages' families
- Conversational phrases
- Nouns and family vocabulary
- Verb system
- Personal pronouns
- Adjectives
- Numbers
Skills Emphasized
- Vocabulary building
- Mastery of noun functions
- Understanding verb conjugations
- Grasping sentence structure, including subject-verb agreement and word order
- Translating into and from the target language accurately, focusing on nuances of meaning
- Recognizing and translating different sentence types
- Memorization
Signature Activities
- Coin project
- French baking class
- French Trivial Pursuit
Texts and Other Resource Materials
- Materials adapted from Aequora
Upper School
French
Beginner’s French A - B
This course offers an accelerated introduction to French in the Upper School. The course focuses on the development of fundamental grammatical structures, tenses (present, imperative, future, passe compose, and imparfait), and vocabulary essential for proficiency in understanding, speaking, writing, and reading French. Through authentic readings, grammar exercises, skits, conversations, and audio-visual materials, students cultivate both oral proficiency and cultural competence. By the end of the academic year, students have gained the ability to comprehend and utilize spoken French in various everyday situations. Additionally, they are capable of reading short literary and cultural texts, as well as composing simple dialogues and cohesive paragraphs in French. This course aims to equip students with a solid linguistic foundation and cultural awareness, fostering their enthusiasm for continued language learning. Open to students with no prior experience in French
Intermediate French A
This course further strengthens students' language skills by building on fundamental structures (such as subjunctive and relative pronouns) and vocabulary essential for a more nuanced grasp of both spoken and written French. The course is designed to cultivate effective communication and cultural competence through comprehension and grammar exercises, skits, conversations, and exploration of audio-visual materials such as TV shows, videos, music from the francophone world, and articles. The course emphasizes the global impact of shared experiences and the cultural implications of communication differences. Students are able to comprehend and use spoken French to contrast their daily experiences with varied customs and traditions, as well as engage with short literary and cultural texts. Proficiency in crafting substantial dialogues and coherent storytelling of past events in French are attained. Prerequisite: Beginner’s French A-B or equivalent
Intermediate French B
Students review and are introduced to many of the major grammatical constructions of French. Students approach these constructions, along with new vocabulary, in context to accomplish real-life oriented tasks. The course is composed of various thematic units that utilize authentic material (literature, audio and video clips) from France and the French-speaking world. A variety of exercises and assignments (including PBL) enable students to develop and practice reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. They also learn to analyze different types of texts and media on current issues, communicate effectively in French with various questions and topics, write in different genres and tenses for different purposes and audiences, and compare and appreciate different francophone cultures and values. Prerequisite: Intermediate French A
Intermediate French B Honors
Students review and are introduced to the major grammatical constructions of French. Students approach these constructions, along with new vocabulary, in context to accomplish real-life oriented tasks. Conducted entirely in French, the course is composed of thematic units that utilize authentic material (literature, audio and video clips) from France and the French-speaking world. A variety of exercises and assignments (including PBL) enable students to develop all four skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening). This course is intended to provide a more rigorous and sustained pace meant to prepare students for advanced placement courses down the line. Special attention is paid to composition writing, using complex sentences and different moods such as the subjunctive and the conditional. Special consideration is given to oral communication on thematic topics, through debates and Harkness tables. Prerequisite: Intermediate French A with departmental approval
Advanced French
This course is designed to develop students’ linguistic competence and intercultural understanding. Students learn to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences in different situations and contexts. They use French as the main language of communication in class, both with the teacher and with their peers. They also use authentic materials such as literary and cultural texts to expose themselves to the target language and culture. The course covers a range of topics and themes such as daily life, customs and traditions, past events, and future plans. Students practice their language skills by understanding and using spoken French, reading and writing short texts, reflecting on the past, present, and future, and appreciating the diversity and interconnection of the Francophone world. This course gives students the opportunity to reach a high degree of competency in French and to learn more about the international Francophone community. Prerequisite: Intermediate French B or Intermediate French B Honors
Advanced French Honors
Meant to develop students’ linguistic competence and intercultural understanding, this course is held exclusively in French and centers around a series of themes exploring the many facets of French-speaking cultures as well as a thorough range of communicative situations. This course approaches vocabulary and grammar acquisition through a progressive approach, starting with the observation of authentic documents, continuing with systematizing knowledge with review tables, and ending with open-ended practice to use each learned element in a contextualized manner. Part of the Honors Program, this course is intended to provide a more rigorous and sustained pace meant to prepare students for the advanced placement course offered the subsequent year. By the end of the academic school year, students are able to perform various tasks that are the hallmark of the advanced level, such as email responses, improvised discussion on a given topic, audio or written document analysis, cultural presentations, and short essays. They are also conversant with the many themes of the advanced placement program. Prerequisite: Honors Intermediate French B
Advanced Placement French
This course aims to prepare students for the AP French Language Exam and to develop their proficiency in French across the three modes of communication: interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational. The course is conducted exclusively in French. By the end of the school year, students are able to understand and produce written and spoken language, present information and ideas to different audiences, and demonstrate their intercultural competence on the six thematic approaches articulated by the College Board. They also connect their learning of French to other disciplines, acquire new perspectives through the language and its cultures, and compare their own culture and language to those of the Francophone world. Moreover, they are able to use French in and out of the school context and reach an overall proficiency suitable for them to follow courses at the upper-intermediate level in college. Prerequisite: Advanced French Honors or Advanced French with departmental approval
Latin
Beginner’s Latin A-B
In this course, students acquire Latin vocabulary and learn grammatical structure. Students learn English vocabulary influenced by Latin roots and explore the many ways the Roman Empire continues to shape our modern world. Using Suburani as their text, students also discuss various aspects of the ancient world, looking at Roman history and culture as well as Latin etymologies. Comparisons between our culture and that of the Romans are made for deep engagement with language and culture. Students learn to conjugate verbs in the present, imperfect, and perfect tenses, identify and decline nouns in all cases from the first, second and third declensions, and translate passages of Latin text. After completing this course, students take Intermediate Latin A. Open to students with no prior experience in Latin
Intermediate Latin A
Using Suburani as their text, students read Latin passages of increasing length and complexity with accuracy. No longer reading only simple or compound sentences, students are introduced to complex sentences with subordinating connectors, participles and their uses, and the subjunctive mood. Students demonstrate their knowledge of complex Latin constructions by composing their own Latin narratives. This is done through various mediums such as composing love letters from Pyramus to Thisbe or vice versa, and by describing the scene at a Roman wedding. In addition to the grammatical aspects, this course explores various topics in Roman history and culture such as daily life in Pompeii, spectacles and fashion in Rome’s African provinces, and the challenges of managing the expanding Empire. Prerequisite: Beginner’s Latin A-B or equivalent
Intermediate Latin B
In this course, students demonstrate their knowledge of Latin grammar and vocabulary through a methodical study of the Latin language and careful review. After reviewing grammatical material including noun declensions, indicative verb forms in the active and passive voices, adjective and pronoun uses, infinitives, and overall translation skills, students further practice more complex linguistic concepts. Perfect system passive verb forms and participles are highlighted at the start of the year, and other grammar topics include subjunctive verb forms and their various uses as well as relative clauses. As students master grammatical elements, they work to improve their overall translation skills and reading fluency. Prerequisite: Intermediate Latin A
Intermediate Latin B Honors
In this course, students are able to hold a fast pace as they study the history, culture, and literature of the Late Roman Republic and Early Roman Empire. Students complete their study of intermediate Latin grammar and syntax, particularly the formation and usage of the subjunctive mood. They also work on developing processes to translate Latin texts successfully into English with the guiding question, “how do you know that you are correct?” In this course, students begin the year by translating adapted Latin texts and end the year transitioning to translating original works of Latin literature. Texts studied are chosen based on student interests and skill profiles; these texts may include the prose of Cicero, Petronius, and Caesar, or the poetry of Catullus and Ovid. Prerequisite: Intermediate Latin A with departmental approval
Advanced Latin
In this course, students successfully transition from adapted Latin and are able to read Latin prose and poetry at a high level while also focusing on the grammatical and vocabulary structures underlying the text. Through a careful study of sentence structure, students proceed methodically through translations, building upon and applying skills from previous years. By focusing on the mythology of Apuleius, Ovid, and Vergil, students are introduced to the pastoral tradition, a fantasy sparsely inhabited by shepherd-musicians who spent their days singing of love and roaming idyllic landscapes. Students seek to understand what this fictional countryside offered Rome’s most urbane writers. Nostalgia for more innocent times? Space to imagine a purer world? A retreat from reality’s horrors? An idealized life of peace and love? Or a false sense of hope against which society and the ever-hungry city grinds? Prerequisite: Intermediate Latin B or Intermediate Latin B Honors
Advanced Latin Honors
In this course, students are able to delve more deeply into Latin literature and language through the process of translating ancient Latin authors. Students’ work incorporates an increased focus on literary criticism, grappling with cultural and literary issues that provide a nuanced view of the Roman Empire and its social world. Through close reading of both prose and poetry, students evaluate how authors play with form and technique, intertextuality, views of marginalized or non-Roman persons, and methods of persuasion. Latin authors studied may include Pliny the Younger, Apuleius, Ovid, Vergil, and Caesar. By the end of the course, students have practiced various techniques and built skills such that they can enter AP Latin the following year at a high level. Prerequisite: Intermediate
Latin B Honors
Advanced Placement Latin
In this course, students are able to participate in a curriculum which is equivalent to an upper-intermediate level college course in Latin focusing on the in-depth study of selections from two important works in Latin literature: Vergil’s Aeneid and Caesar’s Gallic War. Students cultivate their understanding of classics through preparing and translating readings and considering themes in the context of ancient literature as they explore concepts like literary techniques, Roman values, war and empire, leadership, views of non-Romans, history and memory, and human beings and the gods. Prerequisite: Advanced Latin Honors or Advanced Latin with departmental approval
Spanish
Beginner’s Spanish A-B
This is a comprehensive introductory course to both the Spanish language and the cultures where the Spanish language is spoken. This course is modeled on the communicative approach, where emphasis is placed on using the language for meaningful purposes in authentic situations and developing the learner's competence to communicate in the target language. While it is still important to study vocabulary and produce the language, the approach is directed toward the exploration and deeper understanding of the language. The overarching objectives of this course are to develop basic communicative skills in Spanish as a second language and to develop knowledge about the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. Open to students with no prior experience in Spanish
Intermediate Spanish A
This course continues to strengthen skills learned during Beginner’s Spanish by adding more complex grammar, vocabulary, and writing practice. By the end of the course, students are able to narrate and describe in the simple past tense. In addition, speaking and listening comprehension skills are emphasized, and students strive to converse and express ideas solely in Spanish. Writing skills are practiced through short compositions and exercises. Reading skills are enhanced through short stories, poetry, and other original Spanish texts that lend themselves to the discussion of current events in science, technology, art, literature, politics and popular culture. Prerequisite: Beginners Spanish A-B or equivalent
Intermediate Spanish B
This course builds upon the basic course content of Spanish I and II with more complex grammar and thematic vocabulary aimed at strengthening language skills. It focuses on real communication in meaningful contexts that develop and consolidate speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, while expanding cultural competency. The various components of the program throughout the year emphasize an interactive, proficiency-oriented approach to the study of Spanish language and culture. The ultimate goal is to increase communicative competency and strengthen confidence in self-expression. For this reason, Spanish is the primary means of communication in this course. Prerequisite: Intermediate Spanish A
Honors Intermediate Spanish B
Students review and are introduced to many of the major grammatical constructions of Spanish. By the end of the course, students are able to use a variety of complex and compound sentence structures with which to give advice, make recommendations, express personal opinions, or make predictions about the future. Students approach these constructions, along with new vocabulary, by means of various thematic units that utilize authentic material (literature, the press, audio and video clips) from Spain and Latin America. A variety of exercises and assignments enable students to develop skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students demonstrate what they have learned through oral presentations, original videos, and original creative writing. Prerequisite: Intermediate Spanish A with departmental approval
Advanced Spanish
As a continuation of the third-year Spanish course, by the end of this course, students have reviewed all the major grammatical constructions of the Spanish language. Students approach these constructions, along with new vocabulary, by means of various thematic units that utilize authentic material (literature, the press, audio and video clips) from Spain and Latin America. A variety of exercises and assignments enable students to expand their skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, which are then assessed through vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension quizzes as well as in-class writing activities and presentations. Prerequisite: Intermediate Spanish B or Intermediate Spanish B Honors
Honors Advanced Spanish
By the end of the fourth-year Spanish course, students have reviewed all the major grammatical constructions of Spanish. Students approach these constructions, along with new vocabulary, by means of various thematic units that utilize authentic material (literature, the press, audio and video clips) from Spain and Latin America. A variety of exercises and assignments enable students to develop skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students are involved in activities such as analysis and discussion of artists and artistic movements, analysis of different literary genres, and contributions of Spanish and Latin American women to politics and culture. Prerequisite: Honors Intermediate Spanish B
Advanced Placement Spanish Language and Culture
This course is the equivalent of a third-year (fifth and sixth semesters) college Spanish-language course. In this course, students use a variety of written texts and audio-visual materials to explore Spanish and Spanish-speaking American cultures. Six general themes will help guide this exploration: Families and Communities, Contemporary Life, World Challenges, Beauty and Aesthetics, Science and Technology, and Personal and Public Identities. Comprehension of the material, reinforced by a review of Spanish grammar and active vocabulary building, is only the initial step in the course. Students apply their interpretive and analytical skills to synthesize information from two or more sources as they express their observations and reflections on the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries through speaking and writing. Classes are conducted entirely in Spanish. Prerequisite: Advanced Spanish Honors or Advanced Spanish with departmental approval
World Languages: Culture and Literature
We often hear that ‘love conquers all’ and that ‘justice is blind.’ We speak about ‘the pursuit of happiness’ and we tell ourselves that ‘time is money.’ But what do we mean by these phrases? What is the deeper meaning of these ideas? This course explores how enlightened thinkers across time and cultures contributed to the conversations surrounding various philosophical concepts. The course aims to provide a capstone to the language curriculum at Newton Country Day and introduces a unique approach to the study of world literature and visual arts. Students explore how French, Latin, and Spanish written and visual works enlighten and speak to each other about philosophical concepts. This provides an opportunity to read fundamental texts from world literature and see how they echo and interact with each other across centuries and cultures. Prerequisite: Advanced French, Latin, or Spanish