World Languages
The World Languages Program provides the opportunity to read, write and speak another language while also appreciating and respecting a different culture. Communication is stressed with an emphasis on the development of listening and speaking skills. Courses are offered in Latin, French, Spanish, Italian, Irish and Chinese.
As students progress, increased emphasis is placed on writing and reading. This process of instruction parallels the manner in which we learn our native tongue. Participation in the World Languages Program also helps students gain greater insight into the structure of English and to carry this knowledge to other academic disciplines.
Starting in the 2009-2010 school year, all 7th graders will be required to take Latin. In 8th grade they will be offered a choice. They may either take Latin or opt for Spanish, French or Mandarin Chinese.
Beginning in 2009, the following languages will meet CM's 3-year language requirement: French, Mandarin, Spanish and Latin.
Courses
Latin I (561)
The aim of this first year course is to develop the ability to read and comprehend Latin. This is accomplished through a study of vocabulary, rules of grammar, and language syntax. The role played by Latin culture in shaping Western civilization is presented through Latin readings and English essays on Roman life, history, and mythology.
Latin II (562)
This course is a continuation of Latin I. After an intensive review of the structures studied in the first year, this course continues to delve into the basics of Latin grammar, vocabulary, and syntax. Various reading selections serve to develop the aforementioned goals.
Latin Literature (564)
This advanced, college preparatory course involves student exploration of Latin at roughly the same level as the Virgil Latin Course (between the fourth and sixth semester college level). The course involves students in extensive reading of the ancient, classical texts and writings of Latin literature. Students are expected to be able to translate from Latin to English the literature selections presented in class while also demonstrating a firm grasp of grammatical structures and vocabulary.
Latin: Virgil (565)
This course is a survey of Latin literature with emphasis upon Virgil’s Aeneid. Attention is also given to selected areas of Greek and Roman mythology. In this course, students study the legends and history behind various readings and start to appreciate the literary style of the poetry selections.
Classical Mythology (566)
This course is designed to be an introduction to classical mythological themes. Students will gain insight into the connections among myths, literature, and the art of the western world. Topics to be covered include: Creation; Gods-Titans & Olympians; Heroes & Heroines; Trojan War; Odysseus; Families of Mythology; Adventure, Love & Monsters; and Lesser Deities.
Advanced Placement Virgil (569)
This course follows the guidelines set forth by the Advanced Placement College Board for the study of Virgil’s Aeneid. Students will practice sight reading of the Aeneid; study the historical, social and cultural context of the Aeneid; and practice writing essays analyzing and interpreting the text. Students must have a 90% average in previous Latin courses and be ready to commit to the rigorous pace of an Advanced Placement course. Students interested in taking this class must be interviewed by the teacher to ensure a willingness to complete the required summer reading assignment.
French I (581)
An intensive introduction to the language and culture of the French people throughout the world, this course has the fourfold aim of having students understand, speak, read, and write in French. Initial emphasis on the spoken word in a visual context provides a logical learning sequence with a smooth progression from spoken to written language. A realistic view of all aspects of French culture, including history, geography, economics, and customs, is provided.
French II (582)
A continuation of French I, this course begins with a complete grammar review followed by an introduction to more complex grammatical constructions. This course is designed to ensure rapid acquisition of the listening, reading, and writing skills necessary for meaningful communication in both spoken and written French. Students are presented with a highly structured, logical sequence of opportunities to enable them to learn and practice French in a manner that is both stimulating and enjoyable.
French III (583)
This course is designed to provide a review of the four basic skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing, with significant emphasis on reading and writing. A concentrated effort is made to bring students to a level of confidence whereby reading in the target language is used as a basis for oral comprehension, speech, and written expression. From a foundation built upon grammar and usage, the student moves to a more extensive study of literature and culture in the French speaking world.
French IV (584)
The general objective of this course is to develop the four basic skills of language learning: listening, speaking, reading, and writing, using standards established by the College Board. This college preparatory course is taught in French to students with a strong interest in French language learning and firmly established language skills. French grammar is reviewed and followed by reading various works in French. French literature and the study of French culture are also covered at length.
Advanced Placement French (586)
Students who enroll in Advanced Placement French should already have a good command of French grammar and vocabulary and have demonstrated competence in listening, reading, speaking, and writing in French. Course content will reflect interests shared by the students and teacher (the arts, current events, literature, sports, etc.). Materials will include audio and video recordings, films, newspapers, and magazines. Students enrolled in this course are expected to take, and pass, the nationally administered Advanced Placement French language exam.
Spanish I (512)
This is an intensive introduction to the language and culture of Spanish speaking people throughout the world. The course stresses the four language fundamentals of listening, speaking, reading, and writing and serves as a basis for all further language study. The cultural topics of the course include history, geography, and Hispanic customs.
Spanish II (522)
Students who have had a basic introductory course in Spanish are now ready to move into their second year of Spanish. This challenging course encompasses new vocabulary and grammar, including several new tenses, both simple and compound. The flow of the course is rapid and interesting. Culture and history are presented in various short story selections. To take this course, students must have successfully completed Spanish I.
Spanish II Honors (523)
This course will cover the same material as Spanish II, but will proceed at a faster, more intense pace, with additional outside reading selections.
Spanish III (532)
This course offers continued emphasis on speaking, reading, and writing Spanish. Reading selections based upon contemporary aspects of Spanish and Spanish-American life afford up-to-date reading material and the basis for meaningful class discussions in Spanish. Attention to essay writing is stressed.
Spanish III Honors (534)
This course will cover the same material as Spanish III, but will proceed at a faster, more intense pace, with additional outside reading selections.
Spanish IV (544)
This course emphasizes written and oral communication centering on short stories, videos, and written articles. Course work includes intensive vocabulary, grammar review, and translation. Active class participation is required.
Advanced Spanish Honors (545)
This course is designed for the highly advanced Spanish student. All conversation and discussion is conducted in Spanish. Focus is on Latin American art, literature, poetry, culture, economics, and history. Students will compose weekly Spanish language compositions and have weekly oral presentations.
Irish Studies I (550)
The class will explore the history of Ireland and the culture of its people through the centuries from the arrival of the first Celtic tribes to the modern era of the Celtic Tiger. Students will examine the role of Catholicism in the life of the country as well as numerous other topics that have shaped its heritage. Recognizing that a land without a tongue is a land without a soul, the students will also begin a study of elementary Irish language.
Irish Studies II/III
Offered as an elective course, Irish Studies II/III will continue where the previous year's curriculum left off and provide even deeper exploration into the history, culture, and a more intensive study of the language of Ireland.
Italian I (571)
Offered as an elective course, Italian I will present the present, past, and future tenses, and several other basic grammatical structures. It will present a survey of the music, food, art, history, and literature of Italy with a special emphasis on Italian immigration to the United States. The class will be taught according to a modified language immersion model.
Italian II (572)
Offered as an elective course, Italian II will continue where Italian I left off and provide even deeper exploration into the history, culture, and language of Italy.
Chinese I (591)
Chinese I is a full-year course that will introduce students to the basic structure of spoken and written Mandarin Chinese. The class will also explore the art, culture, food, and music of the Chinese people. Although no prerequisite is required, students already participating in Introduction to Mandarin Chinese sessions will transition to this class with ease.
Chinese II
A full-year, elective course that will follow on the heels of Chinese I, Chinese II will provide students with a deeper understanding of Mandarin language and grammatical structure. The art, culture, food, and music of the Chinese people will also be studied. Students interested in participating in this class must have already taken Chinese I as a prerequisite.