Class IX Modern Languages

FRENCH II COMPREHENSIVE (For students who began in Class VII): In this course, students complete the textbook sequence and begin reading literary excerpts. They continue to develop oral and written skills, vocabulary and grammar, reading and writing skills, and experience in analyzing short literary pieces.

FRENCH II (For students who began in Class V): By the end of Class IX, students should have a solid foundation in grammar and expanded vocabulary, enabling greater independence in speaking and writing. They will engage with more complex structures, discuss contemporary cultural topics, and develop skills for close reading and textual analysis of short literary works, such as Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.

MANDARIN II: Students begin Mandarin in Class I. This course develops students’ Mandarin skills for interpersonal communication while exploring contemporary China and Chinese culture through project-based learning. Through discussions and continued study of listening, reading, and writing, with an emphasis on formal grammatical structures, students will expand their vocabulary to talk about a broad range of topics related to high school life in Mandarin. Students take a trip to Chinatown.

SPANISH I COMPREHENSIVE-BEGINNER: Introduction to the language, emphasizing listening and speaking, vocabulary and grammar acquisition, and the culture, traditions, and customs of Spanish-speaking countries. This course is the entry point for students with no knowledge of Spanish or those who don’t master the required level for the comprehensive-advanced track on the placement test.

SPANISH I COMPREHENSIVE-ADVANCED: For students who, based on the placement test, demonstrated some proficiency in grammar concepts beyond the introductory level of the comprehensive-beginner track. Students refine their oral and written communication skills and expand their vocabulary and cultural competence of Spanish-speaking countries.

SPANISH II (For those who began in Class V): A thorough review of grammar and introduction of advanced structures. The class will read adapted versions of literary masterpieces such as El Ingenioso Hidalgo Don Quijote de la Mancha as well as selections from fiction, poetry, and film by Spanish-speaking authors. Presentations on cultural and historical topics enhance oral proficiency.