Upper School Curriculum Guide

This course is designed for the student who, having demonstrated mastery of the grammatical principles of one foreign language, has an interest in acquiring French at an accelerated pace (i.e., covering French 1 and 2 in one year). Upon satisfactory completion of Honors Intensive French (B+ or above) and the instructor’s recommendation, students may qualify for a level 3 French course. Students with a grade of B or below at the end of the year should consult their instructor as to appropriate placement and may continue in a level 2 course. Students are expected to continue the sequence in their first foreign language concurrently with Honors Intensive French, at least through level 4. (1 unit; Grades 9 -12; prerequisite: superior achievement in Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, or Latin; permission of the Department Chair required)

A further note about the Intensive Language Program: The Honors Intensive language program at RCDS is designed for students who wish to pursue the study of two foreign languages simultaneously. Honors Intensive language courses are available in French, Latin, and Spanish. These courses have as their stated goal to cover two years of material in one year and to prepare students for the third-year level. It is the expectation of both the Classics Department and the Modern Languages Department that any student taking an Honors Intensive language course will continue the study of those two languages simultaneously for the entire tenure of his or her stay at RCDS. Students, and advisors and families of students, who wish to pick up a second language through the Honors Intensive program should be aware that adding a second language through the Honors Intensive program is, in almost every case, a multi-year commitment and thus will have a significant impact on a student’s course selection and academic program as a whole.

This course is designed for students with little or no experience in the language. Through direct use of French, class work emphasizes aural and reading comprehension, oral and written fluency, as well as mastery in grammar. In the classroom on a daily basis, students use French actively. Students acquire basic vocabulary and a solid command of grammar including personal pronouns, and verb tenses (présent, passé composé, and futur proche). Also encountered and used are relative and interrogative pronouns. Introduction to the wide diversity of Francophone cultures is an integral part of the course. Through varied types of media, students regularly encounter authentic examples of language and culture. (1 unit; Grades 9 - 12)

This course continues to use an oral/aural as well as written approach to French grammar, vocabulary and civilization. Students review thoroughly and develop their understanding of grammatical structures and vocabulary presented in Level 1. Grammatical topics presented during the year include the imperfect tense and conditional mode, and multiple object pronouns. Students will discuss, read, and write about topics related to daily life and culture in France and other French speaking countries. Students are also exposed to written expression through reading their first full-length texts in French, Le Mystère des faux billets and Tintin en Amérique. Multimedia resources such as websites are used throughout the year to develop aural comprehension, familiarity with French and francophone culture, and engage students in the active use of written and spoken skills. (1 unit; Grades 9 - 12; prerequisite: French 1)

This course introduces more advanced grammar topics and explores them in depth. Using various sources including francophone websites, students become proficient in the use of many linguistic forms and idiomatic expressions. Students will discuss topics related to daily life and culture in France and other French-speaking countries. Students develop writing skills through compositions, projects, and skits. Students read, discuss, and write about Le Mystère des faux billets and Saint-Exupéry’s Le Petit Prince in the second semester. The class also views feature length films such as Louis Malle’s "Au revoir les enfants". (1 unit; Grades 9 - 12; prerequisite: superior achievement in French 1; permission of the Department required)

Students at level 3 achieve an intermediate level of proficiency in the four language skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking. Grammar and vocabulary studied during the first two levels are reinforced and expanded, and new material introduced at this level includes the subjunctive mode and its uses, the passé simple, additional uses of the conditional mode, and sequence of tenses. Throughout the year students view and comment orally and in writing on a variety of media. Texts and audio-visual materials selected for this course present a diverse image of the Francophone world and also serve to expand vocabulary, to develop reading skills, to foster facility in both spoken and written expression. (1 unit; Grades 10, 11, 12; prerequisite: French 2)

This course offers a more intense approach to grammar, civilization, conversation and writing. Throughout the year, reading includes topics of current interest as well as literary works, such as Les jeux sont faits by Jean-Paul Sartre and Bonjour Tristesse by Françoise Sagan. Shorter texts and articles are presented for vocabulary enrichment, to build reading and writing skills, especially to stimulate discussion as well as an introduction to explications de texte. Film is an integral part of the course: students view, discuss and write about several short films. Shorter videos introduce students to matters of current interest and are used in a variety of ways to build active language use. (1 unit; Grades 10, 11, 12; prerequisite: Honors French 2 or superior achievement in French 2 or Honors Intensive French; permission of the Department required)

The term “comic strip” doesn’t encompass the full range of literary and artistic development of this genre referred to as le neuvième art. The French term bande dessinée means literally “drawn strip,” and for over one hundred years this genre, combining text and image, has developed into a rich and varied art form. Similarly, the French word cinéma embodies artistic movements that are diverse and impactful, always giving us new perspectives on the world. In this year-long course, students will explore both art forms through reading a variety of BD and watching modern films. In addition to learning how to read BD and interpret films, students will have the opportunity to use their creativity while making their own BD and short films as a project over the course of year. Group discussions in French will be at the center of this course along with a circling back to essential grammar points in order to develop more fluid expression. Students will be producing oral and written presentations throughout the year.  (1 unit; Level 4/5,  Grades 11, 12; prerequisite: French 3 or Honors French 3)

In this course, students will refine their language skills while continuing to explore diverse topics relevant to the French-speaking world. Students also read unabridged works such as Maupassant’s Contes, Hassan’s La bonne couleur or Simenon’s short story “La Vieille Dame de Bayeux.” Award-winning short films, oral drills, written exercises, and original Power Point presentations are just a few of the ways students will arrive at an advanced level of proficiency. Students will write and speak about a variety of authentic articles from the media, literary works, and films. (1 unit; Grades 11, 12; prerequisite: Honors French 3 or superior achievement in French 3; permission of the Department required.)

In this year-long course, students are exposed to the Francophone world through a diverse array of media. Students will examine current events and cultural topics through the press, television broadcasts, contemporary music and art forms.  They will become experts in deciphering the weekly newscast. Over the year, they will read a variety of texts on contemporary issues including Tahar Ben Jelloun’s Racisme expliqué à ma fille.  Shorter videos will introduce students to matters of current interest and will be used to build active language use. Speaking and listening skills will be at the center of this course along with a review of essential grammar points as a way to scaffold more sophisticated expression. Oral and written presentations on current events and contemporary culture will be an important part of class. Throughout, discussion will take place in French  (1 unit; level 4/5, Grades 11, 12; prerequisite: French 3 or Honors French 3)

Global Challenges, Personal and Public Identities, Science and Technology, Beauty and Aesthetics, Contemporary Life, Families and Communities: these six themes central to the Advanced Placement Language and Culture exam provide a meaningful context through which students develop their ability to integrate language, content and cultural knowledge of the French-speaking world. Students will explore historical, contemporary, and future perspectives on these themes through a variety of sources such as newspaper articles, recorded interviews, film, and literary texts. Class discussion, oral presentations, timed activities and frequent opportunities to produce both analytical and creative written work are important components of the course designed to prepare students for the AP French Language and Culture exam in May. All students enrolled in the course are expected to take the AP French Language and Culture examination. (1 unit; Grade 12; prerequisite: Honors French 4 or superior achievement in Language & the French-Speaking World; permission of the Department required)

This course is designed for beginners with little or no prior study of Chinese. The course introduces students to the sounds (Pinyin and tone system), character writing system (both handwriting with the correct stroke order and computer writing), basic sentence structure and grammar of Chinese. Students develop proficiency in four basic skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. By the end of their first year of study, students will be able to hold basic conversations, recognize and write at least 100 characters, read and write simple texts. (1 unit; Grades 9 - 12)

This course further develops skills introduced in Mandarin 1. Students continue to work on listening, speaking, reading and writing. More complex sentence structures, grammar and expansion of vocabulary are introduced through texts, various authentic online media including movies, dramas, game shows, as well as additional reading materials such as newspapers, children’s literature and classics. These materials also form the basis for the exploration of Chinese culture. Students will be required to use the Pinyin system in pronunciation and to use Chinese characters in reading and writing. Classroom drills, participation, discussion, oral reports, reading and writing are important components of this course. (1 unit; Grades 9 - 12; prerequisite: Mandarin Chinese 1)

This third year Mandarin Chinese course continues to develop students' communication skills in the language. Knowledge of the Pinyin system is required for pronunciation. Class activities reinforce listening and speaking, and there is increased emphasis on reading, writing (both handwriting and computer writing), grammatical concepts and the acquisition of new vocabulary. Class discussion and writing practice are important components of the course. (1 unit; Grades 9 - 12; prerequisite: Mandarin Chinese 2)

This fourth year Mandarin Chinese course continues to expand and refine students' communication skills in the language. New grammar, vocabulary and characters are introduced and extensively practiced in class. While the development of stronger listening and speaking skills remains a priority, there is an increased emphasis on reading and writing (mostly on computer typing). This is accomplished through the use of a text and authentic supplemental materials drawn from Chinese newspapers and literature. Weekly writing assignments help students communicate constructively and creatively. Varied aspects of Chinese culture provide topics for class discussion. (1 unit; Grades 9 - 12; prerequisite: Mandarin Chinese 3)

This fifth year course prepares students for high levels of proficiency in the Chinese language. It is designed to further develop competence in the five language skills of listening, speaking, reading, writing and typing. New grammar, vocabulary, formal and idiomatic expressions as well as popular and colloquial phrases are introduced and extensively practiced in class. There is strong emphasis on reading and writing (mostly typing) in this course. This is accomplished through the use of a text and authentic supplemental materials drawn from Chinese newspapers, literature and movies. Writing assignments such as essays on a wide range of topics are given weekly in order to help students communicate constructively and creatively. Varied aspects of Chinese culture provide topics for class discussion and presentation, which are important components of this course. (1 unit,Grades 10, 11, 12; prerequisite: Mandarin Chinese 4)

This AP Chinese Language and Culture course conforms to the standards and expectations described in the College Board curriculum. The course provides students with opportunities to further develop and demonstrate their language competence in the five language skills of listening, speaking, reading, writing and typing within a Chinese cultural context. The course introduces students to frequently used formal and idiomatic expressions as well as popular and colloquial phrases. Students study Chinese poetry and literature, and they experience culture through the study of Chinese history, art, traditions, newspaper articles, and current events. They also prepare lengthy essays on a wide range of topics. Students are able to use Chinese to understand instructions, conversations, lectures, oral presentations, interviews, radio and television broadcasts, short stories, poetry, plays, newspaper articles, internet articles, and letters. Students have frequent opportunities to practice oral and written expression by describing, inquiring, arguing, debating, and analyzing a variety of themes. Students also develop their ability to express themselves well in a variety of formal written and oral styles, using different strategies for different audiences. This course culminates in the Advanced Placement Chinese Language and Culture Exam given in May, which must be taken by all students enrolled in this class. (1 unit, Grades 10, 11, 12, prerequisite: superior achievement in Mandarin Chinese 4; permission of the Department required)

This course is designed for the student who, having demonstrated mastery of the grammatical principles of one foreign language, has an interest in acquiring Spanish at an accelerated pace (i.e., covering Spanish 1 and 2 in one year). Upon satisfactory completion of Honors Intensive Spanish (B+ or above) and the instructor’s recommendation, students may qualify for a level 3 Spanish course. Students with a grade of B or below at the end of the year should consult their instructor as to appropriate placement and may continue in a level 2 course. Students are expected to continue the sequence in their first foreign language concurrently with Honors Intensive Spanish, at least through level 4. (1 unit; Grades 9 - 12; prerequisite: superior achievement in French, Chinese, or Latin; permission of the Department Chair required)

A further note about the Intensive Language Program: The Honors Intensive language program at RCDS is designed for students who wish to pursue the study of two foreign languages simultaneously. Honors Intensive language courses are available in French, Latin, and Spanish. These courses have as their stated goal to cover two years of material in one year and to prepare students for the third-year level. It is the expectation of both the Classics Department and the Modern Languages Department that any student taking an Honors Intensive language course will continue the study of those two languages simultaneously for the entire tenure of his or her stay at RCDS. Students, and advisors and families of students, who wish to pick up a second language through the Honors Intensive program should be aware that adding a second language through the Honors Intensive program is, in almost every case, a multi-year commitment and thus will have a significant impact on a student’s course selection and academic program as a whole.

This course is designed for students with little or no experience in the language. Through direct use of Spanish, class work emphasizes aural and reading comprehension, oral and written fluency, as well as mastery in grammar. In the classroom on a daily basis, students use Spanish actively. Students acquire basic vocabulary and a solid command of grammar including personal pronouns and verb tenses. Introduction to the wide diversity of Spanish-speaking cultures is an integral part of the course. Through varied types of media, students regularly encounter authentic examples of language and culture. Students will have the opportunity to practice and apply the four primary skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) through daily class interaction, frequent writing assignments, projects, and the reader La Gran Aventura de Alejandro. (1 unit; Grades 9 - 12)

The second level reinforces and expands on students' basic grammatical and conversational skills, teaching them to express themselves in the past tense using a variety of object pronouns. They will also be introduced to the subjunctive mood and will learn command forms. New vocabulary will focus on themes ranging from health and wellness to taking the car to the mechanic, household chores and even exploring topics related to the environment. Students will deepen their exploration of Spanish and Latin American cultures using both text-based and online resources. They will complete short reading selections and prepare brief written and oral summaries. Students will incorporate the content of those readings with new vocabulary and grammar to prepare creative projects and oral presentations. Active class participation is an essential component of this course as students strive to increase their oral proficiency and to practice their spontaneous speaking skills. (1 unit; Grades 9 - 12; prerequisite: Spanish 1)

This course introduces more advanced grammar topics, and proceeds at an intensive pace. Frequent writing assignments (in addition to drills) provide students the opportunity to practice new vocabulary and grammar concepts in several contexts. Students are often asked to read short stories, and to discuss them in class. Several cultural themes are explored with the help of student presentations and the reading selections. (1 unit; Grades 9 - 12; prerequisite: superior achievement in Spanish 1; permission of the Department required)

The purpose of this course is to bring students to the intermediate level of proficiency where they can create with language, participate in progressively more challenging conversations and communicate effectively in writing. Grammar and vocabulary studied during the first two levels are reinforced and expanded. Listening skills will be strengthened by way of both frequent class discussion and the use of film. Students develop reading and analytical skills by studying an adapted version of Don Quijote de la Mancha. They will have the opportunity to exercise creative thinking skills through projects to be completed in the Makerspace. (1 unit; Grades 10, 11, 12; prerequisite: Spanish 2)

This course offers a more immersive and advanced approach to grammar, conversation, writing, and the study of civilization. Through the study of Spanish and Latin American culture, history and current events, students will deepen their understanding of varying perspectives in intercultural contexts. . This provides a solid foundation for those students moving into higher-level Spanish courses and for entry to both Honors Spanish Literature and Language (Advanced Placement Spanish Language and Culture) and Advanced Placement Spanish Literature and Culture. This course also includes an introduction to the study of film and literature; students explore several literary genres including short story and poetry. Daily class discussions, periodic analytical papers, projects and presentations will help students formulate original ideas and express them in the target language, while engaging in meaningful collaboration with their classmates. (1 unit; Grades 10, 11, 12; prerequisite: Honors Spanish 2 or superior achievement in Spanish 2 or Honors Intensive Spanish; permission of the Department Chair required.) 

This course will focus on environmental issues around the Spanish-speaking world and the many social justice movements that intersect with them. Possible topics for exploration include: climate change, deforestation, food insecurity, migration, control of natural resources, environmental racism, responsible production & consumption and community activism. Students will also examine how these issues manifest themselves locally and compare different responses to them. In addition, we will learn about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and efforts being made to achieve them.  All content and discussion will be in Spanish. Students will continue to develop their skills in speaking, reading, listening, and writing through the study of podcasts, blogs, videos, and a variety of online news sources. (1 unit; level 4/5, Grades 11, 12; prerequisite: Spanish 3 or Honors Spanish 3)

In this course, students will refine their language skills while continuing to explore diverse topics relevant to the Spanish-speaking world. Students also read unabridged works by such authors as Federico García Lorca, Gabriel García Márquez, Pablo Neruda, and Alfonsina Storni. Award-winning films, oral drills, written exercises, and creative presentations are just a few of the ways students will arrive at an advanced level of proficiency. Students will write and speak about a variety of poems, prose works, plays, and films. (1 unit; Grades 11, 12; prerequisite: Honors Spanish 3 or superior achievement in Spanish 3; permission of the Department required.)

In this course, students will examine in-depth literary works that appear on the revised AP Spanish Literature and Culture reading list, including El Lazarillo and works by more contemporary authors such as Federico García Lorca, Rubén Darío, Gabriel García Márquez, and Isabel Allende. We study poems, plays, short stories and novels, with particular attention to themes that appear throughout the works and periods studied. The course relies heavily on student-centered discussion. Students submit literary analyses and give formal oral presentations. Through the study of literature, and grammar exercises as needed, students are constantly asked to refine their language skills. At the end of this year, students are expected to take the Spanish Language and Culture Advanced Placement examination. (1 unit; Grades 11, 12; prerequisite: Honors Spanish 3, or superior achievement in Spanish 3; or Language & The Spanish-speaking World; permission of the Department required.)

This course examines the Caribbean and Modern Spain through film, art, and literature.  Students will read short stories, poems, and plays written by Spanish and Caribbean authors of the 20th century.  The themes presented in these works include social class and economic status, the role of the artist in society, social and interpersonal relationships, and gender roles.  Turning to film and art, we will examine how these themes are further explored in different mediums.  The content of this course supports our exploration of these themes as well as the role of Spain’s influence in the Caribbean.  In addition, students will work in the Maker Space on thematically related projects.  Group discussions in Spanish will be at the center of this course along with a circling back to essential grammar points in order to develop more fluid expression.  Students will be producing oral and written presentations throughout the year. (1 unit; level 4/5, Grades 11, 12; prerequisite: Spanish 3 or Honors Spanish 3)

Global Challenges, Personal and Public Identities, Science and Technology, Beauty and Aesthetics, Contemporary Life, Families and Communities: these six themes central to the Advanced Placement Language and Culture exam provide a meaningful context through which students further develop their ability to integrate language, content and cultural knowledge of the Spanish-speaking world. Students will explore historical and contemporary perspectives on these themes through a variety of sources such as online newspapers, radio broadcasts live streamed from Spanish-speaking communities, podcasts, film, and literary texts. Class discussion, oral presentations, timed activities and frequent opportunities to produce both analytical and creative written work are important components of the course designed to increase student fluency and engagement with global issues while preparing  for the AP Spanish Language and Culture exam. All students enrolled in the course are expected to take the AP Spanish Language and Culture examination in May. (1 unit; Grade 12; prerequisite: Honors Spanish 4 or superior achievement in Language & the Spanish-Speaking World; permission of the Department Chair required)

This course continues the in-depth study of literary works on the AP Spanish Literature list begun in Honors Spanish Literature and Language (AP Spanish Language and Culture) and prepares students to take the AP examination in Spanish Literature and Culture. Students study works from the AP Spanish Literature list including classic texts such as poetry by Garcilaso de la Vega and Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz as well as more contemporary works by Rosa Montero and Nancy Morejón, for example. Students study poetry, plays, short stories, essays, and novels. Before the AP examination, we review the works and themes covered in the previous year. At the completion of this course, students are expected to take the AP Spanish Literature and Culture examination. (1 unit; prerequisite: Honors Spanish Literature and Language [AP Spanish Language and Culture]; permission of the Department required)