The study of foreign languages opens doors to a greater understanding of the world and its cultures. Language study can broaden students’ global view and provide unique opportunities at Milton and beyond. We hope students will achieve a level of proficiency that enables them to use the language to communicate and to appreciate different ways of seeing the world. The diploma requirement is met by successful completion of a Milton Academy level 3 course. We encourage students to continue their studies beyond the three-year requirement, since the courses offered at level 4 and above provide special opportunities to examine the culture in depth through literature, art, film, history and current events.

The modern language department is proud to offer classes that support a wide variety of students’ abilities and areas of interest. To merit placement in Honors, Accelerated or Advanced Placement levels, students must have an exceptional ability, a record of outstanding performance, and a demonstrated passion for language learning.

Intensive Language Courses

These are accelerated courses designed for Class I students (and students in Class II with special permission). Each is the equivalent in difficulty and pace to a first-year college language course and is open only to students who have completed the language requirement through study of another language. (Offered subject to sufficient demand.)

-CHINT
Intensive Chinese

-FRINT
Intensive French

-GRINT
Intensive Classical Greek

-LAINT
Intensive Latin

-SPINT
Intensive Spanish

French

-FR1-
French 1
This course provides an introduction to French through essential grammatical structures, idiomatic expressions and everyday vocabulary. Students use French in skits, dialogues, and oral and written presentations. Students learn to express themselves in real life situations. They also learn about various French-speaking cultures through activities, songs, art and short stories.

-FR1P
French 1P (Prior Study)
This course is intended for students who have previously studied French but who need to strengthen their foundation in the four basic language skills before taking French 2. This course has the same objectives as French 1 but allows for a greater depth and variety of activities, given the students’ previous experience with the language and culture.

-FR2-
French 2
For students who have completed French B, French 1 or French 1P, this course continues to develop oral and written command of all basic structures in French and introduces the reading of short books such as Le Petit Nicolas and Le Petit Prince. Many other cultural readings, projects and audio-visual materials connect students to various aspects of daily life in France and in the French-speaking world.

-FR2/3-
French 2/3 (Accelerated)
The goal of French 2/3 is to inspire integrated and creative use of the language. The course takes a contextualized approach to language learning, using authentic content and context as a way to improve and inspire language learning. Students master grammar and vocabulary through readings, discussions and essays on selected topics. French 2/3 also introduces students to the study of literature through short stories and poetry. The class meets five times per week. Placement is at the discretion of the department and enrollment is normally limited to 12 students per section. Students taking this course are expected to pursue their study of French at level 4. Note: Class I students taking this course to complete their foreign language requirement must remain throughout the spring semester.

-FR3-
French 3
This course continues to develop the requisite skills of this level in speaking, listening, reading and writing. It makes use of authentic sources such as film, art, songs and media. Literature is introduced through readings by authors such as Sartre, Maupassant and Le Clézio. French 3 includes a systematic review of grammar and practice of the language through frequent writing assignments, speaking drills, discussion of topics involving everyday situations, and cultural, artistic and current events.

-FR31-
French 3 (Honors)
This course provides a rapid expansion of vocabulary and grammar through reading and writing. Students will be asked to write compositions of increasing complexity. Students continue to strengthen oral skills through activities ranging from review of current events to literary discussions. Reading skills are developed through an introduction to classical and modern authors such as Molière, La Fontaine, Maupassant, de Clézio and Sartre. Placement is at the discretion of the department.

-FR4CL
French 4: Topics in Contemporary Culture and Literature
In French 4, students embark on a journey into contemporary French culture and literature while strengthening their language skills. Students will study grammar and vocabulary in context and practice using French through a variety of oral and written activities. French 4 gives students all the necessary linguistic tools to analyze works of literature, to articulate their opinion on current events, and to review films. Among the materials included in this course are Née en France by Aicha Benaissa, the play Huis Clos by Jean-Paul Sartre and Rhinocéros by Ionesco. These three works are the base of a much broader exploration of the French culture through the use of different media.

-FR4AP
French 4 (AP): Language & Literature
Both a language and a literature course, French 4 (AP) further develops speaking, reading and writing skills to a more advanced level while preparing students for the French AP language exam in the spring. Students will study grammar and vocabulary in context and practice using French through a variety of oral and written activities. Students are also expected to achieve greater fluency in their analyses of cultural topics, literary texts, cinema and other media. Reading materials included in this course are Née en France by Aicha Benaissa, the play Huis Clos by Jean-Paul Sartre, Les Français by Lawrence Wylie, and poems by Prévert and Rimbaud. Students will also study movies by André Téchiné and Eric Zonka. Placement is at the discretion of the department.

-FR5HN
French 5 (Honors): A Further Exploration of Literature
This course is intended for students who have completed the AP language program and who have expressed an appreciation of French literature in previous courses. Covering classic writings ranging from the poetry of Baudelaire to the magical world of 2008 Nobel Prize winner Le Clézio, this course aims at refining the skills that are essential to the enjoyment and the study of literature at an advanced level. Additionally, this course prepares students for the study of French at the college level and, specifically, the college-level technique of close literary analysis. Placement is at the discretion of the department.

-FR5F
French 5: The Francophone World
(Semester 1)
This multimedia and multi-disciplinary course introduces students to the diversity of the French-speaking world. Through the study of films, documentaries, novels, visual art, poetry and music, students will learn about French culture outside of France and will become familiar with the following concepts: colonial history and post-colonial identity, oral tradition, acculturation, bilingualism, race and identity. Works to be studied include films by directors Ousmane Sembene and Denis Kouyate; novels by Ferdinand Oyono, Michel Tremblay, and Fatima Mernissi; poetry by L.S. Sengor and Aimé Césaire; and music by Youssou Ní Dour and Kheb Khaled, among others.

-FR5CS
French 5: Twentieth-Century France Through Its Cinema
(Semester 2)
This course focuses on the issues of coming of age and living in French society as seen through the eyes of major French and Francophone directors ranging from Francois Truffaut to Cédric Klapish. The course also looks at cinema as a language of its own, starting with the first silent movies realized by the Lumière Brothers and culminating with the experimental technique of directors such as Claire Denis. Students taking this course will become familiar with the French attitude toward what is called the “Seventh Art.” They will also learn to write creatively about film the way the French “cinéphiles” do, using both technical and analytical perspectives.

-FR6AH
French 6: Advanced Studies
(Half Course)
French 6 allows students to take on a project that reflects their individual interest in French literature, history, cinema or culture. Students will agree to the scope and sequence of their project, including major assignments and presentation, in the first meetings of class. Possible projects include reading multiple works of an author, exploring the oeuvre of a director, or studying a topic in current events or history. Class time is dedicated to the further study of French language and culture through current events. Students are regularly asked to lead class discussion on a topic of their choice. (Open to students who have completed at least one semester of French 5, French 5 (Honors) or with special permission from the department.)

Spanish

-SP1-
Spanish 1
This course provides an introduction to Spanish including everyday vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, and essential structures of grammar. Special focus is placed on present and past tense conjugations, pronunciation and the use of pronouns. Students develop competence and confidence in Spanish as they learn to express themselves in real-life situations. They learn about the Spanish-speaking world through readings, presentations and multimedia activities.

-SP1P
Spanish 1P (Prior Study)
This course has the same goals as Spanish 1: the development of a solid foundation in essential language skills. It is intended for students who have previously studied Spanish but have not mastered the skills or grammar required for Spanish 2, particularly the past tenses. Considering the students’ previous experience with the language, the course allows for a greater depth and variety of activities, such as readings, skits, projects and presentations.

-SP2-
Spanish 2
This course is a continuation of the development of essential language skills. It completes the foundation of Spanish grammar, including the indicative, imperative and subjunctive moods. Students hone their skills through a variety of activities: paired and small-group speaking practice, skits, projects and presentations. Through cultural readings, students explore various aspects of life in the Spanish-speaking world.

-SP2/3-
Spanish 2/3 (Accelerated)
The goal of Spanish 2/3 is to inspire integrated and creative use of the language. The course takes a contextualized approach to language learning, using authentic content and context as a way to improve and inspire language learning. Students master grammar and vocabulary through readings, discussions and essays on selected topics. Spanish 2/3 also introduces students to the study of literature through short stories and poetry. The course meets five times per week. Placement is at the discretion of the department and enrollment is normally limited to 12 students. Students who take this course are expected to continue their study of Spanish at level 4. Note: Class I students taking this course to complete their foreign language requirement must remain throughout the spring semester.

-SP3-
Spanish 3
Students review and study grammatical structures in depth, paying careful attention to practicing the more complex aspects of the language. The course takes a contextualized approach to language learning. The units and readings are centered on current, compelling themes. Upon completing this course, students will be able to express themselves not only in everyday situations, but also in social, political and literary discussions. This course introduces literature through short stories, poetry and drama by Spanish and Latin-American authors.

-SP31-
Spanish 3 (Honors)
This course covers the same content as Spanish 3, but with a more extensive reading list, more frequent writing assignments, and a greater variety of projects. Spanish 3 (Honors) develops critical reading and creative writing skills that prepare students for work in upper level courses. Placement is at the discretion of the department and enrollment is normally limited to 12 students.

-SP4CL
Spanish 4: Topics in Hispanic Culture and Literature: Mexico Yesterday and Today
This course examines Mexican history, literature, art and society from pre-Colombian times to the present. The course considers how the past continues to shape issues related to identity, religion, and sociopolitical structures in contemporary Mexico. Students discuss these themes and advance their mastery of Spanish through primary sources from Mexican history, short stories and periodicals. Music, film and guest speakers will add to the interdisciplinary, inside look at Mexico yesterday and today.

-SP4AP
Spanish 4 (AP): Language and Literature
This class is an advanced course in Spanish language and an introduction to the formal study of literature from Spain and Latin America. Through the study of literature, art, history and current events, students work to develop further accuracy and confidence in Spanish. The course has three objectives: to further develop students’ skills in composition and conversation; to introduce the formal study of literature; and to prepare students for the AP exam in Spanish Language. Placement is at the discretion of the department. (Spanish 4 (AP) prepares students for the AP Examination in Spanish Language.)

-SP5F
Spanish 5: Inside Latin America
(Semester 1)
This course will guide students through some of Latin America’s most significant historical, political and social changes. These topics will be explored through both literature and film. In this semester course students will examine countries in Central and South America, considering their shared histories and their unique position in the modern world. (Open to students who have completed Spanish 4, Spanish 4(AP) or 5(AP).)

-SP5S
Spanish 5: Discovering El Caribe
(Semester 2)
This course will provide students with a more comprehensive understanding of the culture, history and unique geographic importance of Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Students will study each of these Caribbean islands through literature, art and film. By completing a variety of projects that will lead them outside the four walls of the classroom, students will come to understand the individuality and interconnectedness of the islands of the Caribbean. (Open to students who have completed Spanish 4, Spanish 4(AP), Spanish 5(AP) or Spanish 5 fall semester.)

-SP5AP
Spanish 5 (AP): Literature and Culture
This course follows, and often expands on, the proposed syllabus for the AP Examination in Spanish Literature through the reading and interpreting of a variety of works by Spanish and Latin American writers. Students explore all literary genres and write textual analyses and comparative essays. Placement is at the discretion of the department. (Spanish 5 (AP) prepares students for the AP Examination in Spanish Literature.)

-SP6TH
Advanced Topics in Spanish
(Half Course)
This half course provides students an opportunity to develop their language and rhetorical skills while they take a deeper, more self-directed look at renowned texts and relevant topics. In odd graduation years, this course will be devoted to a close study of Cervantes’ masterpiece, Don Quixote. Students will consider Don Quixote—widely regarded as the first modern novel and the greatest literary work written in Spanish— for its literary and historical significance. In even graduation years, the course will be devoted to three modern writers in depth. Authors may include Carlos Fuentes, Juan Rulfo, Mario Vargas Llosa, Pablo Neruda, Gabriela Mistral, Jorge Luis Borges, Gabriel García Márquez and others. (Open to students in Class I or II who have completed Spanish 4 or higher, or with permission from the department.)

Chinese

With the tremendous economic boom that has taken place in China over the past 30 years, the country and its language have become integral to any discussion of the world’s future. Milton Academy’s Chinese language program gives students access to that discussion by providing the cultural and historical background and linguistic pragmatics to incorporate what they have learned into real life situations.

-CH1-
Chinese 1
This course is an introduction to Mandarin Chinese, the national language of China. The course emphasizes spoken Mandarin and written characters, paying particular attention to the tones and proficiency in handling everyday situations in the language. Reading and listening skills are also introduced so that students can begin to feel comfortable expressing themselves verbally and in writing. By the end of the first year, students will have mastered roughly 350 characters.

-CH2-
Chinese 2
Chinese 2 continues where Chinese 1 leaves off, presenting additional vocabulary that allows students to handle increasingly complicated situations in the language. Through both writing and speaking, students will master most of the basic grammatical structures of the Chinese language. By the end of the year, students can expect to have mastered around 800 characters.

-CH3-
Chinese 3
Chinese 3 prepares students to handle more complex situations in spoken Mandarin. The length of written work increases correspondingly. The course also continues to stress listening comprehension and speaking about Chinese culture in the target language. By the end of the year, students can expect to have mastered around 1,250 characters.

-CH4-
Chinese 4
Chinese 4 covers a wide range of topics related to current events and Chinese culture. Students reinforce fluency through written work and oral presentations. By the end of the year, students can expect to have mastered around 1,750 characters.

-CH5-
Chinese 5
Chinese 5 deals with topics related to history, social sciences and current events. Students will increase their vocabulary by discussing topics in the language, giving oral presentations, and writing summaries and essays about what they have read. Much of this course is content driven, and language becomes the tool rather than the objective.

-CH6H
Advanced Topics in Chinese
(Half Course)
The teacher will determine course mate rials based on students’ interests and abilities. In the past, topics have included modern short stories, Chinese history and other historical, social and cultural issues. Reading level in Chinese must be sufficient to allow students to read several pages of Chinese in a short period of time. (Open to students in Class I or II who have completed Chinese 4 or higher, or with permission from the department.)