Modern Languages Courses

The study of modern languages opens doors to a greater understanding of the world and its cultures. Language study can broaden students’ global views 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 completion of level 3 or 2/3 of a language. We encourage students to continue their studies beyond the level 3 requirement. The courses offered at level 4 and above provide special opportunities to examine culture in depth through literature, art, film, history, and current events.

The Modern Language Department offers classes that support a wide variety of student’s’ abilities and areas of interest. To merit placement in Honors or Accelerated 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. Chinese Intensive may be combined with students from Chinese 1P in the same section. (Offered subject to sufficient demand.)

Intensive Chinese

Intensive French

Intensive Classical Greek

Intensive Latin

Intensive Spanish

 

Chinese

Milton’s Chinese (Mandarin) language program serves a range of learners, including students who learn Chinese as a foreign language, Chinese heritage speakers, as well as near-native and native Chinese speakers. There are two tracks: one for students who learn Chinese as a foreign language and heritage learners, and the other for near-native and native speakers. Please note that based on course enrollment levels, honors and non honors sections may run concurrently.

Chinese 1 
This course uses Integrated Chinese Volume I to introduce fundamental skills, such as writing Chinese characters with correct stroke order, pronouncing four tones accurately, as well as reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students will begin to feel comfortable expressing themselves both verbally and in writing. By the end of the first year, students will have learned more than 350 vocabulary terms. 

Chinese 1P (Prior Study) 
This course is designed for those who have previously studied or been exposed to Chinese but have not mastered the skills, grammar, or characters required for Chinese 2. Students placed into this course are expected to have already studied the first half of the Integrated Chinese Volume 1 and will begin their learning from Lesson 6. They will complete studying Integrated Chinese Volume 1 and two Mandarin Companion Chinese Graded Readers by the end of the school year. This course is also appropriate for Chinese heritage speakers to acquire reading and writing skills in an intensive manner. Successful completion of this course will prepare students for the Chinese 2 Honors course. (Permission of the department chair is required.)

Chinese 2 
This course uses Integrated Chinese Volume 2 and is a continuation of the development of essential language skills. Greater emphasis will be placed upon communicating accurately and effectively in the four modalities: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will learn more basic grammatical structures and can expect to have learned 750 vocabulary terms by the end of the year. Students hone their skills through a variety of activities: paired and small-group speaking practice, writing assignments, skits, video projects, and presentations. 

Chinese 2 (Honors) 
This accelerated course uses Integrated Chinese Volume 2 and two Mandarin Companion Chinese Graded Readers as its textbooks. The goal of Chinese 2 (Honors) is to continue to develop oral and written command and to inspire integrated and creative use of the language. Students are expected to complete longer reading and writing assignments outside the classroom and to master grammar skills and vocabulary through graded readers and creative writing. Students will expand their knowledge and deepen their cultural understanding and sensitivity. (Permission of the department chair is required.) 

Chinese 3 
Chinese 3 uses Integrated Chinese Volume 3 as its textbook. It prepares students to handle more complex situations in Chinese. Through frequent writing assignments and a greater variety of projects, students will improve their proficiency in all aspects. By the end of the year, students can expect to have learned 1,020 vocabulary terms.

Chinese 3 (Honors) 
This accelerated course uses Integrated Chinese Volume 3 and two Mandarin Companion Chinese Graded Readers. The length of reading and written work increases as students learn more characters and gain confidence. This course stresses listening comprehension and speaking about Chinese culture in the target language. (Permission of the department chair is required.) 

Chinese 4 
This course uses Integrated Chinese Volume 4 and continues to develop the requisite skills of this level in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students will have learned the most grammatical structures of the Chinese language and 1,500 vocabulary terms by the end of the year. It includes a systematic review of grammar and practice of the language through frequent writing assignments, speaking practice, and discussion of cultural events. It makes use of authentic materials such as poetry, picture books, and social media. 

Chinese 4 (Honors) 
This accelerated course uses Integrated Chinese Volume 4. Students are expected to communicate in the target language only in the classroom. They will continue to develop oral and written command, as well as expand their knowledge and deepen their cultural understanding and sensitivity. Students will conduct a research project in Chinese as a capstone experience. (Permission of the department chair is required.) 

Chinese 5: Expressive Chinese 
(Semester 1, Semester 2)
This course is taught exclusively in Chinese and uses Expressive Chinese: Culture and Communication in a Changing China as its textbook. It moves students from intermediate to advanced level. Through personal narratives, conversations, and journalistic reading and writing, students will be able to differentiate between the informal and formal speech in Chinese language. Meanwhile, they will also apply these principles in writing about their personal lives. (Open to students who have completed Chinese 4 or Chinese 4 (Honors).) 

Advanced Topics: China and the World
(Half Course) 
China and the World is a half course for advanced Chinese learners(above level 4) or native/near-native Chinese speakers. It is taught exclusively in Chinese and uses Eyes on China as its textbook. Students will compare and contrast past and current events in China to the rest of the world and hold discussions in a Harkness Table manner in Mandarin Chinese exclusively. Students will also conduct a research project based on their own interests. Topics may include a comparison between the development of China’s Tang Dynasty to the Early Muslim conquests in the 7th century, for example, or the development of 1980s and ‘90s Cantopop to that of K-pop in the 2000s. Students will use primary sources in Chinese, English, and/or any third language such as Arabic, Korean, French, Spanish, etc. The topics for this course are timely, global, and reflective of the cultures of our students. (Note: Open to students in Class I or II with permission from the department.)

Advanced Chinese: Poetry and Essay
(Semester 1, Semester 2)
This course builds on the foundation of Chinese 5 and is taught exclusively in Chinese as an introduction to the formal study of Chinese literature. Students will read and analyze poems, essays, and short stories by such authors as Zhimo Xu (徐志摩), Cheng Gu (顾城), Lao She (老舍), Ji Mi
(幾米), Ziqing Zhu (朱自清), Nianzhen Wu (吳念真), and San Mao (三毛), etc. They will also hone their creative writing skills and publish their work as the end-of-year project. (Permission of the department chair is required.) 

Advanced Chinese: Literature 
(Semester 1, Semester 2)
This course is taught exclusively in Chinese. Students will read contemporary fiction, classic, and non-fiction. Students seek to understand the individuality and interconnectedness of the different Chinese-speaking cultures while reflecting on their own development of personal identity. Titles, available in both traditional and simplified characters, may include Hua Yu (余华)’s To Live (活着), Xueqin Cao (曹雪芹)’s Dream of the Red Chamber (红楼梦), and Ying-tai Lung (龍應台)’s Dear Andreas (親愛的安德烈), etc. (Permission of the department chair is required.) 

Advanced Chinese: Major Issues in 20th-Century China
This course is taught exclusively in Chinese. It offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the identity of China. We examine Chinese literature, history, society, and culture from multiple perspectives and take a stand on issues of importance and broad consensus. The reading list comprises but is not limited to China Since 1664, 中外历史纲要 (下), From the Soil 乡土中国, Teahouse 茶馆, The Orphan of Asia 亞西亞的孤兒, What is China? 何為中國? and Frog 蛙. By the end of the course, students will be able to understand and analyze current issues in the Chinese-speaking world through the lens of history and culture. (Permission of the department chair is required.)

 

French

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.

French 1P (Prior Study)
This course is intended for students who have previously studied French but who need to strengthen their foundational 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.

French 2
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 the French-speaking world.

French 2 (Honors)
The goal of French 2 Honors is to continue to develop oral and written command beyond basic structures in French and to inspire integrated and creative use of the language. Students continue to acquire grammar skills and vocabulary through readings such as Le Petit Prince and short stories by Le Clezio and Anna Gavalda. In this course, students will start with an introduction to reading to advance to literary analysis. Great emphasis will be placed on communicating accurately and effectively in the four modalities: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will expand their knowledge and deepen their cultural understanding and sensitivity. (Placement is at the discretion of the department chair.)

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 francophone authors. French 3 includes a systematic review of grammar and practice of the language through frequent writing assignments, speaking practice, and discussion of cultural and current events.

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, and Pagnol. (Placement is at the discretion of the department chair.)

French 4: Topics in Contemporary Culture & 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 opinions on current events, and to review films. Among the materials included in this course are the play Huis Clos by Jean-Paul Sartre, No et Moi by Delphine de Vigan, and several short stories from contemporary French authors. These works are the base of a much broader exploration of French culture through the use of different media.

French 4 (Honors)
French 4 (Honors), “French language, literature, and culture,” is the continuation of French 3 (Honors). This is an advanced class that allows French students to continue to develop fluency in the four language skills: listening comprehension, reading comprehension, writing, and speaking. French 4 (Honors) provides extensive grammar review and exposes students to the key events and concepts of French culture and history. Our study of French literature ranges from the classical literature of Sartre to the contemporary work of Delphine de Vigan. Students enrolled in this course will be expected to read extensively. In addition, students will regularly write analytical, critical, and comparative essays. Students must be able to express themselves at a written level appropriate to honors-level study. (Open to students who have completed French 3 (Honors) and French 3 with permission from the department chair.)

French 5 (Honors): A Further Exploration of Literature
This course is intended for students who have completed French 4 (Honors) and who have expressed an appreciation of French literature in previous courses. Covering classic writings—from the poetry of Baudelaire to contemporary works of French-speaking authors from Africa and the Caribbean—this course aims to refine the skills that are essential to enjoying and studying literature at an advanced level. This course prepares students for the study of French at the college level and, specifically, the college-level technique of close literary analysis. This course requires intensive reading and writing in French. (Placement is at the discretion of the department chair.)

French 5: The Francophone World
(Semester 1)
This multimedia and multidisciplinary 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 postcolonial identity, oral tradition, acculturation, bilingualism, race, and identity. Students will complete projects in multiple forms and the focus is on oral communication in French.

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 early silent movies 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. Students will complete projects in multiple forms and the focus is on oral communication in French.

French 6: Advanced Studies
(Half Course)
French 6 explores French civilization through its national symbolism and iconic figures. Class time is dedicated to exploring different aspects of French culture in its historical context. Students will work independently on a variety of projects to deepen their knowledge of modern France. Students will complete projects in multiple form and the focus is on oral communication in French. (Open to students who have completed at least one semester of French 5, French 5 (Honors), or with permission from the department chair.)

 

Spanish

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, writing and speaking in real-life situations. They learn about the Spanish-speaking world through readings, presentations, and projects.

Spanish 1P (Prior Study)
This course focuses on developing 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, they will develop their Spanish proficiency through readings, compositions, projects, and presentations.

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 present subjunctive. Students hone their skills through a variety of activities: paired and small-group speaking practice, skits, projects, and presentations. Through short stories and cultural readings, students explore various aspects of life in the Spanish-speaking world.

Spanish 2 (Honors)
This course covers the same content as Spanish 2 but with more extensive readings, more frequent writing assignments, and a greater variety of projects. Spanish 2 (Honors) develops critical reading and writing, as well as creative writing skills that prepare students for work in upper-level courses. (Placement is at the discretion of the department.)

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 in class through the spring semester, including the senior project period.)

Spanish 3
In this course, students review and study grammatical structures in depth, paying careful attention to the more complex aspects of the language through activities and practice. 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 and literary discussions. This course introduces the study of art and literature from Spain and Latin America.

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 writing, as well as creative writing skills that prepare students for work in upper-level courses. (Placement is at the discretion of the department.)

Spanish 4: Cultural Legacies in the Americas
This course examines cultural legacies related to language, religion, identity, and power in the Americas. Students will consider mythology, religion, art, literature, music, film, and other primary sources as lenses to view these legacies and evaluate the ways they shape current issues related to identity and sociopolitical structures in our hemisphere. The specific topics and geographical scale of the study will be determined by the teacher(s) and students. Students will review fundamentals from Spanish 3 (or its equivalent) and build their skills as upper-level language students.

Spanish 4 (Honors)
This course is an introduction to the formal study of Hispanic literature. The focus of the course is the “Boom” in Latin American literature and the cultural, political, and social factors that contributed to it. Students will read, analyze, and discuss the works of authors such as Jorge Luis Borges, Gabriel García Márquez, Carlos Fuentes, and Julio Cortázar. Through the study of these authors, students will gain understanding of their impact on world literature and their influence on post-Boom authors such as Isabel Allende, Ángeles Mastretta, and Laura Esquivel. Students enrolled in this course will be expected to read extensively. In addition, students will regularly write analytical, critical, and comparative essays. Students must be able to express themselves at a written level appropriate to honors-level study. (Open to students who have completed Spanish 2/3, Spanish 3, Spanish 3 (Honors) with permission from the department chair.)

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 or Spanish 4 (Honors).)

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 El Caribe. Students will examine the Caribbean islands of Cuba, the Dominican Republic, or Puerto Rico through literature, art, and film. Students will come to understand the individuality and interconnectedness of the islands of the Caribbean while studying concepts of ethnic, racial, cultural, and sexual identity. (Open to students who have completed Spanish 4, Spanish 4 (Honors), or Spanish 5 fall semester.)

Spanish 5 (Honors)
This course expands on the works and themes of Spanish 4 (Honors). Through a close, contextualized reading of a variety of works by Spanish and Latin American writers, students will continue to build analytical skills and expand their global awareness. Students will explore all literary genres and respond to the works with critical, analytical, and comparative essays, as well as creative projects. Students will explore works and ideas in a cultural, contextual framework appropriate for honors-level study. (Open to students who have completed Spanish 4 (Honors) and who receive permission from the department chair.)

Advanced Topics in Spanish
(Half Course)
This half course provides students an opportunity to develop their advanced composition and rhetorical skills while they take a deeper, more self-directed look at renowned texts and relevant topics. This course will be devoted to a close study of a chosen body of literary works. Students will consider these works for their literary and historical significance. Emphasis will be on conversation and essay writing. (Open to students in Class I or II who have completed Spanish 5 or 5 (Honors), or with permission from the department chair.)