Foreign Languages
Imagine the chance to pursue the language of your choice by participating in numerous study abroad programs. Imagine pushing yourself as hard as you can in Advanced Placement classes that could earn you college credit. Well, imagine no more. This is what the Foreign Language Department at Stevenson is all about.
Stevenson students have the opportunity to study four different languages—Latin, French, Spanish, and Japanese- during their years at Stevenson. In addition, seniors are offered the opportunity to study Italian as a one year elective. Ultimately, there’s something for everyone.
All qualified students, during their junior and senior year, also have four Advanced Placement classes from which to choose. In fact, over 90% of Stevenson students who took an Advanced Placement language exam over the last five years earned a passing grade which made them eligible to earn college credit.
Even more importantly, at Stevenson we realize that your classes are only the beginning of your adventure into languages. To really pursue a language you have to be somewhere that everyone uses it. That’s why Stevenson students can choose from 13 different study abroad programs and spend a semester or a whole year in a country of their choice while still earning credits toward a Stevenson diploma.
Course Offerings
French I
First-year study introduces basic elements of French language, culture, and civilization. It includes understanding the communication process, recognition and acceptance of new thought patterns, and adaptability and flexibility in learning a foreign language. This course emphasizes the mastery of basic grammatical structures and elementary vocabulary, the ability to communicate with questions and answers, and accurate reading and writing in the new language.
French II
Prerequisite: grade of C in French I, or its equivalent
Through the use of cds/dvds and oral practice in the classroom, French II continues the presentation of basic grammar and vocabulary. French civilization and culture provide central themes for dialogues, reading selections, and vocabulary.
Through the use of cds/dvds and oral practice in the classroom, French II continues the presentation of basic grammar and vocabulary. French civilization and culture provide central themes for dialogues, reading selections, and vocabulary.
French II (honors)
Prerequisite: grade of A- in French I, or permission of the instructor
The second year continues the study of the basic elements of the language, as students increase their skill in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course provides special emphasis on the French culture and on application of the language.
The second year continues the study of the basic elements of the language, as students increase their skill in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course provides special emphasis on the French culture and on application of the language.
French III
Prerequisite: grade of C in French II, or its equivalent
During the third year, students work with more sophisticated grammar concepts. Emphasis on understanding, speaking, reading, and writing continues, with increased attention to idiomatic expression, reading, and expository writing. Oral work increases as well, through the use of resumes, oral presentations, spontaneous conversation, and discussion.
During the third year, students work with more sophisticated grammar concepts. Emphasis on understanding, speaking, reading, and writing continues, with increased attention to idiomatic expression, reading, and expository writing. Oral work increases as well, through the use of resumes, oral presentations, spontaneous conversation, and discussion.
French III (honors)
Prerequisite: grade of A-/B+ in French II honors, or permission of the instructor
This program offers a comprehensive review of grammar and additional emphasis on vocabulary, composition, and conversation. Through a variety of readings, students gain exposure to the history, culture, and well-known writers of the French-speaking world.
This program offers a comprehensive review of grammar and additional emphasis on vocabulary, composition, and conversation. Through a variety of readings, students gain exposure to the history, culture, and well-known writers of the French-speaking world.
French IV
Prerequisite: grade of C in French III, or its equivalent
Students who wish to continue their study of the French language but who do not plan to prepare for the Advanced Placement Examination elect this course. The class encourages free discussion in French, focusing on the use of contemporary vocabulary and idiomatic usage; readings for class discussion include articles and assorted excerpts. Students in this course must expect to communicate in the language.
Students who wish to continue their study of the French language but who do not plan to prepare for the Advanced Placement Examination elect this course. The class encourages free discussion in French, focusing on the use of contemporary vocabulary and idiomatic usage; readings for class discussion include articles and assorted excerpts. Students in this course must expect to communicate in the language.
French IV (honors)
Prerequisite: grade of A-/B+ in French III honors, or permission of the instructor
Focal points of this course include the reading and discussion of literary works, the history and geography of France, vocabulary-building, and review of oral and written exercises and specific elements of grammar. Through the use of listening-comprehension materials and presentation of oral exercises, students improve their skills in speaking and listening; regular essays help improve writing style. Students prepare for the Advanced Placement Examination in May.
Focal points of this course include the reading and discussion of literary works, the history and geography of France, vocabulary-building, and review of oral and written exercises and specific elements of grammar. Through the use of listening-comprehension materials and presentation of oral exercises, students improve their skills in speaking and listening; regular essays help improve writing style. Students prepare for the Advanced Placement Examination in May.
French V (honors)
Prerequisite: grade of B in French IV honors, or permission of the instructor
Students are exposed to a variety of literary genres through the reading of well-known French authors. Class discussion is conducted entirely in French, and the written assignments include short quizzes, vocabulary work, and essays.
Students are exposed to a variety of literary genres through the reading of well-known French authors. Class discussion is conducted entirely in French, and the written assignments include short quizzes, vocabulary work, and essays.
Italian
Prerequisite: three years of a language
This survey course is available to seniors. It will meet four days per week for one trimester and will serve as an introduction to Italian language, culture, and history.
This survey course is available to seniors. It will meet four days per week for one trimester and will serve as an introduction to Italian language, culture, and history.
Japanese I
This first-year course, commencing the study of Japanese culture and also the speaking, reading, and writing of the Japanese language, emphasizes mastery of basic grammatical structures and elementary vocabulary as a preparation for further study at more advanced levels.
Japanese II
Prerequisite: grade of C or better in Japanese I, or its equivalent
The second year begins with a review of Japanese I and continues the study of basic grammar, verb forms, and everyday vocabulary through oral and written practice. Emphases include all language skills, the cultural aspects of Japan, and the Japanese people.
The second year begins with a review of Japanese I and continues the study of basic grammar, verb forms, and everyday vocabulary through oral and written practice. Emphases include all language skills, the cultural aspects of Japan, and the Japanese people.
Japanese II (honors)
Prerequisite: grade of A- in Japanese I, or permission of the instructor
At this level, the focus shifts to the acquisition of grammar forms used in daily conversation as well as written work. Students work on biweekly journal assignments. Students are also assigned ten kanji words per week, followed by a quiz. Beginning in Japanese II students must ask permission to speak in English, as only Japanese is spoken in the classroom. Each student is assessed during the daily ten-minute discussion held at the beginning of each class.
At this level, the focus shifts to the acquisition of grammar forms used in daily conversation as well as written work. Students work on biweekly journal assignments. Students are also assigned ten kanji words per week, followed by a quiz. Beginning in Japanese II students must ask permission to speak in English, as only Japanese is spoken in the classroom. Each student is assessed during the daily ten-minute discussion held at the beginning of each class.
Japanese III
Prerequisite: grade of C or better in Japanese II, or its equivalent
Japanese III, beginning with a review of Japanese II, continues students’ work with grammar, verb forms, and more elaborate vocabulary and expressions. As students improve their language skills, they become able to communicate with native speakers.
Japanese III, beginning with a review of Japanese II, continues students’ work with grammar, verb forms, and more elaborate vocabulary and expressions. As students improve their language skills, they become able to communicate with native speakers.
Japanese III (honors)
Prerequisite: grade of B in Japanese II (honors), or permission of the instructor
Japanese III (honors) is a continuation of level II (honors). Students continue to learn grammar and vocabulary at a fast pace. Short readings are introduced and discussed. The format and expectations set forth in Japanese II (honors) are reintroduced and acknowledged by the students.
Japanese III (honors) is a continuation of level II (honors). Students continue to learn grammar and vocabulary at a fast pace. Short readings are introduced and discussed. The format and expectations set forth in Japanese II (honors) are reintroduced and acknowledged by the students.
Japanese IV
Prerequisite: grade of C or better in Japanese III, or permission of the instructor
Japanese IV helps students strengthen their speaking and writing skills as well as their listening and reading comprehension. The course involves frequent student presentations, written reports, and class discussions. Classes are conducted primarily in Japanese, emphasizing students’ increasing ability to speak freely and accurately.
Japanese IV helps students strengthen their speaking and writing skills as well as their listening and reading comprehension. The course involves frequent student presentations, written reports, and class discussions. Classes are conducted primarily in Japanese, emphasizing students’ increasing ability to speak freely and accurately.
Japanese IV (honors)
Prerequisite: grade of B in Japanese III (honors), or permission of the instructor
At this level, the students are near fluency in Japanese. Daily conversations with the teacher are expected. Short stories are introduced and the degree of difficulty in grammar and vocabulary is noticeably higher. The focus of the class also shifts to more discussions and the students are asked to utilize all of the grammar forms learned up to this point. Students prepare for the Advanced Placement Examination in May.
At this level, the students are near fluency in Japanese. Daily conversations with the teacher are expected. Short stories are introduced and the degree of difficulty in grammar and vocabulary is noticeably higher. The focus of the class also shifts to more discussions and the students are asked to utilize all of the grammar forms learned up to this point. Students prepare for the Advanced Placement Examination in May.
Latin I
First-year Latin introduces the fundamentals of the language, with emphasis on the acquisition of the grammar and vocabulary necessary for reading original passages of Latin prose and poetry. The reading instills an appreciation of Latin literature and Roman culture and a recognition of their influence upon the literature and cultural patterns of Western civilization. Because the class stresses Latin’s influence on English, students gain a heightened understanding of English vocabulary, grammar, and general linguistic skills.
Latin II
Prerequisite: grade of C in Latin I, or its equivalent
Latin II continues the study of grammar and vocabulary. Reading from various Latin authors–including selections from Livy, Julius Caesar, and Pliny the Younger–exemplify grammatical points and offer enrichment.
Latin II continues the study of grammar and vocabulary. Reading from various Latin authors–including selections from Livy, Julius Caesar, and Pliny the Younger–exemplify grammatical points and offer enrichment.
Latin II (honors)
Prerequisite: grade of A- in Latin I, or permission of the instructor
This honors section engages in rigorous grammar exercises and Latin composition, and emphasizes the reading experience at the second-year level. Open to students who have completed Latin I with distinction.
This honors section engages in rigorous grammar exercises and Latin composition, and emphasizes the reading experience at the second-year level. Open to students who have completed Latin I with distinction.
Latin III
Prerequisite: grade of C in Latin II, or permission of the instructor
After a comprehensive review, students gain the ability to read selected Latin literature, including works by Cicero, Pliny, Livy, Horace, and medieval authors.
After a comprehensive review, students gain the ability to read selected Latin literature, including works by Cicero, Pliny, Livy, Horace, and medieval authors.
Latin III (honors)
Prerequisite: grade of B in Latin II (honors), or permission of the instructor
Students with superior Latin skills may be recommended for this honors course that focuses on reading classical prose and poetry, and explores the historical context of the readings. This is an accelerated course, working at a pace that will challenge students and encourage a deeper reading of the Latin texts. Students are exposed to large amounts of Virgil, Livy, and Cicero.
Students with superior Latin skills may be recommended for this honors course that focuses on reading classical prose and poetry, and explores the historical context of the readings. This is an accelerated course, working at a pace that will challenge students and encourage a deeper reading of the Latin texts. Students are exposed to large amounts of Virgil, Livy, and Cicero.
Latin IV
Prerequisite: grade of C in Latin III, or permission of the instructor
Through the study of the epic poem The Aeneid, students learn about the influence of Virgil on Western culture. Those with outstanding achievement may elect to take the Advanced Placement Examination in May.
Through the study of the epic poem The Aeneid, students learn about the influence of Virgil on Western culture. Those with outstanding achievement may elect to take the Advanced Placement Examination in May.
Latin IV (honors)
Prerequisite: grade of B in Latin III (honors), or permission of the instructor
Students in this course follow the Advanced Placement syllabus for Vergil and read extensively from Books I-VI and selections from Books X and XII of the Aeneid. To better appreciate the epic tradition, students read the entire poem in English. Attention will be given to literary interpretation and to the historical and cultural underpinnings of the Aeneid. Students who succeed in this course are well prepared to take the Advanced Placement Examination in May.
Students in this course follow the Advanced Placement syllabus for Vergil and read extensively from Books I-VI and selections from Books X and XII of the Aeneid. To better appreciate the epic tradition, students read the entire poem in English. Attention will be given to literary interpretation and to the historical and cultural underpinnings of the Aeneid. Students who succeed in this course are well prepared to take the Advanced Placement Examination in May.
Spanish I
First-year study offers a comprehensive introduction to the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish. Classwork, emphasizing both oral and written exercises, provides a working knowledge of sentence structure, grammar, and basic conversational skills. Supplemental readings introduce students to the historical and cultural characteristics of the Spanish-speaking world.
Spanish I (accelerated)
Designated for students who have some familiarity with the Spanish language, this course proceeds at a quicker pace than Spanish I and prepares students for entry into Spanish II.
Spanish II
Prerequisite: grade of C in Spanish I, or its equivalent
The second year, beginning with a review of Spanish I, continues the study of grammar, verb forms, and idiomatic expressions most common to the language. All language skills receive emphasis; both literary and historical readings prepare students for more advanced language learning.
The second year, beginning with a review of Spanish I, continues the study of grammar, verb forms, and idiomatic expressions most common to the language. All language skills receive emphasis; both literary and historical readings prepare students for more advanced language learning.
Spanish II (honors)
Prerequisite: grade of A- in Spanish I, or permission of the instructor
Students concentrate on developing their skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. With the completion of basic grammar, the class accelerates in pace, allowing time for extra lessons on more complex grammar, vocabulary development, advanced reading, and oral discussion. Oral reports provide opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of the Hispanic world.
Students concentrate on developing their skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. With the completion of basic grammar, the class accelerates in pace, allowing time for extra lessons on more complex grammar, vocabulary development, advanced reading, and oral discussion. Oral reports provide opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of the Hispanic world.
Spanish III
Prerequisite: grade of C in Spanish II, or its equivalent
Spanish III aims to improve written and oral expression, along with listening and reading comprehension. The course, which includes an intensive review of verbs, grammar, and vocabulary, also requires compositions and short oral presentations. Emphasizing the student’s ability to employ correct grammatical structure, new vocabulary, and idiomatic expressions, the class also asks students to read short stories and novels and to discuss them in Spanish.
Spanish III aims to improve written and oral expression, along with listening and reading comprehension. The course, which includes an intensive review of verbs, grammar, and vocabulary, also requires compositions and short oral presentations. Emphasizing the student’s ability to employ correct grammatical structure, new vocabulary, and idiomatic expressions, the class also asks students to read short stories and novels and to discuss them in Spanish.
Spanish III (honors)
Prerequisite: grade of A-/B+ in Spanish II honors, or permission of the instructor
This course helps students develop a stronger command of the Spanish language, particularly in free oral and written expression. Extensive reading of short stories and a novel stresses vocabulary growth and the comprehension of contemporary Spanish and Latin American writers.
This course helps students develop a stronger command of the Spanish language, particularly in free oral and written expression. Extensive reading of short stories and a novel stresses vocabulary growth and the comprehension of contemporary Spanish and Latin American writers.
Spanish IV
Prerequisite: grade of C in Spanish III, or its equivalent
Spanish IV helps students strengthen their skills in listening comprehension, speaking, writing, and reading. Focal points include improved comprehension of the spoken language and the ability to write freely and accurately. The class, conducted only in Spanish, requires written reports, class discussions, and student presentations of special topics.
Spanish IV helps students strengthen their skills in listening comprehension, speaking, writing, and reading. Focal points include improved comprehension of the spoken language and the ability to write freely and accurately. The class, conducted only in Spanish, requires written reports, class discussions, and student presentations of special topics.
Spanish IV (honors)
Prerequisite: grade of A-/B+ in Spanish III honors, or permission of the instructor
This course promotes proficiency in listening comprehension, speaking, reading, writing, and literary analysis. Students are expected to express themselves with reasonable ease and fluency and to write freely and accurately on assigned subjects. The class is conducted only in Spanish; students read selected classical and modern Spanish works as well as Latin-American novels, and have the option of preparing for the Advanced Placement Spanish Language Examination.
This course promotes proficiency in listening comprehension, speaking, reading, writing, and literary analysis. Students are expected to express themselves with reasonable ease and fluency and to write freely and accurately on assigned subjects. The class is conducted only in Spanish; students read selected classical and modern Spanish works as well as Latin-American novels, and have the option of preparing for the Advanced Placement Spanish Language Examination.
Spanish V
Prerequisite: grade of C or better in Spanish IV
Spanish V is for students interested in continuing learning Spanish after Spanish IV. In this class the students concentrate on Spanish and Latin American literature by reading, writing, and discussing in class. This class is intended for students who want to become fluent in Spanish without the intense workload of the Advanced Placement class.
Spanish V is for students interested in continuing learning Spanish after Spanish IV. In this class the students concentrate on Spanish and Latin American literature by reading, writing, and discussing in class. This class is intended for students who want to become fluent in Spanish without the intense workload of the Advanced Placement class.
Spanish V (honors) Literature
Prerequisite: permission of the instructor
An advanced course, this class concentrates on the reading and discussion of modern Spanish-American authors. Along with reading, students will view films solely in Spanish and will have opportunities to converse with native speakers. Weekly essays are assigned and an excellent command of Spanish is expected.
An advanced course, this class concentrates on the reading and discussion of modern Spanish-American authors. Along with reading, students will view films solely in Spanish and will have opportunities to converse with native speakers. Weekly essays are assigned and an excellent command of Spanish is expected.
