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Modern & Classical Languages

DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY

The Modern and Classical Languages Department at Episcopal teaches six languages: Chinese, French, German, Greek, Latin, and Spanish–-along with Arabic and Japanese, which are taught through Global Online Academy. In small classes that allow students the space to interact closely with classmates and teachers, our courses not only incorporate the more practical aspects of language learning–-speaking, writing, listening, and reading––but they also stress the intellectual and cultural elements of that study. 

Technology and modern life in general have transformed once isolated countries and continents into a truly global community. Given the nature of this development, the importance of the study of languages becomes clear, indeed. Language acquisition broadens our understanding of the cultures we encounter daily. Apart from this very practical aspect of language learning, the study of languages is itself a worthy intellectual pursuit. Not only does it afford the student a greater context for understanding other academic subjects such as classical and modern history, literature, and science, it also is a discipline that deepens the understanding of one’s own language and culture.

Goethe wrote that, “lacking the knowledge of a foreign language, one could know little of one’s own language.” Certainly, this observation has taken on dimensions of significance in the 21st century that not even Goethe could have foreseen in his own time. The Modern and Classical Languages Department at Episcopal seeks to incorporate not only the more practical aspects of language learning; it stresses the intellectual and academic elements of that study as well.

REQUIREMENTS

Students are required to study one language for three years and successfully complete at least the second level in that language. Students who have completed level two of a language in two years of study are required to pass the third level. The final credit in that language must be earned at Episcopal. Students who complete this requirement in their junior year are strongly urged to take the next level of that language. Our College Counseling Office also encourages students to take four years of language study, regardless of level.  

  • Adv Chinese Language

    Advanced Chinese Language is designed to prepare students for success in linguistic as well as cultural communication in Chinese both within the school and in the outside community. Students will prepare for the AP exam through the use of textbooks and workbooks as well as interactive and supplementary materials. By department permission (One Credit)

  • Adv French Language

    This course is designed to help students achieve mastery of oral and written expression and of reading and listening comprehension in preparation for the AP French Language and Culture Exam. Students cultivate their understanding of French language and culture by applying interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication in real-life situations as they explore concepts related to family and community, personal and public identity, beauty and aesthetics, science and technology, contemporary life, and global challenges. Oral presentations, conversations, revision of expository compositions, readings of literary selections as well as journalistic pieces from current newspapers and magazines, and recordings and videos of interviews, conversations, and other presentations offer students the opportunity to improve their proficiency in the language. By department permission. (One Credit)

  • Adv Spanish Language

    This is an advanced level course which uses the AP framework, based on the 6 curricular units of study: Families and Communities, Personal and Public Identities, Beauty & Aesthetics, Science and Technology, Contemporary Life, and Global Challenges. Students cultivate and expand their knowledge of Spanish language and culture by continual exploration of a wide variety of topics. The curriculum is sourced from authentic print material, films, and audio visual recordings aimed at native speakers, with emphasis on the three modes of communication; interpretive, presentational and interpersonal, in preparation for the AP exam. By the end of the year, students should demonstrate increased mastery in all areas of proficiency, including assimilation of advanced grammar concepts. By department permission. (One Credit)

  • Adv Spanish Literature

    This course is intended for the highly motivated and accomplished student. It is a survey course in Hispanic literature from the Medieval to the Golden Age, and the 19th and 20th centuries. The student will learn the historical context associated with the readings, literary terms, critical thinking skills, an analytical writing. In addition to crafting quality essays, the student will participate in literary “tertulias”–free intellectual discussions–and prepare presentations and projects that reflect their understanding of the works. By department permission. (One Credit)

  • Adv Topics in French Language and Culture

    This course explores topics that are of interest to the participants of the class. All subjects within the context of the French language, social and political history, cinematic and art history, linguistic and cultural history, are open for investigation and study. The language of instruction is mostly French. Students will be expected to read, write, and communicate in French. By department permission. (One Credit)

  • Adv Topics in Latin 1

    In this class, students exclusively read authentic Latin poetry and prose literature by Classical and post-Classical authors, including Cicero, Caesar, Ovid, and Vergil, among others. They will also examine rare books and manuscripts culminating with a paper or oral presentation of their work. In addition, there will be readings from Medieval, Renaissance, and Modern Latin, as well as work in English to Latin composition. Levels 2 and 3 also offered. By Department Permission. (One Credit)

  • Chinese 1

    Chinese 1 is a beginning-level course in Modern Standard Chinese (Mandarin). The course begins by introducing Chinese pronunciation and tones. Recognizing, reading, typing and writing simplified Chinese characters will follow. A variety of listening materials will be used from the beginning of this course to give students an authentic, practical way to learn correct pronunciation and reinforce class lessons. Students will also be exposed to Chinese language and culture via movies and cultural events. Chinese 1 places great emphasis upon standard pronunciation, listening comprehension, and lays a foundation for grasping everyday, “survival” Chinese. “Integrated Chinese” is the primary textbook used in this course. (One Credit)

  • Chinese 2

    Chinese 2 builds upon the skills learned in Chinese 1. Besides speaking and listening to Chinese speech, greater emphasis is placed on recognizing, reading, typing and writing simplified Chinese characters. More advanced listening materials will be introduced to challenge the class. Students will also be exposed to Chinese language and culture via movies and cultural events. “Integrated Chinese” remains the primary textbook for this course. Prerequisite: Chinese 1 (One Credit)

  • Chinese 3

    Chinese 3 continues to build on and advance the skills learned in Chinese 2. Besides listening to and speaking Mandarin Chinese, emphasis is also placed on reading authentic material, typing, and composition writing. The textbook remains the same as in Chinese 2. This is an immersion course; students will be expected to listen to and understand advanced listening materials. Students will also be exposed to Chinese language and culture via movies and cultural events.  Prerequisite: Chinese 2 (One Credit)

  • Chinese 4

    Chinese 4 continues to build and advance skills learned in Chinese 3. Students will work to achieve success in basic communicative tasks and social situations, to understand sentence-length phrases, increase reading understanding and meet a number of practical writing needs. Prerequisite: Chinese 3 (One Credit)

  • French 1

    This course introduces students to spoken and written French and to the culture of the Francophone world. Emphasis is placed on the development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. By the end of this course, students should be able to converse and write in French in a variety of contexts using basic vocabulary, as well as regular and irregular verbs. (One Credit)

  • French 2

    This course builds on the fundamental communicative and grammar skills acquired in French 1, incorporating study of vocabulary and verb tenses, emphasis on the present, passé composé, and imperfect tenses. The curriculum integrates print and digital strategies that meet the needs of all language learners. Thematically based and engaging activities are carefully scaffolded. Students continue to develop listening, speaking, reading and writing skills based on contextual vocabulary themes. (One Credit)

  • French 3

    French 3 is an intermediate course which builds upon the foundation of vocabulary and grammatical structures learned in the previous two levels. The curriculum integrates opportunities to improve interpersonal and presentational communication through conversations, role-playing and project-based learning. Activities are thematically based and scaffolded to complement a range of learning styles. This course refines students’ skills in listening and reading comprehension as well as develops proficiency in written and spoken communication. (One Credit)

  • French 4

    This course is designed to provide a conclusion to a four-year course of study of French, or to prepare students to move on to French 5. Students use  carefully scaffolded material which integrates authentic print and digital resources. The course emphasizes an immersive environment with the use of the target language and the incorporation of authentic sources. There is a thorough review of French grammar and an emphasis on mastering a broader vocabulary through the literary and historical passages read and through the grammar exercises. (One Credit)

  • French 5

    French 5 serves as a bridge between 4 Honors and Advanced Language for juniors, as well as a final course for seniors. The course seeks to review all verb tenses and grammar points and to polish the students’ skill in using them in compositions and presentations. Through literary texts, film, current event readings and reports, and other authentic materials, students explore themes that interest them and that offer a window into experiencing Francophone cultures. (One Credit)

  • German 1

    Willkommen in Deutsch! The first level of German introduces students to the fundamentals of the language and to the culture of the German-speaking world. Students learn to communicate in real-life contexts about topics that are meaningful to them, including their hobbies and school days. Grammar is integrated into instruction according to the vocabulary and structures needed to communicate in these authentic situations. By the end of the course, students will be able to use regular and irregular verbs and to ask and answer questions in the present tense, and will create a project about their friends and families. Emphasis is placed primarily on the development of listening and speaking, but also on beginning reading and writing skills. (One Credit)

  • German 2

    German 2 continues the work begun on the fundamentals of the language in German 1. Grammar is again integrated into instruction according to the vocabulary and structures needed to communicate in real-life situations. Topics include family, shopping, and eating in restaurants, with a continued focus on the culture of Germany and Austria. New grammar concepts include modal verbs, command form, and the four cases. Emphasis continues to be placed on the development of listening and speaking skills, but with greater integration of reading and writing skills. Students are expected to use German in the classroom as exclusively as possible. (One Credit)

  • German 3

    German 3 continues the use of real-life situations to build students’ vocabulary and grammar. Topics include holidays and party planning, clothing, interior design, and housework. Additionally, students will explore new grammar, describing past experiences in two separate tenses. Emphasis continues to be placed on the development of listening and speaking skills, but with a special focus on reading and writing skills. Students are expected to use German in the classroom as exclusively as possible. Students must have completed German 2 (or its equivalent) before entering this class. (One Credit)

  • German 4

    German 4 continues to build and advance skills learned in German 3. Students will learn to discuss the weather, travel plans, energy use and our changing planet, transportation, and new technologies. New emphasis will be placed on presentational speaking, in addition to the reading, writing, and conversation skills built in the previous levels. Students are expected to communicate exclusively in German in the classroom. Students must have completed German 3 (or its equivalent) before entering this class. (One Credit)

  • Greek 1

    This elective course provides an introduction to ancient Greek and the history, culture and literature of ancient Greece and its reception in modern times. No previous knowledge of Greek or Latin is assumed, though students interested should have some experience in the study of another language. This course does not fulfill the language requirement at EHS. Meets Senior Theology Requirement. (One Credit)

  • Greek 2

    In this course, students will focus their energy almost entirely on the fundamentals of the Greek language, using the Athenaze series as a primary resource. Using the storyline of this text, we will consolidate our grasp of the history and culture of 5th century BCE in Greece. This course does not fulfill the language requirement at EHS, but it does meet the Senior Theology requirement. Prerequisite: Greek 1. (One-Half Credit)

  • Honors Chinese 3

    Honors Chinese 3 continues to build on and advance the skills learned in Chinese 2. Besides listening to and speaking Mandarin Chinese, emphasis is also placed on reading authentic material, typing, and composition writing. The textbook series remains the same as in Chinese 2. This is an immersion course; students will be expected to listen to and understand advanced listening materials. Students will also be exposed to Chinese language and culture via movies and cultural events. Students recommended to take Honors Chinese 3 will be required to do additional work to build proficiency and knowledge in Chinese language and culture. (One credit)

  • Honors Chinese 4

    Honors Chinese 4 continues to build and advance skills learned in Chinese 3. Students will work to achieve success in basic communicative tasks and social situations, to understand sentence-length phrases, increase reading understanding and meet a number of practical writing needs. Students recommended to take Honors Chinese 4 will be required to do additional work to build proficiency and knowledge in Chinese language and culture. (One Credit)

  • Honors French 2

    This course builds on the fundamental communicative and grammar skills acquired in French 1, incorporating study of vocabulary and verb tenses, emphasis on the present, passé composé, and imperfect tenses. The curriculum integrates print and digital strategies that meet the needs of all language learners. Thematically based and engaging activities are carefully scaffolded. Students continue to develop listening, speaking, reading and writing skills based on contextual vocabulary themes. Students read and write passages of increasing length and difficulty. By department permission. (One Credit)

  • Honors French 3

    Honors French 3 is an intermediate course which builds upon the foundation of vocabulary and grammatical structures learned in the previous two levels. The curriculum integrates opportunities to improve interpersonal and presentational communication through conversations, role-playing and project-based learning. Activities are thematically based and scaffolded to complement a range of learning styles. This course refines students’ skills in listening and reading comprehension as well as develops proficiency in written and spoken communication. In addition to thoroughly reviewing grammar, students read poetry, essays and short fiction and write formal compositions in French. By department permission. (One Credit)

  • Honors French 4

    This course is designed to provide a conclusion to a four-year course of study while strengthening linguistic and literary skills of students headed for French 5 or Advanced French Language. Students use carefully scaffolded material which integrates authentic print and digital resources. The course emphasizes an immersive environment with the exclusive use of the target language and the incorporation of a large number of authentic sources. There is a complete review of French grammar with an emphasis on mastering a broader vocabulary through the literary and historical passages read and through the grammar exercises. Building confidence in written and oral expression is an integral part of the course. (One Credit)

  • Honors German 2

    Honors German 2 continues the work begun on the fundamentals of the language in German 1. Grammar is again integrated into instruction according to the vocabulary and structures needed to communicate in real-life situations. Topics include family, shopping, and eating in restaurants, with a continued focus on the culture of Germany and Austria. New grammar concepts include, modal verbs, command form, and the four cases. Emphasis continues to be placed on the development of listening and speaking skills, but with greater integration of reading and writing skills. Students are expected to use German in the classroom as exclusively as possible. Honors level will have additional projects every semester, including independent reading, and will be graded using higher level rubrics. (One credit)

  • Honors German 3

    Honors German 3 continues the use of real-life situations to build students’ vocabulary and grammar. Topics include holidays and party planning, clothing, interior design, and housework. Additionally, students will explore new grammar, describing past experiences in two separate tenses. Emphasis continues to be placed on the development of listening and speaking skills, but with a special focus on reading and writing skills. Students are expected to use German in the classroom as exclusively as possible. Students must have completed German 2 (or its equivalent) before entering this class. Honors level will have additional projects every semester, including independent reading, and will be graded using higher level rubrics. (One credit)

  • Honors German 4

    Honors German 4 continues to build and advance skills learned in German 3. Students will learn to discuss the weather, travel plans, energy use and our changing planet, transportation, and new technologies. New emphasis will be placed on presentational speaking, in addition to the reading, writing, and conversation skills built in the previous levels. Students are expected to communicate exclusively in German in the classroom. Students must have completed German 3 (or its equivalent) before entering this class. Students in Honors German 4 will have additional projects every semester, including independent reading, and will be graded using higher level rubrics.  (One Credit)

  • Honors Latin 2

    Honors Latin 2, while similar to Latin 2 in many regards, incorporates additional work drawn from the Oxford Latin Course (OLC) and authentic ancient sources, such as inscriptions, papyri, and graffiti. The class often moves at a faster pace through the material covered in Latin 2. On finishing the second book of the OLC, the class focuses its energy on reading more challenging examples of classical Latin from a variety of ancient authors. By department permission. (One Credit)

  • Honors Latin 3

    While similar to Latin 3, the Honors section covers the material in greater depth and detail in preparation for the following year in Advanced Topics. In addition to reading Classical Latin, we examine Medieval and Renaissance texts, and exercise language skills through English to Latin composition. By department permission. (One Credit)

  • Honors Spanish 2

    Spanish 2 is a continuation of Spanish 1. The first semester focuses on review, assimilation and expansion of foundational verbs, vocabulary and grammar structures in all areas of expression in the present tense. The second semester is centered on the introduction and study of the preterit tense, then followed by an introduction to the imperfect tense, including how the two tenses work together. At the conclusion of this course, students should be able to read, write, and converse in a variety of situational contexts, in both the present and past tenses. Spanish 2 Honors goes further into more complex grammar structures and using the vocabulary in relevant and real life situations in a more fast paced manner than the Spanish 2 class. There is a stronger emphasis on conversation, as the class is conducted in full immersion and the students are expected to speak only Spanish in class. The students will continue to learn about the Spanish speaking world with a more in depth view of cultural and historical understanding. By department permission. (One Credit)

  • Honors Spanish 3

    Honors Spanish 3 is an intermediate course that is designed for students who are passionate about the Spanish language and culture. Students will learn to communicate in the present, past and future using simple tenses in the indicative and subjunctive mode, as well as the imperative mood. Students will also gain familiarity with the compound tenses of both the subjunctive and indicative moods. By the end of the year, students should be able to discuss all aspects of their daily life as it is, as well as hypothetical and future alternatives. The course uses the physical campus, the city of Alexandria, Washington D.C., songs, short stories, newspaper articles, audio recordings and conversations with native speakers to support student learning with an emphasis on community. By department permission. (One Credit)

  • Honors Spanish 4

    This course is designed for advanced language students who want to improve their ability to communicate in Spanish and learn about the diversity of cultures in the Spanish-speaking world. The course includes a formal introduction to literary analysis, a review of advanced grammar, and conversations about students' own lives and identities as global citizens. By department permission. (One Credit)

  • Language & Grammar for Spanish Speakers

    This course is designed for students who already have significant language learning experience or stem from a heritage household where students are listening to and speaking Spanish. It is intended for students who may have had limited or no academic instruction in Spanish. Students will fine tune their speaking skills, develop the necessary tools for writing mechanics, and learn the terminology an mechanics of grammar study. This is a one-year course that is intended to cover levels I, II, and III. The study will include the differences between informal, colloquial and formal written and spoken expression. (One Credit)

  • Latin 1

    In the first year of Latin, students develop fundamental skills in the language using readings in Greek mythology, structured conversations, vocabulary and grammar games, and other resources. Students work on mastering first, second, and third declension nouns in all major cases and recognizing verbs in the present, imperfect, perfect, and pluperfect tenses. Students study the cultures of Greece and Rome both in Latin and English in order to gain the background knowledge they will need to understand the readings in more advanced courses. (One Credit)

  • Latin 2

    As a continuation of Latin 1, students continue to develop their skills in the language. Students expand their knowledge of the Latin verb system beyond the present indicative, learning to recognize and produce the remaining indicative tenses in all active and passive forms. Students also encounter more sophisticated syntax, including subordinate clauses. We continue to read and translate passages adapted from classical history and mythology. (One Credit)

  • Latin 3

    Students develop their knowledge of the Latin verb, especially its use of the subjunctive mood. They also learn other subordinate clauses which are unique to Latin and additional uses of the major noun cases. Students read excerpts from texts of intermediate difficulty from Classical and Late Antiquity, potentially including Medieval, Renaissance, and Neo-Latin authors and the Vulgate Bible to prepare them for the more challenging authors of the Advanced Topics in Latin courses. (One Credit)

  • Spanish 1

    Spanish 1 is an introductory course designed for students who are beginning a formal study of Spanish for the first time. At its completion, students should be able to read, write and converse in a variety of situational contexts using basic vocabulary and grammatical structures. They should also be able to manipulate a variety of regular and irregular present tense verbs, in both written and spoken Spanish. (One Credit)

  • Spanish 2

    Spanish 2 is a continuation of Spanish 1. The first semester focuses on review, assimilation and expansion of foundational verbs, vocabulary and grammar structures in all areas of expression in the present tense. The second semester is centered on the introduction and study of the preterit tense, then followed by an introduction to the imperfect tense, including how the two tenses work together. At the conclusion of this course, students should be able to read, write and converse in a variety of situational contexts, in both the present and past tenses (indicative mood only). (One Credit)

  • Spanish 3

    Spanish 3 is an intermediate course designed for students who want to complete their study of Spanish or desire to prepare for the next level. While it is grammar based, study at this level emphasizes all areas of communication and comprehension with an emphasis on natural, effective communication. At the completion of Spanish 3 students should be able to read, write, and converse in a variety of situational contexts using a deep context of vocabulary and complex grammatical structures. (One Credit)

  • Spanish 4

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    Spanish 4 is a comprehensive language course designed for those students who are interested in continuing their study of Spanish language and literature. Classes are conducted in the language, and the students are expected to speak, write, and engage as accurately and confidently as possible as they participate in a rigorous study of grammar, composition, and literature. It is a conversation-based class that uses Spanish and all of its elements to approach concrete and real world themes. (One Credit)

  • Spanish 5: Culture and Conversation

    Culture and Conversation, as the title implies, relies heavily on student contribution to discussions. The class centers on becoming better acquainted with our neighbors in Central an South America by studying their culture, including historical-social themes as well as current topics of mutual interest. Students will listen to authentic video, read articles and literature, write extensively and speak daily. Grammar and vocabulary will be reviewed but is not a heavy concentration of this level. (One Credit)

  • Spanish Language Fundamentals through Culture

    This is a full-year course open to juniors and seniors who have successfully completed Spanish 2. We will review basic Spanish language and grammar while studying a selection of topics and their connections to the Spanish-speaking world. Topics will vary and may include the story of the Spanish language, borders and migration, indigenous rights, magical realism, climate justice and others. This course will count as the third year of Spanish for our graduation requirement, and juniors who wish to continue with Spanish after successful completion of this course will move on to Spanish 3. The primary goal of this course is to develop empathy and appreciation for different cultures while improving foundational Spanish language skills. (One Credit)

  • GOA: Arabic 1

    In addition to bringing Arabic popular culture to life, this course introduces students to the Arabic writing system to communicate in spontaneous spoken conversations on everyday topics. This yearlong course focuses on Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and some of the spoken dialects of the Levant, Egypt and North Africa. With an emphasis on Arabic culture, students will learn commonly used expressions and phrases to develop their skills in listening, reading, writing, and most importantly, conversation. This will be accomplished through synchronous and asynchronous assignments, conversation sessions with the instructor and a group of peers, instructional videos, discussions about culture, and collaborations on group projects with students from around the globe. Since Arabic is becoming one of the most functional languages in the world, especially in the areas of commerce, business, and trade, students participating in this course can avail themselves of the opportunity to learn the language in a highly stimulating and rich cultural context. (Levels II and III also offered)

  • GOA: Japanese 1

    This full-year course is a unique combination of Japanese culture and language, weaving cultural comparison with the study of basic Japanese language and grammar. While examining various cultural topics such as literature, art, lifestyle and economy, students will learn the basics of the Japanese writing system (Hiragana and Katakana), grammar and vocabulary. Through varied synchronous and asynchronous assignments, including hands-on projects and face-to-face communications, students will develop their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. The cultural study and discussion are conducted in English, with topics alternating every two to three weeks. The ultimate goal of this course is to raise awareness and appreciation of different cultures through learning the basics of the Japanese language. The focus of this course is 60 percent on language and 40 percent on culture. This course is appropriate for beginner-level students. (Levels II and III also offered) (One Credit)

Department Faculty

1200 North Quaker Lane
Alexandria, Virginia 22302
703-933-3000