Modern Language
The modern language department prepares students to communicate successfully in Chinese, French, or Spanish in both local and global contexts. Students completing the program understand culturally diverse perspectives and demonstrate competency in interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication skills.
In order to achieve these goals, students are required to complete up to level 3 in one language, or follow one of the alternatives outlined below. Note: all students are encouraged to study language all four years in order to take full advantage of our program, including exchange and travel opportunities.
Students study Chinese, French, or Spanish in the 9th Grade and may add a second language in the 10th, 11th, or 12th Grade, space permitting. Current and new Park students with previous language experience will take an assessment in the spring to ensure placement where the department feels students will be most successful.
Students typically have the opportunity every other year to participate in exchange programs in China, France, and a Spanish-speaking country. While abroad, they live with host families, attend classes at our sister schools, and engage in cultural activities. Back in Baltimore, exchange participants act as hosts when their partners visit Park. Participation is dependent on approval by the faculty and the student’s commitment to continue enrollment in the target language in the following year.
Accelerated courses in French and Spanish provide qualified students with a greater challenge and expect students to work at an advanced level in all skills. When offered, and with the approval of the department to enroll, the Intensive course in French or Spanish prepares students for the AP exam. Regardless of level, all of our courses are conducted in the target language and emphasize cultural themes and oral proficiency. In addition, language and intercultural competency skills are reinforced through grammar review and opportunities to use the language in a variety of contexts.
Requirements and Placement
There are several options to fulfill graduation requirements in languages based on where students are placed when they enter Park’s Upper School.
Students who are placed in Levels 1 or 2, and students beginning the study of a new language, must choose between:
- Successfully completing Level 3 in their placed language and an additional year of study in this language (two years in Upper School language program)
- Successfully completing up to Level 2 in a new language
All 9th Grade students who are placed in Level 3 must choose between:
- Successfully completing Level 3 in their placed language and an additional year of study in this language (two years in Upper School language program)
- Successfully completing up to Level 2 in a new language
All 9th Grade students who are placed beyond Level 3 (native speakers) must begin a new language and complete through level 3 or complete two years of two new languages.
Special Circumstances
LANGUAGE WAIVER:
Students with a language waiver are exempt from completing the Park’s language requirement, but are encouraged to try a language class at Park.
NEW 10TH, 11TH, AND 12TH GRADERS:
Students who test above Level 3 are encouraged to continue the language of their study or try a new language class at Park.
STUDENTS WHO ATTEND PARK AS PART OF AN EXCHANGE OR STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM:
Exchange and study abroad students are not required to enroll in language during their stay. Students may enroll in a language course, at the appropriate level, different from their native language, or may apply to become a Teaching Assistant to share their experience and expertise in one of our Chinese, French, or Spanish courses.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS FOR WHOM ENGLISH IS NOT THEIR FIRST LANGUAGE:
International students entering Park as 9th, 10th, or 11th Graders are required to complete Level 1 of a language different from their native language during their first or second year at Park. International students entering Park in 12th Grade are not required to study a new language, but are invited to do so.
Chinese
Chinese 1
Grades: 9-12
Chinese 1 is the introductory course of Chinese language and culture. Students are expected to become proficient at Pinyin (the phonetic system), learn to communicate with people on simple, everyday topics, and recognize approximately 400 characters by the end of the year. Although writing is not a major emphasis, students are expected to be able to write around 100 characters after the first year. Equally important is the study of culture. Students learn about Chinese traditions, history, geography, and popular culture. Class activities include presentations, songs, movies, and role-playing.
Chinese 2
Grades: 9-12
This course is a continuation of Chinese 1. Students continue to focus on various aspects of Chinese culture, and as they practice hearing and producing the four tones and expand their vocabulary, they learn to talk about additional topics, including hobbies, school life, and trips. In reading, they learn 400 new characters, giving them a total of 800 characters by the end of the year. Students are able to copy accurately, with the proper stroke, and sequence characters that are new to them. By the end of the year, they are able to write 200 characters without a model. Prerequisite: Chinese 1.
Chinese 3
Grades: 10-12
Chinese 3 is a continuation of Chinese 2. It is taught mainly in Chinese, while English is only used to explain grammar and introduce aspects of culture. Students are expected to be proficient and accurate in the four tones and Pinyin. They continue to expand their vocabulary and learn another 400 characters during the year. By the end of the year, they are expected to be able to communicate with native speakers on many topics, especially those related to everyday life. Included in the goals for the year is expanded listening comprehension with an emphasis on understanding more rapid speech. Some of the goals for students in the class are: to expand their listening comprehension, to be more comfortable understanding rapid speech, and to have a deeper understanding of China and its people. Prerequisite: Chinese 2.
French
(Re) Introduction to French (French 1)
Grades: 9–12
This course is geared towards students who took French in Middle School and need more time and exposure to build a strong foundation to be ready for level 2, as well as towards true beginners. In this course, students will acquire communicative skills and cultural knowledge in order to engage in a variety of everyday situations while discovering the diversity of the Francophone world. In addition, this course will develop the tools and habits of mind for students to become independent language learners. Students will work on all four communication skills with an emphasis on oral proficiency. Culture is integrated into all aspects of the program, and students are encouraged to speak French in the classroom.
French 2
Grade: 9 • Required
In this language and culture course, students build on their French 1 or Middle School French foundation. The course takes a thematic approach to language learning and recognizes the relationships between cultural awareness, communication, vocabulary acquisition, and grammar. An emphasis is placed on cultural competency and oral proficiency, with assessments incorporated into the program. Class content is based on the topics of everyday life. Activities include listening to songs, engaging in conversations, writing short compositions, and reading personal narratives. Students are expected to use French in the classroom.
French 3
Grade: 10 • Required
This class follows the same integrated approach used in French 2. Students build upon their knowledge of French language and their understanding of French-speaking cultures around the world. They are expected, with support, to read and write more independently and to make connections based on previous knowledge. Class content is based on cultural themes (e.g., secularism, folklore, music, the environment) and may vary depending on the year. Cultural competency and oral proficiency are still emphasized. In the accelerated section, students are expected to communicate with greater accuracy and to develop their ideas more fully. Prerequisite: French 2.
Spanish
Spanish 1
In this introductory course, students will acquire the communicative skills and cultural knowledge to be able to engage in a variety of practical situations while discovering the diversity of the Spanish-speaking world. In addition, this course will develop the tools and mindset to become independent language learners. Students will work on all four communication skills with an emphasis on oral proficiency. Culture is integrated into all aspects of the program, and students are encouraged to speak Spanish in the classroom.
Spanish 2 and Spanish 2 (Accelerated)
Grade: 9 • Required
In this course, students build on their Middle School or Spanish 1 foundation and continue to develop their interpersonal communicative skills and to deepen their cultural knowledge. Through authentic materials, students continue to explore the depth and diversity of the Spanish-speaking world. This course will review strategies for language learning so that students will continue to build their tools and mindset to be independent language learners. Grammar and vocabulary are integrated into thematic units. Students are expected to use Spanish in the classroom. The accelerated course moves at a quicker pace, and students tackle more complex texts and material. Students in the accelerated class are expected to work more independently and with less support.
Spanish 3 or Spanish 3 (Accelerated)
Grade: 10 • Required
In Spanish 3, the curriculum shifts towards a thematic and integrated approach. Students are expected, with support, to read and write more independently, and engage in dialogue. Through the use of authentic texts and films, students learn new vocabulary and grammar, and, as they consider the themes presented, apply and expand their knowledge. In the accelerated section, students will be expected to communicate with greater accuracy and develop their ideas more fully. Prerequisite: Spanish 2.
Intensive Spanish Language and Culture (Accelerated)
The focus of this course is the acquisition of a high degree of communicative and cultural competency in Spanish. The approach is a thematic one in which students consider, through the vehicle of films, literary texts, newspaper articles, podcasts, etc., topics related to global challenges, science and technology, and personal and public identities. Students will strengthen their interpretive, interpersonal, and presentation skills while reinforcing their knowledge of grammar and expanding their vocabulary. This course prepares students for the Advanced Placement (AP) Spanish Language and Culture examination in the spring. Prerequisite: Spanish 3 Accelerated and permission from the department.
Chinese
Modern Chinese History
Grades: 11-12
In this course, students will focus on modern Chinese history. Topics will include the late phase of Qing Dynasty, the “Century of Humiliation,” the Civil War, in addition to the rise of China in recent decades, etc. Emphasis will be placed on discussion, research, and independent work. Through this content-based course, students will gain a deeper understanding of China and its people while they continue to improve their language skills. Prerequisite: Chinese 3 or the equivalent. This class is offered in alternate years and will not be offered this year, but will be offered in 2025-2026.
Chinese 4: Ancient Chinese History
Grades: 11-12
In this course, students focus on ancient Chinese history, which to some degree has shaped who the Chinese people are today. Topics include most famous dynasties such as Han and Tang, influential thinkers including Confucius, a taste of ancient poetry, and some interesting events that took place over thousands of years. An emphasis is placed on discussion, research, and independent work. Through this content-based course, students gain a deeper understanding of China and its people while they continue to improve their language skills. Prerequisite: Chinese 3 or the equivalent. This class is offered in alternate years and will be offered this year.
French
A la d écouverte de l’héritage culturel judéo-marocain (Accelerated)
Grades: 11-12
Morocco has been a vibrant center of Jewish life for millennia; the Jewish population of Morocco was at its peak in the ’40s, reaching almost three hundred thousand people. The Jewish population in Morocco was the biggest non-Ashkenazi community in the world and the largest Jewish community in the Muslim world. This course will explore Francophone Moroccan-Jewish voices through their narratives of cultural Moroccan Jewish Heritage. It will introduce through Francophone Moroccan Jewish literature, music, documentaries, and films the diverse influences of Francophone Moroccan Jewish Cultural Heritage in Morocco, and in other Francophone societies such as Canada and France. Students will have the opportunity to research, discuss, and reflect on many aspects of the historical, social, and cultural background of what was once the largest Jewish community in a Muslim country and the distinct Moroccan Jewish culture that has developed over the centuries. Prerequisite: French 3 or French 3 (Accelerated).
La France on l’aime mais on la quitte
Grades: 11-12
This course will explore the contemporary phenomenon of French citizens choosing to emigrate, as highlighted in the book “La France tu l’aimes mais tu la quittes” (O. Esteves, A. Picard, and J. Talpin, 2024). Students will delve into the socio-economic, political, and personal reasons driving this trend, examining the experiences and motivations of those who decide to leave France despite their love for the country. In recent years, increasing numbers of French-born individuals have opted to leave their homeland, influenced by various factors. Through the lens of this book, supplemented by additional materials, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of modern French emigration by examining the motivations, destinations, and experiences of those who seek opportunities abroad. Prerequisite: French 3 or French 3 (Accelerated).
Spanish
Advanced Topics in Spanish 1: Producción de cortos (Accelerated)
Grade 12
In this course, students will be immersed in the exciting world of Hispanic short film analysis and production. They will describe, analyze, and evaluate film form and content in short films of different genres while embarking on the journey from pre-production to post-production. Mastering the art of planning, shooting, and editing short films – all while honing their linguistic and cultural skills – students will explore specific terms such as script, storyboard, sound, and editing…all in Spanish. Throughout the course, students will develop listening, reading, writing, and speaking abilities, offering a dynamic, hands-on experience in Spanish audiovisual expression. In addition to strengthening their language proficiency, students will also gain a deeper understanding of Spanish-speaking culture through the lens of cinema, enriching their appreciation for the diverse artistic and social expressions in the Spanish-speaking world. Prerequisite: Intensive Spanish.
Cortometrajes
Grades: 11-12
In this class, students will watch, describe, analyze, and evaluate the connection between film form and content in a select number of Hispanic short films. The course will cover various topics related to social, historical, cultural, and pop-cultural events and some grammar structures needed to improve students’ Spanish skills. The variety of short films and activities will expand students’ understanding of the cultural diversity within the Spanish-speaking world. Class activities will include visual analysis, research, reading, discussions, writing, and filmmaking. At the same time, students will develop interpretive skills, increase vocabulary, and learn new expressions in the target language, enhance listening skills by understanding different Spanish accents, and improve grammar and writing skills. This class has been designed for students in the regular track of Spanish and it will be conducted entirely in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 3.
Latinos en el mundo (Accelerated)
Grades: 11-12
In this class, students will explore the impact and contributions of the Latino immigrants in different contexts – economic, political, religious, and cultural – including the diasporas in the USA, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Several Latin American countries will be represented in the class. The materials have been selected from a variety of sources. Vocabulary building and grammar review will continue to be important components of this course. This class has been designed for intermediate Spanish students and will be conducted entirely in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 3 (Accelerated) or Spanish 3 with permission of the department.
Novelas y telenovelas (Accelerated)
Grades: 11-12
This class will use novels and telenovelas (soap operas) as a method to connect with customs and cultures in Latin America, with a particular focus on México. Students will use these mediums to better understand daily cultural practices, gender roles, views on race and racism, stereotypes, and romance in Latin America. At the end of the course, students will write a paper analyzing one of the aforementioned themes within a class novel or telenovela. Prerequisite: Spanish 3 (Accelerated) or Spanish 3 with permission of the department.
Chinese
Chinese 4: Chinese Culture Past and Present
Grades: 11-12
In the spring semester, students continue to learn Chinese language through the study of Chinese culture covering topics ranging from Chinese medicine to music, education, and other topics of contemporary society. An emphasis is placed on discussion, research, hands-on projects, and independent work. Through this content-based course, students gain a deeper understanding of China and its people while they continue to improve their language skills. Prerequisite: Chinese 3 or the equivalent. This class is offered in alternate years and will be offered this year.
Chinese Society Through Film
Grades: 11-12
In the spring semester, students will learn about Chinese society through the study of Chinese films that cover topics ranging from ancient and modern history to the educational system to growing up in China, etc. Emphasis will be placed on discussion, research, and independent work (e.g., film reviews). Through this content-based course, students will gain a deeper understanding of China and its people while continuing to improve their language skills. Prerequisite: Chinese 3 or the equivalent. This class is offered in alternate years and will not be offered this year, but will be offered in 2025-2026.
French
A la d écouverte de l’héritage culturel judéo-marocain (Accelerated)
Grades: 11-12
Morocco has been a vibrant center of Jewish life for millennia; the Jewish population of Morocco was at its peak in the ’40s, reaching almost three hundred thousand people. In fact, the Jewish population in Morocco was the biggest non-Ashkenazi community in the world and the largest Jewish community in the Muslim world. This course will explore Francophone Moroccan-Jewish voices through their narratives of cultural Moroccan Jewish Heritage. Through literature, music, documentaries, and films, it will introduce the diverse influences of Francophone Moroccan Jewish Cultural Heritage in Morocco and other Francophone societies such as Canada and France. Students will have the opportunity to research, discuss, and reflect on many aspects of the historical, social, and cultural background of what was once the largest Jewish community in a Muslim country and the distinct Moroccan Jewish culture that has developed over the centuries. Prerequisite: French 3 or French 3 (Accelerated).
La France on l’aime mais on la quitte
Grades: 11-12
This course will explore the contemporary phenomenon of French citizens choosing to emigrate, as highlighted in the book “La France tu l’aimes mais tu la quittes” (O. Esteves, A. Picard, and J. Talpin, 2024). Students will delve into the socio-economic, political, and personal reasons driving this trend, examining the experiences and motivations of those who decide to leave France despite their love for the country. In recent years, increasing numbers of French-born individuals have opted to leave their homeland, influenced by various factors. Through the lens of this book, supplemented by additional materials, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of modern French emigration by examining the motivations, destinations, and experiences of those who seek opportunities abroad. Prerequisite: French 3 or French 3 (Accelerated).
Spanish
Arte, música y cultura d e Venezuela
Grades: 11-12
This course provides an overview of the rich cultural heritage of Venezuela, focusing on its art, music, and cultural traditions. Through a combination of readings, discussions, and multimedia presentations, students will gain an understanding of the historical, social, and political contexts that have shaped Venezuelan culture. By the end of the course, students will have a broad understanding of the unique cultural traditions of Venezuela, as well as an appreciation for the ways in which these traditions continue to evolve. Prerequisite: Spanish 3.
Advanced Topics in Spanish 2: Descolonizando la comid a (Accelerated)
Grades: 11-12
This class centers on the historical and cultural background of the foods from Latin America, the Caribbean, and Spain. Students will learn about the origins of foods from those regions, the cultural influences and different traditions, as well as why food is so important in Hispanic culture. Students will discover this information through the examination of historical, literary, digital, and visual materials and will ideally have the chance to develop their culinary expertise! Prerequisite: Intensive Spanish.
Arquitectura (Accelerated)
Grades: 11-12
This course offers an exciting opportunity for students to delve into the vibrant world of sports in two Spanish-speaking countries: Spain and Argentina. Conducted entirely in Spanish, the course aims to enhance students’ language proficiency while exploring the historical, cultural, and sociopolitical dimensions of sports in these nations. The class will also cover relevant grammatical concepts, but will mainly focus on the connection between organized sports, politics, and cultural significance. Prerequisite: Spanish 3 (Accelerated) or permission of instructor.
Cortos animados
Grades: 11-12
In this class, students will watch, describe, analyze, and evaluate the connection between film form and content in a select number of Hispanic animated short films. The course will include various topics related to social, historical, cultural, and pop-cultural events, and will also cover important grammar structures. The variety of animated short films and activities will expand students’ understanding of the cultural diversity within the Spanish-speaking world. Class activities will include visual analysis, research, reading, discussions, writing, and stop motion filmmaking. At the same time, students will develop interpretive skills, increase vocabulary, and learn new expressions in the target language, enhance listening skills by understanding different Spanish accents, and improve grammar and writing skills. This class has been designed for advanced students and it will be conducted entirely in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 3.
Producción de cortos
Grades: 11-12
In this course, students will be immersed in the exciting world of Hispanic short film analysis and production. They will describe, analyze, and evaluate film form and content in short films of different genres while embarking on the journey from pre-production to post-production. Mastering the art of planning, shooting, and editing short films – all while honing their linguistic and cultural skills – students will explore specific terms such as script, storyboard, sound, and editing…all in Spanish. Throughout the course, students will develop listening, reading, writing, and speaking abilities, offering a dynamic, hands-on experience in Spanish audiovisual expression. In addition to strengthening their language proficiency, students will also gain a deeper understanding of Spanish-speaking culture through the lens of cinema, enriching their appreciation for the diverse artistic and social expressions in the Spanish-speaking world. Prerequisite: Spanish 3 (Accelerated) or permission of instructor.
