Modern Language

The goal of the modern language department is to prepare students to communicate successfully with Chinese, French, or Spanish native speakers.

The department expects that students completing the program will be able to speak, write, read, and understand the language at a level which allows them to meet practical and social needs in a Chinese, French, or Spanish environment.

Students study Chinese, Spanish, or French in the ninth grade and may add a second language in the tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grades, space permitting. New students with previous language study will be placed in the appropriate course where the department feels they will be most successful based on an evaluation given in the spring. All students wishing to add a second language in the tenth grade must meet with the department chair in advance. 

Students typically have the opportunity every other year to participate in exchange programs in China, France, and a Spanish-speaking country, such as Mexico or Spain. While abroad, they live with host families, attend classes at our sister schools, and visit museums and other places of interest. Back in Baltimore, they typically act as hosts when their exchange partners visit Park. Participation is dependent on approval of the faculty.

Requirements and Placement

Successful completion of Chinese 3, French 3, or Spanish 3 is required for graduation. 

French, Spanish 2, and Spanish 3 are all divided by level of challenge, and students are placed in sections according to their performance in the preceding year’s class or on placement assessments. Students in accelerated sections work at an advanced level in all skills. 

Two programs are available in Grades 11 and 12. Students may choose electives or, with departmental approval, enroll in an intensive course in Spanish that prepares them for the AP exam. All of the courses emphasize cultural themes, communication proficiency, and grammar review, as well as opportunities to use the language in a variety of contexts. 

Program

Bilingual and International Students

Bilingual students entering the Upper School are required to enroll in a language other than the ones they already speak at home. A bilingual English-Spanish student is, therefore, required to enroll in Chinese or French. Similarly, a bilingual English-French student is required to enroll in Chinese or Spanish. A bilingual English-Chinese student is required to enroll in Spanish or French. 

International students for whom English is their second language are not required to enroll in a modern language during their first year in the Upper School. We understand that for these students, immersing themselves in an American school fulfills the objectives of a modern language class. Beginning in their second year, however, these students are required to begin the study of Chinese, Spanish, or French. These students are required to continue their study of Chinese, Spanish, or French through their senior year. 

International students who are here only for one year are encouraged to enroll in a Modern Language class, keeping in mind the requirements they must meet for their home school. 

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. 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. We continue to focus on various aspects of Chinese culture, and as students 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 Middle School 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 or French 3 Accelerated
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.

Intensive French Language and Culture (Accelerated)
Grades: 11–12
This language and culture course takes a holistic approach to language proficiency and recognizes the relationships between cultural awareness, communication skills, vocabulary acquisition, and control of grammar. The approach is a thematic one in which students consider topics such as: families in the Francophone world; the impact of language and culture on identity; the impact of science and technology, etc. Students will use authentic resources, such as short novels, news reports, videos, films, and websites to examine those themes. The exploration of culture is as important as the acquisition of grammar and vocabulary; grammatical structures are addressed because they serve a communicative task, but are not treated as primary goals. The course prepares students for the Advanced Placement (AP) Language and Culture examination in the spring. Prerequisite: French 3 Accelerated and permission of the department.

Spanish

Spanish 1
Grade: 9-12
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, to make connections based on previous knowledge, and to see the language as an integrated whole. 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)
Grades: 11
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. It will be offered in 2023-2024. 

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

La conversation
Grades: 11-12
In this class, students will learn to feel more comfortable speaking French. Through role playing and improvisational activities, they will learn how to communicate in real-life situations. The class will study dialogues, which students will then be able to apply to talk with friends, meet new people, and engage with the world in all the ways they do in their native language. Students will also practice pronunciation and learn strategies to help them express themselves orally even when they don’t have all the vocabulary they need. Prerequisite: French 3 or French 3 Accelerated

Spanish

Conversaciones culturales
Grades: 11-12
This class is designed to facilitate a discussion, in Spanish, about contemporary cultural topics that affect the Spanish-speaking world. Students will also engage with and write about texts and films that discuss and/or embody Hispanic culture. Prerequisite: Spanish 3

Latinos en el mundo 1
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

ShortFilmTopia – Cortometrajes (Accelerated)
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. Material will cover various topics related to social, historical, cultural, and pop-cultural events. 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 role-playing. 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 Accelerated or Regular Elective and permission from the department.

Advanced Topics in Spanish 1 (Accelerated): Voces silenciadas
Grade 12
This class centers on the concepts of vulnerability and empowerment in Latin American cultural production, particularly literature, film, and art. Students will explore the diversity of both vulnerable and empowering experiences among marginalized and unheard sectors of Latin American societies with a focus on women, indigenous people, Afro-Latinxs, and the LGBTQ community. Prerequisite: Intensive Spanish and approval of the department.

Chinese

Chinese 4: Chinese Culture Past
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 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. It will be offered in 2023-2024. 

French

Le bien être
Grades: 11-12
In this class, students will learn about wellness in the francophone world. They will look at the various cultural approaches to the meaning of wellness, such as cooking in France, fashion and beauty (or sañse) in Senegal, or dancing in Martinique, and will also practice wellness by following healthy recipes in French, meditating in French, and exercising in French. Prerequisite: French 3 or French 3 Accelerated

Spanish

ShortFilmTopia – Cortometrajes
Grades: 11-1
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. Material will cover various topics related to social, historical, cultural, and pop-cultural events. 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 role-playing. 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 Accelerated or Regular Elective and permission from the department.

Latinos en el mundo 2
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. Please note: Latinos en el mundo 1 is not a prerequisite to this class. 

El Caribe hispano (Accelerated)
Grades: 11-12
In this class, students will explore contemporary literature, visual culture, and digital media produced in or about the Hispanic Caribbean (Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic). Through the examination of a diversity of cultural manifestations, including short stories, paintings, murals, films, and performances, students will be exposed to multiple interpretations of concepts such as citizenship and gender, sexual, and racial identities in the Hispanic Caribbean and its diasporas. Prerequisite: Spanish 3 Accelerated

Advanced Topics in Spanish 2 (Accelerated) : Cine y literatura en el mundo hispanohablante
Grades: 11-12
This course will concentrate on developing students’ oral proficiency through the study of Spanish-language films and literature. Students are encouraged to think critically about the topics we study and how they pertain to the Spanish-speaking world and their own. Prerequisite: Intensive Spanish