Foundations — Grade 12 • Jackson, Mississippi
World Languages and Classics
The Department of World and Classical Languages at St. Andrew’s encourages lifelong learning of world languages and cultures and helps students develop a broad world view, an awareness of interconnectedness, an appreciation of linguistic and cultural differences and similarities, a commitment to contribute positively to their communities, and the ability to communicate and collaborate with people from other countries and cultures. The department offers instruction in six modern languages – Spanish, French, Mandarin, Italian, German, and Arabic (through MSON) – and two classical languages – Latin and Greek. In each language and at each level, emphasis is placed on developing communicative and cross-cultural competencies, with exchange and travel programs complementing classroom instruction.
ARABIC I
This year-long course is an introduction to Modern Standard Arabic, the language of formal speech and most printed materials in the Arab-speaking world. Students will learn to read and write the Arabic alphabet and will develop beginning proficiency in the language. Through frequent oral and written drills, students will develop their basic communication skills.
ARABIC II
This year-long course is a continuation of the introduction to Modern Standard Arabic, the language of formal speech and most printed materials in the Arab-speaking world. Students will learn to read and write the Arabic alphabet and will develop beginning proficiency in the language. Through frequent oral and written drills, students will develop their basic communication skills. Prerequisite: Arabic I
SPANISH I
SPANISH III
Spanish III is conducted almost entirely in Spanish. Students continue to develop their skills by hearing and speaking Spanish in class, studying authentic texts, doing internet research, writing essays, seeing videos, corresponding with Spanish speakers, and listening to guest speakers. Students improve their vocabulary and more advanced language functions, including persuasion, are introduced.
SPANISH IV
This is a proficiency-based course designed to develop fluency. Emphasis is placed on communication (listening, speaking, reading, writing); cultures (gaining knowledge and understanding of Hispanic countries and their cultures); connections with other disciplines; comparisons (developing insight into the nature of language and culture); and communities (participating in multilingual communities at home and around the world). The activities in the classroom and those in the textbook and practice book are designed to expose students to communicative situations that will allow them to use the language in a meaningful context. This class is conducted mostly in Spanish.
SPANISH V
The main objective of this course is for students to achieve a high level of ability in oral production, auditory comprehension, reading and writing. Throughout the course, students will engage in activities that will deepen their cultural understanding of the Hispanic world. Students will also show evidence of becoming life-long learners by using the language for enrichment and personal enjoyment. Students will be exposed to a variety of authentic materials to help them expand understanding of the relationship between practices and perspectives of the Spanish-speaking cultures. This class is conducted almost entirely in Spanish.
THE SPANISH-SPEAKING WORLD THROUGH FILM
This fall semester course is intended for advanced level students who, having taken Spanish IV or Spanish V, would like to further develop proficiency in the language as they learn more about the cultures in which Spanish is spoken. Students will expand their cultural and historical knowledge of Latin America as they use language in a meaningful way to discuss the different historical and cultural aspects portrayed in the films, while further developing their proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will keep a journal in Spanish, which will be turned in at the end of the course. This exercise will provide them with the opportunity to reflect on the themes of each film and write their own critical commentary.
FRENCH III
Students will improve those language skills acquired in French I and II. They will gain greater oral proficiency in the language and increase their knowledge of vocabulary, grammar and syntax. Students will use their language skills to acquire a background of the history and culture of French-speaking countries by reading short stories and poetry and authentic documents such as newspaper and magazine articles. Short skits will be used also. They will complete daily homework assignments and will show proficiency through oral interviews, written quizzes, presentations, in-class compositions, spontaneous conversational skills and unit exams.
FRENCH IV
Students will improve upon those language skills acquired in previous levels. They will increase their command of the spoken and written language through reflection and analysis. Students will continue to develop language skills based upon abstract concepts. They will read and write more extensively while examining advanced grammatical structures. Students will continue to investigate the history and culture associated with the target language. They will also read authentic documents and listen to French news broadcasts. They will complete daily homework assignments and will show proficiency through interviews, written quizzes, presentations, in-class compositions, spontaneous conversations and unit exams. The class will be conducted primarily in the target language.
MANDARIN II
This course will build on the knowledge and skills developed in Mandarin I and will continue to follow the National Standards and to focus on the three primary modes of communication: impersonal, interpretive, and presentational. In this course, students will develop the skills to comprehend short, simple conversations and narratives on topics covered; comprehend readings of short paragraphs containing the characters required in the book; initiate and carry on conversations to exchange information and express opinions about such topics as weather, transportation, location, and sports; give brief oral presentations about topics such as school and daily life activities; tell stories based on pictures that reflect familiar daily contexts; and write messages to respond to email in Chinese characters regarding familiar contexts. In addition, students will be able to gain understanding of basic aspects of Chinese culture, such as festivals, street markets, and students’ activities. In addition, each student will be corresponding with Chinese pen-pals at our partner school in Kunming.
INTRODUCTORY GERMAN
Juniors and Seniors Only
This course will build upon the already familiar linguistic skills acquired in other languages taught at St. Andrew’s. It will emphasize conversation for every-day situations, expanding both vocabulary and grammar at an intensive level. It will focus on the three German-speaking countries in Europe (Germany, Austria and Switzerland), integrating textual, audio, video, and cultural components.
LATIN I
LATIN II
The course begins with a review of Latin I and builds on these skills to complete the study of grammar emphasizing the Latin verbal system. Students build their translation skills through reading more complex Latin stories and acquiring an extensive Latin vocabulary. The course also focuses on Roman history, culture, and geography.
LATIN III
This course aims to transition students from learning grammar and reading adapted Latin, to reading unadapted Classical authors for the first time. The course will start off with an intensive review of the grammar learned in Latin I and II, before introducing the last remaining new grammatical and syntactical constructions in the Latin language. During this time, we will read Auricula Meretricula, an adapted Latin play, after which we will foray into selections from several prose authors, including longer selections from Caesar and Petronius. The Spring semester will be spent with an in-depth reading of the orator Cicero’s first speech against Catiline. We will focus on acquiring strong translations skills and habits, as well as becoming perceptive of the literary and rhetorical devices employed by Roman authors.
LATIN IV
Students continue to read the primary Roman writers with an emphasis on poetry. Authors read include Catullus, Horace, Ovid, and Vergil. Students gain an advanced level of translation and vocabulary skills, and are introduced to metrics and scansion. Additionally students benefit from discussion of secondary scholarship and stylistic analyses for each author. In combination with the prose focus of Latin III, the poetry focus of Latin IV solidifies all the skills necessary to succeed in the AP Latin course.
AP LATIN
Application and departmental approval required
The aim of this course will be to prepare students for the AP Latin examination that occurs during the Spring semester. Thus, students will conduct an in-depth study of selections of Caesar’s Comentarii de Bello Gallicoand Vergil’s Aeneid in Latin, and further sections in English. We will spend time examining the literary style of each author, as well as the cultural and historical context in which he wrote. On the AP exam students will be expected to make literal translations, answer multiple choice and short answer questions, and to write analytical essays, all based on Latin passages. Therefore, this course will expect students to do the same.
ANCIENT GREEK
Open to juniors and seniors only
This course consists of an introduction to the alphabet, vocabulary, grammar, and basic syntax of Classical Attic Greek. We will spend time learning and using translation skills (reading, writing, and speaking Greek), as well as focusing on derivatives, which unlock the English legal and, in particular, medical/scientific vocabularies (amongst many others). Students will gain an appreciation for Classical authors, such as Homer, Plato, and the Athenian dramatists, and will read large selections from Herodotus, the author of the famous story of the 300 Spartans at Thermopylae. Towards the end of the year, students will also translate passages of the foundationally important New Testament from its original language. Time will also be spent learning about Greek culture, history, art, and mythology in order to supply a more complete context for the language and its impact on modern thought and culture.
CLASSICAL MYTHOLOGY
Open to juniors and seniors only
This fall semester elective will introduce students to the major myths and legends that represent the central cultural and moral values of the Greco-Roman world; stories of deities, heroes, villains, journeys, and the composition of the world. Students will explore primary sources in English translation (i.e. prior knowledge of Latin and/or Greek is not a prerequisite), as well as the reception and impact of these stories on both ancient and modern art and culture. Students will also spend time analyzing and discussing the historic interpretation and application of these mythological stories in order to gain an appreciation for mythology's vast influence on today's language, literature, and culture. Note: This course is open to juniors and seniors and is offered during the fall semester only.
WOMEN IN THE CLASSICAL WORLD
This course focuses on a ubiquitous yet rarely discussed and poorly understood population of the Classical world: women. Because of the inherent bias of our extant sources, students are most often exposed to literature and history written by men and about men. This course will make use of both literary and archaeological sources to better understand the roles of women in society, how women were represented, and, as much as possible, women’s own perspectives on their lives and culture. We will progress chronologically focusing on Greek and Roman history and briefly include Etruscan and Egyptian women.
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This year-long course is an introduction to Modern Standard Arabic, the language of formal speech and most printed materials in the Arab-speaking world. Students will learn to read and write the Arabic alphabet and will develop beginning proficiency in the language. Through frequent oral and written drills, students will develop their basic communication skills.
ARABIC II
This year-long course is a continuation of the introduction to Modern Standard Arabic, the language of formal speech and most printed materials in the Arab-speaking world. Students will learn to read and write the Arabic alphabet and will develop beginning proficiency in the language. Through frequent oral and written drills, students will develop their basic communication skills. Prerequisite: Arabic I
SPANISH I
This is a dynamic communicative course which adapts to the needs and abilities of the students through differentiated instruction. Students develop a strong foundation in the fundamentals of the Spanish language through a variety of creative, interactive activities that integrate presentational, interpretive, and interpersonal communication. Students learn to appreciate the diversity of Spanish and Hispanic culture through authentic audiovisual materials, presentations and comparisons with their own culture and communities.
SPANISH II
In this course, students build on the foundation established in Spanish I. We continue to emphasize the fundamentals of the Spanish language and to challenge students to increase the breadth and complexity of their language skills through a variety of creative, interactive activities that integrate presentational, interpretive, and interpersonal communication. Students learn to appreciate the diversity of Spanish and Hispanic culture through authentic audiovisual materials, direct oral and written contact with native speakers, and connections and comparisons with their own culture and communities.
SPANISH II
In this course, students build on the foundation established in Spanish I. We continue to emphasize the fundamentals of the Spanish language and to challenge students to increase the breadth and complexity of their language skills through a variety of creative, interactive activities that integrate presentational, interpretive, and interpersonal communication. Students learn to appreciate the diversity of Spanish and Hispanic culture through authentic audiovisual materials, direct oral and written contact with native speakers, and connections and comparisons with their own culture and communities.
SPANISH III
Spanish III is conducted almost entirely in Spanish. Students continue to develop their skills by hearing and speaking Spanish in class, studying authentic texts, doing internet research, writing essays, seeing videos, corresponding with Spanish speakers, and listening to guest speakers. Students improve their vocabulary and more advanced language functions, including persuasion, are introduced.
SPANISH IV
This is a proficiency-based course designed to develop fluency. Emphasis is placed on communication (listening, speaking, reading, writing); cultures (gaining knowledge and understanding of Hispanic countries and their cultures); connections with other disciplines; comparisons (developing insight into the nature of language and culture); and communities (participating in multilingual communities at home and around the world). The activities in the classroom and those in the textbook and practice book are designed to expose students to communicative situations that will allow them to use the language in a meaningful context. This class is conducted mostly in Spanish.
SPANISH V
The main objective of this course is for students to achieve a high level of ability in oral production, auditory comprehension, reading and writing. Throughout the course, students will engage in activities that will deepen their cultural understanding of the Hispanic world. Students will also show evidence of becoming life-long learners by using the language for enrichment and personal enjoyment. Students will be exposed to a variety of authentic materials to help them expand understanding of the relationship between practices and perspectives of the Spanish-speaking cultures. This class is conducted almost entirely in Spanish.
AP SPANISH
Permission of the instructor required.
This course prepares students for the AP Spanish Language and Culture Examination. Classroom activities expose students to a variety of communicative situations to familiarize them with different nuances of the language and to promote fluency and accuracy in language use. It engages students in the exploration, awareness, and appreciation of the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries, focusing on cultural products, practices and perspectives as described in the National Standards for Foreign Language Education. The course also emphasizes the development of the students’ interpersonal, interpretive and presentational communication. The exercises, AP sessions, and evaluations provide practice to help the students improve test-taking techniques. The explanations, tasks, practices and feedback are all conducted in Spanish.
Permission of the instructor required.
This course prepares students for the AP Spanish Language and Culture Examination. Classroom activities expose students to a variety of communicative situations to familiarize them with different nuances of the language and to promote fluency and accuracy in language use. It engages students in the exploration, awareness, and appreciation of the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries, focusing on cultural products, practices and perspectives as described in the National Standards for Foreign Language Education. The course also emphasizes the development of the students’ interpersonal, interpretive and presentational communication. The exercises, AP sessions, and evaluations provide practice to help the students improve test-taking techniques. The explanations, tasks, practices and feedback are all conducted in Spanish.
THE SPANISH-SPEAKING WORLD THROUGH FILM
This fall semester course is intended for advanced level students who, having taken Spanish IV or Spanish V, would like to further develop proficiency in the language as they learn more about the cultures in which Spanish is spoken. Students will expand their cultural and historical knowledge of Latin America as they use language in a meaningful way to discuss the different historical and cultural aspects portrayed in the films, while further developing their proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will keep a journal in Spanish, which will be turned in at the end of the course. This exercise will provide them with the opportunity to reflect on the themes of each film and write their own critical commentary.
FRENCH I
This course is an introduction to the language and cultures of the French-speaking world. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the sound system and verb structures in the present, past and near future tenses. They will describe themselves, ask questions to elicit information about each other, discuss school-related activities, likes and dislikes, hobbies and pastimes. Students will experience culture through a variety of media and through researching various French-speaking locations. They will develop their proficiency through daily oral participation, role-playing, class discussions, listening, reading and writing activities. Students will complete daily homework assignments and will show proficiency through oral interviews, written quizzes, presentations and unit exams.
This course is an introduction to the language and cultures of the French-speaking world. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the sound system and verb structures in the present, past and near future tenses. They will describe themselves, ask questions to elicit information about each other, discuss school-related activities, likes and dislikes, hobbies and pastimes. Students will experience culture through a variety of media and through researching various French-speaking locations. They will develop their proficiency through daily oral participation, role-playing, class discussions, listening, reading and writing activities. Students will complete daily homework assignments and will show proficiency through oral interviews, written quizzes, presentations and unit exams.
FRENCH II
Students in French II will continue the progressive development of the language skills which they learned in French I. They will expand their knowledge of vocabulary, grammar and linguistic structures with a focus on communication. They will further investigate the cultures and civilizations of the French-speaking countries through special research projects. Students will practice their conversational skills through dramatization, cooperative learning, paired practice, oral presentations and class discussions. In class, students will express themselves in French whenever possible. They will complete daily homework assignments and will show proficiency through oral interviews, written quizzes, presentations, in-class compositions, spontaneous conversational skills and unit exams.
Students in French II will continue the progressive development of the language skills which they learned in French I. They will expand their knowledge of vocabulary, grammar and linguistic structures with a focus on communication. They will further investigate the cultures and civilizations of the French-speaking countries through special research projects. Students will practice their conversational skills through dramatization, cooperative learning, paired practice, oral presentations and class discussions. In class, students will express themselves in French whenever possible. They will complete daily homework assignments and will show proficiency through oral interviews, written quizzes, presentations, in-class compositions, spontaneous conversational skills and unit exams.
FRENCH III
Students will improve those language skills acquired in French I and II. They will gain greater oral proficiency in the language and increase their knowledge of vocabulary, grammar and syntax. Students will use their language skills to acquire a background of the history and culture of French-speaking countries by reading short stories and poetry and authentic documents such as newspaper and magazine articles. Short skits will be used also. They will complete daily homework assignments and will show proficiency through oral interviews, written quizzes, presentations, in-class compositions, spontaneous conversational skills and unit exams.
FRENCH IV
Students will improve upon those language skills acquired in previous levels. They will increase their command of the spoken and written language through reflection and analysis. Students will continue to develop language skills based upon abstract concepts. They will read and write more extensively while examining advanced grammatical structures. Students will continue to investigate the history and culture associated with the target language. They will also read authentic documents and listen to French news broadcasts. They will complete daily homework assignments and will show proficiency through interviews, written quizzes, presentations, in-class compositions, spontaneous conversations and unit exams. The class will be conducted primarily in the target language.
FRENCH V
Permission of the instructor required.
In this course, students will start preparing for the Advanced Placement French course. Students will write narrations and do research projects, present and justify their own opinions orally, and communicate facts and ideas with a good accent and in a grammatically correct fashion. Students will increase their appreciation for the richness of Francophone literature, history, and culture. They will read authentic documents and listen to broadcasts from a variety of Francophone countries. Students will complete daily homework assignments and will show proficiency through oral interviews, written quizzes, presentations and unit exams. Upon successful completion of this course, students may be able to approach the AP French level with confidence. This class will be conducted in the target language.
Permission of the instructor required.
In this course, students will start preparing for the Advanced Placement French course. Students will write narrations and do research projects, present and justify their own opinions orally, and communicate facts and ideas with a good accent and in a grammatically correct fashion. Students will increase their appreciation for the richness of Francophone literature, history, and culture. They will read authentic documents and listen to broadcasts from a variety of Francophone countries. Students will complete daily homework assignments and will show proficiency through oral interviews, written quizzes, presentations and unit exams. Upon successful completion of this course, students may be able to approach the AP French level with confidence. This class will be conducted in the target language.
AP FRENCH
Permission of the instructor required.
In this course, students will prepare for the Advanced Placement French Language Examination. Students will write narrations and research projects, present and justify their own opinions orally, and communicate facts and ideas with an accurate accent and in a grammatically correct fashion. Students will increase their appreciation for the richness of Francophone literature, history and culture. They will read authentic documents and listen to broadcasts from a variety of Francophone countries. Students will complete daily homework assignments and will show proficiency through oral interviews, written quizzes, presentations and unit exams. They will also have the opportunity to practice AP style exams before the actual exam. Upon successful completion of this course, students may receive college credit through the Advanced Placement Examination offered by the College Board.
CINEMATIC FRANCOPHONE IDENTITY
Explore what it means to be Francophone and culturally aware by watching 4-5 different films, each representing a different francophone country. Countries to be explored: France, Algerie, Québec, Département et region d’outre-mer, and possibly Viet-nam. Film theory will be introduced as a resource in analyzing the films. Films studied will be provided by instructor. This World Languages elective course is taught in English, so no previous French experience is required. Necessary French vocabulary and expressions will be taught.
Permission of the instructor required.
In this course, students will prepare for the Advanced Placement French Language Examination. Students will write narrations and research projects, present and justify their own opinions orally, and communicate facts and ideas with an accurate accent and in a grammatically correct fashion. Students will increase their appreciation for the richness of Francophone literature, history and culture. They will read authentic documents and listen to broadcasts from a variety of Francophone countries. Students will complete daily homework assignments and will show proficiency through oral interviews, written quizzes, presentations and unit exams. They will also have the opportunity to practice AP style exams before the actual exam. Upon successful completion of this course, students may receive college credit through the Advanced Placement Examination offered by the College Board.
CINEMATIC FRANCOPHONE IDENTITY
Explore what it means to be Francophone and culturally aware by watching 4-5 different films, each representing a different francophone country. Countries to be explored: France, Algerie, Québec, Département et region d’outre-mer, and possibly Viet-nam. Film theory will be introduced as a resource in analyzing the films. Films studied will be provided by instructor. This World Languages elective course is taught in English, so no previous French experience is required. Necessary French vocabulary and expressions will be taught.
MANDARIN I
This course is a beginning Mandarin Chinese language course designed for students with no Chinese language background. Following the guidelines of the National Standards for Foreign Language Education, this course provides a firm base of knowledge and skills for subsequent courses in Mandarin. In this course, students will develop the skills to comprehend readings of simple sentences and short paragraphs containing the characters required in the book; ask questions and carry on simple conversations about such topics as family, nationality, and the calendar; share likes and dislikes regarding animals, food, and fruit; give brief oral messages and presentations about people, family, and school; write characters with the correct stroke order; write simple sentences in Chinese characters regarding the topics covered. In addition, the students will be able to gain an understanding of basic aspects of Chinese culture. In addition, each student will be corresponding with Chinese pen-pals of our partner school in China.
This course is a beginning Mandarin Chinese language course designed for students with no Chinese language background. Following the guidelines of the National Standards for Foreign Language Education, this course provides a firm base of knowledge and skills for subsequent courses in Mandarin. In this course, students will develop the skills to comprehend readings of simple sentences and short paragraphs containing the characters required in the book; ask questions and carry on simple conversations about such topics as family, nationality, and the calendar; share likes and dislikes regarding animals, food, and fruit; give brief oral messages and presentations about people, family, and school; write characters with the correct stroke order; write simple sentences in Chinese characters regarding the topics covered. In addition, the students will be able to gain an understanding of basic aspects of Chinese culture. In addition, each student will be corresponding with Chinese pen-pals of our partner school in China.
MANDARIN II
This course will build on the knowledge and skills developed in Mandarin I and will continue to follow the National Standards and to focus on the three primary modes of communication: impersonal, interpretive, and presentational. In this course, students will develop the skills to comprehend short, simple conversations and narratives on topics covered; comprehend readings of short paragraphs containing the characters required in the book; initiate and carry on conversations to exchange information and express opinions about such topics as weather, transportation, location, and sports; give brief oral presentations about topics such as school and daily life activities; tell stories based on pictures that reflect familiar daily contexts; and write messages to respond to email in Chinese characters regarding familiar contexts. In addition, students will be able to gain understanding of basic aspects of Chinese culture, such as festivals, street markets, and students’ activities. In addition, each student will be corresponding with Chinese pen-pals at our partner school in Kunming.
MANDARIN IV
Intended for students who have successfully completed Mandarin III, this course will continue the process of skill development, digging deeper into the Chinese language and culture, while still focusing on three primary modes of communication: impersonal, interpretive, and presentational. This course is conducted in the target language. In this course, students will develop the skills to initiate conversations and respond to questions relating to personal experiences; express personal views or exchange opinions about social issues, such as generation gaps, student driving, and pollution; comprehend readings of short paragraphs containing a wider variety of characters; write short stories based on pictures using level-appropriate syntax with accuracy; and write short paragraphs concerning different social issues using culturally-appropriate vocabulary and structures. In addition, students will develop a broader understanding and appreciation for different aspects of Chinese culture, including festivals and Chinese medicine, as well as famous figures of Chinese painting and calligraphy. In addition, each student will be corresponding with Chinese pen-pals at our partner school in Kunming.
Intended for students who have successfully completed Mandarin III, this course will continue the process of skill development, digging deeper into the Chinese language and culture, while still focusing on three primary modes of communication: impersonal, interpretive, and presentational. This course is conducted in the target language. In this course, students will develop the skills to initiate conversations and respond to questions relating to personal experiences; express personal views or exchange opinions about social issues, such as generation gaps, student driving, and pollution; comprehend readings of short paragraphs containing a wider variety of characters; write short stories based on pictures using level-appropriate syntax with accuracy; and write short paragraphs concerning different social issues using culturally-appropriate vocabulary and structures. In addition, students will develop a broader understanding and appreciation for different aspects of Chinese culture, including festivals and Chinese medicine, as well as famous figures of Chinese painting and calligraphy. In addition, each student will be corresponding with Chinese pen-pals at our partner school in Kunming.
MANDARIN V
Permission of the instructor required.
This course is intended for highly motivated students with a solid base in the Chinese language. The course is conducted in the target language, and students are expected to use the target language in class. This course explores a variety of topics to enhance the four skills of language – listening, speaking, reading, and writing – and to help students develop a deeper understanding of Chinese culture, geography, and history. Among the topics covered will be the teachings of Confucius, which will be learned in the classical Chinese language. Students also will be required to read short stories and write summaries, and to keep a diary as requested. A wide range of authentic audio, visual, and online materials will complement the classroom instruction and exercises. In addition, each student will be corresponding with Chinese pen-pals at our partner school in Kunming.
Permission of the instructor required.
This course is intended for highly motivated students with a solid base in the Chinese language. The course is conducted in the target language, and students are expected to use the target language in class. This course explores a variety of topics to enhance the four skills of language – listening, speaking, reading, and writing – and to help students develop a deeper understanding of Chinese culture, geography, and history. Among the topics covered will be the teachings of Confucius, which will be learned in the classical Chinese language. Students also will be required to read short stories and write summaries, and to keep a diary as requested. A wide range of authentic audio, visual, and online materials will complement the classroom instruction and exercises. In addition, each student will be corresponding with Chinese pen-pals at our partner school in Kunming.
ITALIAN I
Open to juniors and seniors only
This course offers an intensive study of the basic Italian language and an overview of contemporary Italian culture. It involves a variety of assignments and activities that develop grammatical competency and proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students are exposed to a wide range of authentic language and cultural materials including newspapers, websites, and audio-visual resources. At the end of the course, students will be able to communicate in Italian at the basic level.
INTRODUCTORY GERMAN
Juniors and Seniors Only
This course will build upon the already familiar linguistic skills acquired in other languages taught at St. Andrew’s. It will emphasize conversation for every-day situations, expanding both vocabulary and grammar at an intensive level. It will focus on the three German-speaking countries in Europe (Germany, Austria and Switzerland), integrating textual, audio, video, and cultural components.
LATIN I
The aim of this course will be to rapidly bring students up to speed on the Latin grammar, analytical and translation skills, and Roman culture normally learned during the two-year Middle School sequence. Grammatical topics covered will include the declension of nouns and adjective, the conjugation of verbs across several tenses, syntactical constructions, and more, along with translation skills with an eye to reading longer passages of Latin with acuity and precision.
LATIN II
The course begins with a review of Latin I and builds on these skills to complete the study of grammar emphasizing the Latin verbal system. Students build their translation skills through reading more complex Latin stories and acquiring an extensive Latin vocabulary. The course also focuses on Roman history, culture, and geography.
LATIN III
This course aims to transition students from learning grammar and reading adapted Latin, to reading unadapted Classical authors for the first time. The course will start off with an intensive review of the grammar learned in Latin I and II, before introducing the last remaining new grammatical and syntactical constructions in the Latin language. During this time, we will read Auricula Meretricula, an adapted Latin play, after which we will foray into selections from several prose authors, including longer selections from Caesar and Petronius. The Spring semester will be spent with an in-depth reading of the orator Cicero’s first speech against Catiline. We will focus on acquiring strong translations skills and habits, as well as becoming perceptive of the literary and rhetorical devices employed by Roman authors.
LATIN IV
Students continue to read the primary Roman writers with an emphasis on poetry. Authors read include Catullus, Horace, Ovid, and Vergil. Students gain an advanced level of translation and vocabulary skills, and are introduced to metrics and scansion. Additionally students benefit from discussion of secondary scholarship and stylistic analyses for each author. In combination with the prose focus of Latin III, the poetry focus of Latin IV solidifies all the skills necessary to succeed in the AP Latin course.
AP LATIN
Application and departmental approval required
The aim of this course will be to prepare students for the AP Latin examination that occurs during the Spring semester. Thus, students will conduct an in-depth study of selections of Caesar’s Comentarii de Bello Gallicoand Vergil’s Aeneid in Latin, and further sections in English. We will spend time examining the literary style of each author, as well as the cultural and historical context in which he wrote. On the AP exam students will be expected to make literal translations, answer multiple choice and short answer questions, and to write analytical essays, all based on Latin passages. Therefore, this course will expect students to do the same.
ANCIENT GREEK
Open to juniors and seniors only
This course consists of an introduction to the alphabet, vocabulary, grammar, and basic syntax of Classical Attic Greek. We will spend time learning and using translation skills (reading, writing, and speaking Greek), as well as focusing on derivatives, which unlock the English legal and, in particular, medical/scientific vocabularies (amongst many others). Students will gain an appreciation for Classical authors, such as Homer, Plato, and the Athenian dramatists, and will read large selections from Herodotus, the author of the famous story of the 300 Spartans at Thermopylae. Towards the end of the year, students will also translate passages of the foundationally important New Testament from its original language. Time will also be spent learning about Greek culture, history, art, and mythology in order to supply a more complete context for the language and its impact on modern thought and culture.
CLASSICAL MYTHOLOGY
Open to juniors and seniors only
This fall semester elective will introduce students to the major myths and legends that represent the central cultural and moral values of the Greco-Roman world; stories of deities, heroes, villains, journeys, and the composition of the world. Students will explore primary sources in English translation (i.e. prior knowledge of Latin and/or Greek is not a prerequisite), as well as the reception and impact of these stories on both ancient and modern art and culture. Students will also spend time analyzing and discussing the historic interpretation and application of these mythological stories in order to gain an appreciation for mythology's vast influence on today's language, literature, and culture. Note: This course is open to juniors and seniors and is offered during the fall semester only.
WOMEN IN THE CLASSICAL WORLD
This course focuses on a ubiquitous yet rarely discussed and poorly understood population of the Classical world: women. Because of the inherent bias of our extant sources, students are most often exposed to literature and history written by men and about men. This course will make use of both literary and archaeological sources to better understand the roles of women in society, how women were represented, and, as much as possible, women’s own perspectives on their lives and culture. We will progress chronologically focusing on Greek and Roman history and briefly include Etruscan and Egyptian women.
Foundations — Grade 12 • Jackson, Mississippi