World Languages
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Episcopal offers four world languages, Chinese, French, Latin, and Spanish, at the Middle School level. At the beginning of each language section, we have elaborated on some of the benefits of each language to assist students and parents in making a world language choice. The first level course is completed in a two-year sequence in 7th and 8th grades, allowing students to develop an understanding of the language and an appreciation for the culture.
Level: 6th grade
Length: Nine weeks
Description: This exploratory course offers students exposure to all four world languages offered: Chinese, French, Latin, and Spanish. By exploring all of these languages, students are introduced to the importance of learning a foreign language and begin developing study skills applicable to a foreign language. This exposure helps students make an informed decision on which language they would like to pursue when they begin their in-depth language studies in seventh grade.
CHINESE
Level: 7th grade
Length: Year
Description: Chinese 1A introduces the basics of the Chinese language and culture. Students begin to learn the Chinese characters from the word pictures to the modern characters. The tones and the pronunciation of the Chinese language are practiced daily. Students learn greetings, family vocabulary, hobbies, days, and times. They carry on basic conversations and learn the pinyin (phonetic symbols) and writing of the characters.
Level: 8th grade
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Completion of Chinese 1A with a C- or above.
Description: After a thorough review of the Romanized pinyin, students continue to build upon the basic vocabulary and sentence structures previously learned in Chinese 1A. They engage in various classroom learning activities that strengthen what they acquired and increase their confidence in using the language. Chinese culture is integrated into the lessons.
Level: 8th Grade
Length: Year
Description: This introductory Chinese language course is for students with little or no prior experience in the language. Pinyin (phonetic symbols) is used as a supplementary tool to learn the spoken language. Emphasis is placed on developing the students’ ability to use the language in everyday conversations. The goal of this class is to build a solid foundation for the student’s understanding of the Chinese language, as well as gain an understanding of and appreciation for Chinese culture.
FRENCH
Level: 7th grade
Length: Year
Description: Through in-class activities, discussions, and homework assignments, students begin to learn the basic foundations of French. Students develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in this class. Frequent speaking activities encourage students to experiment with new sounds and concepts, each one building students’ confidence. Developing second language learning skills for a variety of learning styles is emphasized. The study of French culture through music, art, food, and geography are all fun and important elements of learning the language. Through in-class discussions, watching videos, and playing games, French 1A students should be able to understand and engage in simple conversations and read and write at a novice level.
Level: 8th grade
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Completion of French 1A with a C- or above.
Description: Through in-class activities, discussions, and daily homework assignments, this course continues to build upon the vocabulary and grammatical structures previously learned in French 1A. Frequent speaking activities continue to build their fluency in the language. The study of French culture continues to be an integral part of learning the language. Through in-class discussions and the use of authentic materials, students should be able to understand and communicate basic thoughts and descriptions addressing a multitude of subjects by the end of the year.
Level: 8th grade
Length Year
Description: This course is an introductory French language course for students with little or no prior experience in the language. Students learn basic vocabulary and basic grammatical structures at a novice level. The goal of this course is to build a solid foundation for the student’s understanding of the French language, as well as gaining an understanding of the cultures of the French-speaking world.
LATIN
Level: 7th grade
Length: Year
Description: The students learn basic Latin grammar, forms, and vocabulary. In addition, they start exploring Roman mythology and begin studying the daily life of Romans. Students discuss English derivatives and how they relate to Latin roots.
Level: 8th grade
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Completion of Latin 1A with a C- or above.
Description: After a thorough review of the grammar learned in Latin 1A, emphasis is placed on more advanced grammar constructions; further study of the history and culture of the Romans; mythology; and Latin and English vocabulary. There are projects based on Roman culture and/or mythology.
Level: 8th grade
Length: Year
Description: In Latin 1, students learn basic Latin grammar, forms, and vocabulary. They then begin to apply this material to the translation of sentences and adapted Latin passages. In addition, students examine Latin roots and their relationship to English vocabulary. While the focus is on the Latin language, Roman culture, history, and mythology are also studied.
SPANISH
Level: 7th grade
Length: Year
Description: In this course, students begin to learn the foundations of Spanish. Through in-class activities, class discussions, and written assignments, students begin to develop the four language acquisition skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Additionally, students are exposed to Hispanic cultures through music, art, food, and geography. By the end of this course, students should be able to understand and engage in simple conversations and read and write at a novice level.
Level: 8th grade
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Completion of Spanish 1A with a C- or above.
Description: Through in-class activities, discussions, and daily homework assignments, this course continues to build upon the vocabulary and grammatical structures previously learned in Spanish 1A. Frequent speaking activities continue to build their fluency in the language. The study of Hispanic culture continues to be an integral part of learning the language. Through in-class discussions and the use of authentic materials, students should be able to understand and communicate basic thoughts and descriptions addressing a multitude of subjects by the end of the year.
Level: 8th grade
Length: Year
Description: This course is an introductory Spanish language course for students with little or no prior experience in a language. In this course, students learn basic vocabulary and grammatical structures at a novice level. The goal of this course is to build a solid foundation for the student’s understanding of the Spanish language as well as gain an understanding of peninsular and Latin American cultures.