World Languages
Click on a course name below to view more information.
REQUIRED: 2 or 3 credits to ensure completion of level 3 of the same language.
Episcopal offers five world languages: American Sign Language*, Chinese, French, Latin, and Spanish.
* Enrollment is limited to those recommended for the course through a school-based placement process.
AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE
Level: 9th grade
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Approval based on application.
Description: In this course, students are introduced to American Sign Language (ASL), with emphasis on culturally
appropriate vocabulary. ASL 1 includes Deaf historical and cultural lessons, along with proper ASL linguistic structure and conceptual vocabulary (expressive and receptive) sign language skills. Students will be able to use this target language, the knowledge they acquire about Deaf culture, and their levels of acceptance, to assist them within and beyond the school setting for personal growth and enrichment.
Level: 10th grade
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Completion of American Sign Language 1.
Description: American Sign Language 2 reinforces the skills acquired in American Sign Language 1, while providing
opportunity for continued language development and skill growth within the target language. This course dives deeper into Deaf cultural and historical norms. Extended projects should be expected. Students will continue to be able to use this target language, the knowledge they acquire about Deaf culture, and their levels of acceptance, to assist them within and beyond the school setting for personal growth and enrichment.
Level: 11th grade
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Completion of American Sign Language 2.
Description: American Sign Language 3 provides mastery and expansion of skills acquired by the students in American
Sign Language 2. This section places emphasis on conversational signs, expanding vocabulary and within a “voice off” classroom setting. Opportunities will be given for involvement with Deaf events and community service. The student will be able to use this target language, the knowledge they acquire about Deaf culture, and their deep levels of acceptance, to assist them within and beyond the school setting for personal growth and enrichment.
CHINESE
Level: 9th through 12th grades
Length: Year
Description: This course is an introductory Chinese language course for students with little or no prior experience in the language. Pinyin (phonetic symbols) are used as a supplementary tool to learn the spoken language. Emphasis is placed on developing the student’s 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.
Level: 9th through 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Completion of Chinese 1 with a grade of C- or above.
Description: Chinese 2 is designed for students who wish to further develop their Chinese listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Students should become reasonably proficient in using the Chinese language in practical situations. This class emphasizes expanding students’ vocabulary and sentence patterns with special emphasis placed on speaking. Chinese culture and history are also integrated into the lessons.
Level: 9th through 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Completion of Chinese 1 or 1B with a grade of A- or above.
Description: This demanding course includes the same skills and topics as Chinese 2, with additional vocabulary and proficiency levels required.
Level: 10th through 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Completion of Chinese 2 with a grade of C- or above.
Description: The Chinese 3 course introduces a greater variety of vocabulary, and students practice grammar to reach greater proficiency. Lessons and activities are designed to further strengthen students' communication skills. Much of this is achieved through listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Chinese culture is studied in class through videos and student research projects.
Level: 10th through 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Completion of Chinese 2 with a grade of A- or above, Semester 1 Exam, and teacher recommendation.
Description: In Honors Chinese 3 lessons are designed at a more advanced level to deepen and strengthen students' communicative skills. By introducing a greater variety of vocabulary and grammar, students gain confidence in their ability to communicate on various daily topics.
Level: 11th and 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Completion of Chinese 3 with a grade of A- or above, Semester 1 Exam, and teacher recommendation.
Description: Honors Chinese 4 strengthens and expands students’ language skills while introducing more complicated grammatical concepts. Through reading and oral assignments, vocabulary from daily life situations is studied in greater depth. The course also emphasizes the critical transition from thinking in English and translating into Chinese to speaking spontaneously in the language.
Level: 12th grade
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Chinese 4 with a grade of A- or above, Semester 1 exam, and teacher recommendation.
Description: This accelerated course prepares students for the AP Chinese Language and Culture examination. In this course, students engage in the language using the three modes of communication: interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational. Students use a variety of thematically-based resources to demonstrate and deepen their proficiency in the language. Films, magazines, newspaper articles, works of art, and music are the basis for conversation and essays. Substantial review of vocabulary and grammar serves to polish skills to the level of sophistication required on the exam. Through their language study, students explore the culture in depth, gaining awareness and an appreciation for the Chinese-speaking world.
FRENCH
Level: 9th through 12th grades
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 class is to build a solid foundation for the student’s understanding of the French language and the cultures of the French-speaking world.
Level: 9th through 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Completion of French 1 with a grade of C - or above.
Description: French 2 students continue to develop their communicative competencies. Building upon basic grammatical structures and vocabulary, French 2 embraces grammar and vocabulary of increasing difficulty. This course emphasizes developing listening, speaking, writing, and reading skills at the novice level.
Level: 9th through 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Successful completion of French 1B or French 1 with a B+ or above, Semester 1 Exam, and teacher recommendation.
Description: Honors French 2 students develop communicative competencies at an accelerated pace. Building on basic grammatical structures and broadening their vocabularies, they begin to express themselves in the language in more complex ways. In addition to the text, they are exposed to French written material, video, and audio to develop more in-depth listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. By the end of the year, students should be able to carry on short conversations about their day-to-day lives and some topics of French culture.
Level: 10th through 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Completion of French 2 with a grade of C- or above.
Description: This course aims to expand and strengthen all material learned in previous years. This course develops increased listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. By watching videos, listening to podcasts, and reading stories and articles, the students apply the vocabulary and grammar of increasing difficulty in their writing and class discussions. In addition, students acquire greater exposure to culturally-authentic materials.
Level: 10th through 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Successful completion of French 2 with a B+ or above, Semester 1 Exam, and teacher recommendation.
Description: This course aims to expand and strengthen the students’ previously acquired skills at an accelerated level. This course develops increased listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, incorporates a review of grammar concepts, introduces new grammar concepts, and increases cultural awareness and understanding. Frequent use of film, music, video clips, newspaper, and magazine articles supplement the text to allow the student greater exposure to culturally-authentic materials. Target vocabularies pertain to adolescence but look forward to adulthood and presume an eventual interest in studying or perhaps living in France.
Level: 11th through 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Successful completion of French 3 with a B or above, Semester 1 Exam, and teacher recommendation.
Description: This course is designed for students who wish to continue their French studies but not at an honors level. Students immerse themselves in French by reading stories and articles, listening to native French speakers, watching French movies, and speaking in French daily. This course expands knowledge learned in French 1-3 but takes the time to truly dive into the material and establish a clear understanding of the nuances of French while building students’ confidence. Cultural awareness in and understanding of the French and francophone world are also emphasized. This class is designed to incorporate pre-AP themes, increase vocabulary and grammar knowledge, and explore each lesson to strengthen all four language acquisition skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Level: 11th and 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Successful completion of French 3 with a B+ or above, Semester 1 Exam, and teacher recommendation.
Description: Honors French 4 enables students to continue bridging the gap from basic functions of language to using advanced structures and vocabulary. Various texts, literature, and media engage students in interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication. Cultural awareness in and understanding of the French and francophone world are emphasized.
Level: 12th grade
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors French 4 with a B+ or above, Semester 1 Exam, and teacher recommendation.
Description: This accelerated course prepares students for the AP examination in French Language and Culture. In this course, students engage in the language using the three modes of communication: interpersonal, interpretive and presentational. Students use a variety of thematically-based resources to demonstrate and deepen their proficiency in the language. Students read French stories and articles, listen to podcasts, and watch videos and movies that are the basis for conversation, debates, and essay writing in the target language. All activities polish skills to the level of sophistication required for the exam. Through their language study, students explore the culture in depth and gain awareness in and an understanding of the French and francophone world.
Level: 11th and 12th grades
Length: Semester
Prerequisite: Successful completion of French 3.
Description: This project-based course will explore French through film and art, where students will develop the skills
necessary to create short movies, digital comic books, and video clips in French. Students will gain cultural awareness of francophone customs and traditions and will draw connections between art, film, and literature, while learning about the values of the francophone world.
LATIN
Level: 9th through 12th grades
Length: Year
Description: In Latin 1, students learn basic Latin grammar, forms, and vocabulary. They then apply this material to translating sentences and adapted Latin passages. In addition, time is spent examining Latin roots and their relationship to English vocabulary. While the focus is on the Latin language, Roman culture, history, and mythology are also studied.
Level: 9th through 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Completion of Latin 1 with a grade of C- or above.
Description: After a review of the grammar and syntax addressed in Latin 1A and 1B (or Latin 1), students continue to develop basic reading and translation skills. They learn more advanced grammar constructions and increase their Latin vocabulary. Roman authors are introduced, and students read adapted passages from the works of these authors. The study of Roman culture and history is continued from Latin 1.
Level: 10th through 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Completion of Latin 2 with a grade of C- or above.
Description: The emphasis in this course is on the development of more advanced reading skills. In the first semester, grammatical and syntactical topics addressed in Latin 1 and Latin 2 are reviewed and then more advanced grammar constructions are studied. In the second semester, time is devoted to reading excerpts from the works of a variety of Roman authors. Relevant history, culture, and authors’ biographies are taught, along with literary and rhetorical devices.
Level: 11th and 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Latin 3, Semester 1 Exam, and teacher recommendation.
Description: In this honors-level course, students review advanced grammatical constructions while reading selections from the works of various authors. Time is spent reading prose, especially the words of Caesar, Cicero, and Pliny. Poetry is also introduced, and students learn more about the literary devices used and how to scan various meters. Students translate the texts as literally as possible and explore how translation can affect interpretation of the text. They develop the ability to analyze the texts and discuss literature, especially Caesar and Vergil’s texts, and learn about the political and historical atmosphere in which the authors wrote.
Level: 12th grade
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Latin 4, Semester 1 Exam, and teacher recommendation.
Description: This course prepares students for the AP Latin exam. Students are expected to achieve a command of the Latin of Vergil’s Aeneid and Caesar’s De Bello Gallico. They are expected to translate the Latin literally, discuss the authors’ styles, and interpret the themes presented in each text. To do this, students must demonstrate a mastery of the author’s vocabulary, grammar, syntax, and literary devices. In addition, students examine the historical, political, and cultural context in which both texts were written and the biographies of both Vergil and Caesar.
Level: 10th through 12th grades
Length: Semester
Description: Is Greek and Roman mythology relevant in our modern world? How does mythology teach us about the
culture of the Greeks and Romans? Were these stories told just for fun? This course will explore how mythology still matters today. Students will draw connections between literature, art, music, and science, while learning about the values of the ancients. Students will read the stories of heroes and gods and will then study how the Romans' view of the gods differed from that of the Greeks. Students will demonstrate their understanding through projects and discussions in class.
SPANISH
Level: 9th through 12th grades
Length: Year
Description: This course is an introductory Spanish language course for students with little or no prior experience in the language. Emphasis is placed on developing the student’s students’ ability to use the language in everyday conversations, learning basic vocabulary and grammatical structures. The goal of this class is to build a solid foundation for the student’s understanding of the Spanish language, as well as gaining an understanding of Latin American and Spanish culture.
Level: 9th through 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Completion of Spanish 1 with a grade of C- or above.
Description: Spanish 2 students further develop their ability to express themselves and communicate in Spanish. They continue to build upon basic grammatical structures and broaden their vocabulary. The course emphasizes developing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. By the end of the year, students should be able to speak and respond to questions, write short compositions, and read material designed for the novice level.
Level: 9th through 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 1B or Spanish 1 with a B+ or above, Semester 1 Exam, and teacher recommendation.
Description: This fast-paced course is for students who have excelled in Spanish 1B or 1 and are enthusiastic to
become more proficient in the Spanish language and cultures. During this course, students constantly strengthen basic grammatical structures and broaden their vocabulary. Combining speaking, listening, writing, and reading skills allows students to become more fluent in all aspects of the language. Students are expected to be self- motivated and willing to use the target language in class. At the end of the year, students achieve novice high conversational and writing skills and a more profound understanding of the Spanish language and culture.
Level: 10th through 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Completion of Spanish 2 with a C- or above.
Description: The purpose of this course is to expand and strengthen students' previously-acquired skills. This course develops increased listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills; reviews grammar concepts; introduces new grammar concepts; and promotes cultural awareness. Speaking and listening skills are reinforced, emphasizing communication, allowing students to achieve greater proficiency. Speaking and writing exercises are provided within contextual situations, realistic situations, and vocabulary studied.
Level: 10th through 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Spanish 2 with a B+ or above or A- or above in Spanish 2, Semester 1 Exam, and teacher recommendation.
Description: This course is designed for exceptional Spanish students who have completed level 2 and are enthusiastic to become more proficient in the Spanish language and cultures. During this course, students constantly strengthen their previous knowledge as well as learn new grammar concepts and a variety of vocabulary. Combining speaking, listening, writing, and reading skills allows students to become more fluent in all aspects of the language. Students acquire solid conversational skills and a more complete understanding of the Spanish language.
Level: 11th and 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 3 with a B or above, Semester 1 Exam, and teacher recommendation.
Description: This course is designed to build language skills and speaking ability in Spanish by taking an interactive, communicative approach. It focuses on real communication in meaningful contexts to develop students’ speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills through a wide array of practical and creative tasks. The use of films, literature, media, and art enhances the course and provides cultural insights.
Level: 11th and 12th grades
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Spanish 3 with a B+ or above or A- or above in Spanish 3, Semester 1 Exam, and teacher recommendation.
Description: This honors course begins with a general review of grammar, reintegrating and expanding known material, and introducing and extensively practicing new concepts. Expanding vocabulary is also a major focus through a thematically-based approach. In addition, students are exposed to authentic material, i.e., videos, film, news broadcasts, podcasts, and literature, to improve on the four language acquisition skills and the three modes of communication: interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational.
Level: 12th grade
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Spanish 4 with a grade of B+ or higher or A- or above in Spanish 4, Semester 1 Exam, and teacher recommendation.
Description: This course prepares students for the AP Spanish Language and Culture examination. In this course, students engage in the language using the three modes of communication: interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational. Students use a variety of thematically-based resources to demonstrate and deepen their proficiency in the language. Films, magazines, newspaper articles, works of art, and music all serve as the basis for conversation and essays. Substantial review of vocabulary and grammar serves to polish skills to the level of sophistication required on the exam. Through their language study, students explore the culture in depth and gain awareness and an appreciation for the Spanish-speaking world.
Level: 12th grade
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Spanish 4 with a grade of B+ or higher or A- or above in Spanish 4, Semester 1 Exam, and teacher recommendation.
Description: This course provides students with a learning experience equivalent to a college/ university survey course in literature written in Spanish. Students demonstrate their proficiency in Spanish across the three modes of communication, i.e., interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational, and the five goal areas (communication, cultures, connections, comparisons, and communities) outlined in the Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century. Students further develop their proficiencies across the full range of language skills, honing in on critical reading and analytical writing. Students are introduced to the formal study of texts from Peninsular Spanish, Latin American, and U.S. Hispanic literature, including short stories, novels, poetry, drama, and essays, ranging from the Medieval period to the present to encourage students not only to understand and retell the content of the texts they read, but also to relate that content to literary, historical, sociocultural and geopolitical contexts in Spanish.
Level: 12th grade
Length: Year
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 4 or Honors Spanish 4 with a B or above and teacher recommendation.
Description: Students will improve their fluency and comprehension in group discussions and presentations on various topics, including contemporary issues, literature, movies, music, art, and food from Spain and Latin America. Students will develop their reading skills from a selection of original texts, from a variety of genres, that deal with contemporary themes from different cultural sources from the Spanish-speaking world. At the same time, students will enhance their ability to speak on a wide range of themes, with increased grammatical accuracy, using varied verb tenses and moods. Emphasis will be on improving written and conversational skills, essays, and discussions will bring increasingly complex grammar and vocabulary into active usage.