Modern Languages

Modern Language Courses

Hide All

French 1 Hide

French 1, the Class V course, initiates the student into speaking and understanding the language. From simple and convenient structures and expressions, the student is introduced to more complex and sophisticated words and phrases. He learns to use the present tense, the imperative, the future, the passé récent, and the simple past, as well as a number of common irregular verbs. His vocabulary is increased weekly until he is able to express many of the common daily experiences of his life in French. We strive to make the vocabulary and structural lessons as immediate and relevant as possible. To that end we use the audio-visual program French in Action originated by Pierre J. Capretz of Yale University. This program gives the student the advantages of an immersion method without its chaos, by presenting native speakers in vivid situations, in real settings. At the same time, this course is structured so that the student can learn fundamental linguistic principles efficiently. We also use Premier Livre (an introductory grammar book published by Amsco) to supplement students’ understanding of grammar and syntax.

French 2 Hide

French 2, the Class IV course, continues in the same manner as first-year French, gradually increasing the sophistication of the grammar and syntax until the student has mastered all common structural and grammatical usages from the subjunctive to the relative pronoun. His vocabulary is expanded to include typical French idioms and expressions and common vocabulary words in daily use in France. The student continues his initiation into French cultural and social life, and he is given every opportunity to express himself in the language. In addition to the customary dialogue—an oral acting-out of a situation in French—the student is called upon to memorize French poems and songs, and he is required to present oral reports at several points in the year. He is still graded on both his oral and written work. We continue to use the Capretz Method, French in Action, and supplement that material with a grammar review book, Deuxième Livre (Amsco). During the year we read selected stories from Les Aventures du Petit Nicolas and, in the spring, we read the wonderful novel, Le Petit Prince.

French 3 Hide

French 3, the Class III course, completes the student’s study of grammar, syntax, and vocabulary to the intermediate level and challenges him with more sophisticated and complicated forms and expressions. We continue to use the French in Action series, and supplement it with other sources. Vocabulary building focuses on expanding his ability to express himself more fully by stressing abstract terms, feelings, and ideas. Readings enlarge upon and reinforce structure and meaning as they stimulate interest. Selections are chosen that respond to the grammatical and structural needs of the student as well as to his natural inquisitiveness. We read short works and poems by well-known French writers, including Hugo, Sartre, and Camus. At least one longer play and/or novel is read; we have recently read Sartre, Les Jeux sont Faits and Anouihl, Le Voyageur sans Bagage. Students are still graded on their oral work as well as their written work. Special emphasis is placed upon essay writing in French; he is required to write short essays and compositions and to deliver oral presentations. Une Fois pour Toutes serves as the main source book for grammar. Stronger students are urged to take the French SAT II in June.

French 4 Hide

French 4, an elective offered to Class II, works to strengthen and expand the student’s ability to communicate in and to understand the language. Emphasis is placed on listening, speaking, reading, and writing at an advanced level, as we pursue a syllabus that prepares the stronger students for the French Language AP Examination. Most classes are conducted entirely in French. We focus on literary, cultural, and social aspects of French life and thought: the cinema, literary perspectives, women, modern politics, and social attitudes. The student deepens his understanding of the people as he learns the language; he also is forced to question his own notions and preconceptions as he considers the issues raised. Students are still graded on their oral work as well as on their written work. AP French: A Guide for the Language Course serves as a basic text, supplemented by articles from L’Express, Le Monde, and Le Journal Français de l’Amérique. Cours Supérieur (Amsco) is used as the grammar text; successful students who have not yet taken the French SAT II Test are urged to do so at the end of the year.

French 5 Hide

French 5, an elective offered to Class I, prepares the student for the French Literature AP Examination while it continues to concentrate on increasing his ability to communicate in and to understand the language. We focus on readings which span the four hundred years of French artistic and cultural ascendancy, ranging from Molière, L’Ecole des Femmes to Camus, L’Etranger. Classes are generally conducted in French and there are frequent opportunities for grammar review and vocabulary building. Students are expected to express themselves orally and in writing at an advanced level. Although much of the course discussion focuses on the formal investigation of literary trends and themes, the student has the opportunity to improve his conversational French through weekly seminars and dissertations.