World Languages
In the Department of World Languages, students pursue a rigorous and practical study of one of four major world languages — Chinese, French, German or Spanish — in addition to the study of Arabic as a Foreign Language. Keeping in mind the objectives of an AP curriculum and following the recommendations of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for foreign language teaching and learning, the department has established a pedagogical structure based on three main levels of communicative competency: basic user, independent user and proficient user.
In accordance with an action-oriented approach that considers languages preeminently as tools for social interaction and communication, instruction and assessment are proficiency-based, centered on the integrated performance of the four traditional language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. In addition, these courses underscore the role of culture and the tacit aspects of non-verbal aspects of communication within a linguistic system. Advanced coursework includes the study of literary texts and literary analysis in the vernacular.
In order to provide students with as much exposure to the language as possible, classes are taught in the target language from the most basic level onwards. Finally, each year, selected students may participate in a summer study-abroad program, affording them the opportunity to immerse themselves fully in the culture of their chosen language.
2024-2025 Course Descriptions
- WLF 101: French 1A, WLS 101: Spanish 1A
- WLF 201: French 1B, WLS 201: Spanish 1B
- WLF 301: French I, WLS 301: Spanish I, WLF 401: French II, WLS 401: Spanish II
- WLF 501: French III, WLS 501: Spanish III, WLF 601: French IV, WLS 601: Spanish IV
- WLF 701: Advanced French
- WLS 701: Advanced Spanish
- WLC 301: Chinese I
- WLC 401: Chinese II
- WLC 501: Chinese III
- WLC 601: Chinese IV
- WLC 602R: Intensive Chinese
- WLC 701: Advanced Chinese