The Foreign Language Department offers introductory and advanced level courses in French, Spanish, Latin, German and Mandarin Chinese. Students master the basics of communication skills while building their confidence in literature and cultural explorations of each language and its native speakers. Students must take three consecutive levels (years) of the same foreign language to fulfill The Governor's Academy graduation requirement. Foreign language students at The Governor's Academy have a number of enrichment opportunities which include: exchanges, trips abroad, language club outings, audio/video cassette presentations, daily foreign language satellite and cable news programming and extensive Internet access to foreign language periodicals, newspapers and Web pages.

FR 11-12: French I (two semesters) This course introduces fundamental French communication skills, both oral and written. Basic grammar is presented along with an introduction to French civilization and readings. Most course work is conducted in French, and multi-media materials are utilized to enrich classroom instruction.

FR 21-22: French II (two semesters) This course reviews and extends the goals of First Year French. Most course work is conducted in French, and multi-media materials are utilized to enrich classroom instruction.

FR 31-32: French III (two semesters) In this course the mastery of basic communicative skills continues (including a basic review of grammar), while the student is also introduced to aspects of French culture. Most course work is conducted in French and multi-media materials are utilized to enrich classroom instruction.

FR 33-34: Accelerated French III (two semesters) This course is a more rigorous and intensive version of FR31-32 described above. It also focuses on highlights of French culture. It is designed for the more motivated and capable foreign language student. Course work is conducted in French. Strong course performance helps students to prepare for the (optional) June French SAT II Test and for advancement to Accelerated French IV.

FR 41-42: French IV (two semesters) Emphasis in this course is placed on an intensive review of grammar and vocabulary in order to further develop all communicative skills. Readings from various sources are also studied. Multi-media materials are utilized to enrich classroom instruction. Course work is conducted in French. Superior course performance helps students to prepare for the (optional) French SAT II test.

FR 43-44: Accelerated French IV (two semesters) This course is a more rigorous and intensive version of FR41-42 described above. It is designed for the more motivated and capable foreign language student. Course work is conducted in French. Strong course performance helps students to prepare for the (optional) French SAT II test and for advancement to Advanced Placement French V. Preparation for the Advanced Placement Language Examination is begun.

FR 51-52: French V (two semesters) The description for this course is the same as that for FR 41-42. The syllabus is alternated from year to year so that students at both levels can study in the same “class” without duplication. Multi-media materials are utilized to enrich classroom instruction. Course work is conducted in French. Strong course performance helps students to prepare for the (optional) French SAT II.

FR 53-54: AP French V (Advanced Placement; two semesters) This course is designed to prepare advanced language students for the demanding Advanced Placement Examination in French. An intensive review of grammar, vocabulary and literature is conducted. Advanced composition and conversation skills are also stressed. Once enrolled in this course, students are involved in a rigorous course of instruction and required to take the Advanced Placement Examination in addition to other course assessments.

FR 91-92: French Independent Study (two semesters; MINOR course) This individualized tutorial is available to motivated students with near native language proficiency, only with instructor recommendation and departmental approval. Requires planning with and written consent from the current Foreign Language Department instructor at the time of registration. (Note: This course is not open to native speakers.)

GR 11-12: German I (two semesters) Basic communication skills, both oral and written, are introduced in this course, with an emphasis on idiomatic conversation. Some elementary readings are introduced. Most course work is conducted in German, and multi-media materials are utilized to enrich classroom instruction.

GR 21-22: German II (two semesters) Basic mastery of grammar underpins this course, with more emphasis on writing and vocabulary acquisition. Students develop a broader, more confident active command of the language as well. Readings serve to introduce students to more idiomatic expressions. Most course work is conducted in German and multi-media materials are utilized to enrich classroom instruction.

GR 31-32: German III (two semesters) Concentrated work in communication skills as well as mastery of basic grammar highlight this course. The student is also introduced to German civilization, history, and literature. Course work is conducted in German and multi-media materials are utilized to enrich classroom instruction.

GR 33/34: Accelerated German III (two semesters) Accelerated German III is designed for highly motivated students who are ready to begin an intensive reading, writing and speaking program in a faster-paced and more challenging environAccelerated German IIIment. Students begin reading short stories by contemporary authors, progress to popular plays and finish with several short novels. A challenging writing program parallels the reading curriculum beginning with journaling, graduating to weekly themes and culminating in a longer paper connected with literature, history or culture. Rewriting at this level challenges students to digest/use much of the grammar they have learned in previous years. Class work is conducted in German and invites students to make periodic presentations in the target language and to engage in daily conversations about topical themes, thereby strengthening and broadening their vocabulary.

GR 41-42: German IV (two semesters) This course includes an intensive review of grammar, regular writing assignments, discussion of current events, and a survey of German Literature. Strong course performance helps prepare the student for the (optional) German Language SAT II test. Course work is conducted in German and multi-media materials are utilized to enrich classroom instruction.

GR 43/44: Accelerated German IV (two semesters) Accelerated German IV is designed for highly motivated students who are ready to begin an intensive reading, writing and speaking program in a faster-paced and more challenging environment. Students begin reading short stories by contemporary authors, progress to popular plays and finish with several short novels. A challenging writing program parallels the reading curriculum beginning with journaling, graduating to weekly themes and culminating in a longer paper connected with literature, history or culture. Rewriting at this level challenges students to digest/use much of the grammar they have learned in previous years. Class work is conducted in German and invites students to make periodic presentations in the target language and to engage in daily conversations about topical themes, thereby strengthening and broadening their vocabulary. Strong course performance helps prepare the student for the (optional) German Language SAT II test. (With departmental approval, students may opt to participate in the Advanced Placement Examination Program, which necessitates rigorous independent study. Those students will have the designation “AP” added to their transcripts and will be required to take the AP exam, in addition to the other course assessments.)

GR 51-52: German V (two semesters) The description for this course is the same as that for GR 41-42. The syllabus is alternated from year to year so that students at both levels can study in the same “class” without duplication. (With departmental approval, students may opt to participate in the Advanced Placement Examination Program, which necessitates rigorous independent study. Those students will have the designation “AP” added to their transcripts and will be required to take the AP exam, in addition to the other course assessments.)

GR 91-92: German Independent Study (two semesters; MINOR course) This individualized tutorial is available to motivated students with near native language proficiency, only with instructor recommendation and departmental approval. Requires planning with and written consent from the current Foreign Language Department instructor at the time of registration (Note: This course is not open to native speakers.)

LT 11-12: Latin I (two semesters) This course uses the Ecce Romani I series to present basic grammar, forms, vocabulary, translation and reading comprehension. Elementary readings, following the life of the Cornelius family, serve as the basis for these components of learning the Latin language. The text also provides students with English readings that examine Roman culture and history, mythology, and the influence Roman civilization has on our own. Students take the Level I National Latin Exam.

LT 21-22: Latin II (two semesters) The study of basic and more complex grammar, forms, vocabulary, translation and reading comprehension continues in this course. The Ecce Romani II text presents students with the second half of the Cornelius family’s story while also asking them to consider deeper cultural and historical topics. Students take the Level II National Latin Exam.

LT 31-32: Latin III (two semesters) This course uses the Ecce Romani III text to focus on Latin readings concerning exciting events and interesting personalities from the First Centuries B.C. and A.D. Emphasis is placed on reviewing previously met Latin grammar and forms, learning the final topics of Latin grammar, improving translation skills and the discussion of literary and cultural themes. An introduction to Latin verse is included in the second semester. Students take the Level III National Latin Exam. Strong course performance helps prepare students for the (optional) June Latin SAT II test.

LT 41-42: Latin IV (two semesters) The focus of this course is literary; the poetry of Catullus, Horace, Ovid or Vergil, the prose of Cicero, or the writings of other authors provide the course readings. Students study the elements of Latin literature and Roman culture in depth and react to the issues that arise. Emphasis is also placed on strengthening grammatical and translation skills. Students take the Level IV National Latin Exam, and strong performance helps prepare them for the (optional) SAT II test. (With departmental approval, students may opt to participate in the Advanced Placement Examination Program, which necessitates rigorous independent study. Those students will have the designation “AP” added to their transcripts and will be required to take the AP exam.)

LT 51-52: Latin V (two semesters) The description for this course is the same as that for LT 41-42. The syllabus is alternated from year to year so that students at both levels can study in the same "class" without duplication. Students take the Level V National Latin Exam. (With departmental approval, students may opt to participate in the Advanced Placement Examination Program, which necessitates rigorous independent study. Those students will have the designation “AP” added to their transcripts and will be required to take the AP exam.)

LT 91-92: Latin Independent Study (two semesters; MINOR course) This individualized tutorial is available to motivated students with excellent language proficiency, only with instructor recommendation and departmental approval. Requires planning with and written consent from the appropriate Foreign Language Department instructor at the time of registration.

SP 11-12: Spanish I (two semesters) This course introduces fundamental Spanish communication skills, both oral and written. Basic grammar is presented along with an introduction to Hispanic Civilization, culture, and readings. Most course work is conducted in Spanish and multi-media materials are utilized to enrich classroom instruction.

SP 11-12H: Spanish for Heritage Learners (two semesters) This course is designed for bilingual Hispanic speakers to begin their formal study of Spanish. The goal of this course is to acquaint students with Spanish in its written form and to expand students’ overall knowledge of the language. The students learn the various differences between formal written Spanish and casual, every day and regional Spanish. They acquire an improved command of the various forms of formal spoken Spanish. In addition, the syllabus introduces selected short stories, which are representative of the most popular of Spanish literary genres. All course work is conducted in Spanish.

SP 15-16: Practical Applications in Spanish I (two semesters) This course is similar to SP11-12 but presents Spanish language mastery instruction primarily from a communicative approach. Most course work is conducted in Spanish and multi-media materials are utilized to enrich classroom instruction. Enrollment is limited to those students who are specifically recommended by the Language Department. Once admitted, students must complete their language requirement within this track. Note: This is not an elective course.

SP 21-22: Spanish II (two semesters) This course reviews and extends the goals of first year Spanish. Most course work is conducted in Spanish and multi-media materials are utilized to enrich classroom instruction.

SP 21-22H: Spanish for Heritage Learners (two semesters) This course is designed for bilingual Hispanic speakers to continue their formal study of Spanish. The goal of this course is to continue acquainting students with Spanish in its written form and to expand students’ overall knowledge of the language. The students learn the various differences between formal written Spanish and casual, every day and regional Spanish. They acquire an improved command of the various forms of formal spoken Spanish. In addition, the syllabus introduces selected short stories, which are representative of the most popular of Spanish literary genres. All course work is conducted in Spanish.

SP 25-26: Practical Applications in Spanish II (two semesters) This course is similar to SP21-22 but presents Spanish language mastery instruction primarily from a communicative approach. Course work is conducted in Spanish and multi-media materials are utilized to enrich classroom instruction. Enrollment is limited to those students who are specifically recommended by the Language Department. Once admitted, students must complete their language requirement within this track. Note: This is not an elective course.

SP 31-32: Spanish III (two semesters) In this course the mastery of basic communicative skills continues (including a basic review of grammar), while the student is introduced to aspects of Hispanic culture. Most course work is conducted in Spanish and multi-media materials are utilized to enrich classroom instruction.

SP 31-32H: AP Language Spanish for Heritage Learners (Advanced Placement; two semesters) This course is designed to prepare advanced heritage students (bilingual Hispanic speakers) for the demanding Advanced Placement Examination in Spanish Language as well as for other assessments. Students develop their abilities in composition writing and intensively review grammar in order to prepare for the Exam. Students also read widely from Spanish literature to become familiar with its most important authors. All course work is conducted in Spanish.

SP 33-34: Accelerated Spanish III (two semesters) This course is a more rigorous and intensive version of SP31-32 described above. It also includes an introduction to Hispanic literature. It is designed for the more motivated and capable foreign language student. Course work is conducted in Spanish. Strong course performance helps students to prepare for the (optional) June Spanish SAT II test and for advancement to Accelerated Spanish IV.

SP 35-36: Practical Applications in Spanish III (two semesters) This course is similar to SP31-32 but presents Spanish language mastery instruction primarily from a communicative approach. Course work is conducted in Spanish and multi-media materials are utilized to enrich classroom instruction. Enrollment is limited to those students who are specifically recommended by the Language Department. Once admitted, students must complete their language requirement within this track. Note: This is not an elective course.

SP 41-42: Spanish IV (two semesters) Emphasis in this course is placed on an intensive review of grammar and vocabulary in order to further develop all communicative skills. Readings from various sources are also studied. Multi-media materials are utilized to enrich classroom instruction. Course work is conducted in Spanish. Superior course performance helps students to prepare for the (optional) Spanish SAT II test.

SP 43-44: Accelerated Spanish IV (two semesters) This course is a more rigorous and intensive version of SP41-42 described above. It is designed for the more motivated and capable foreign language student. Course work is conducted in Spanish. Strong course performance helps students to prepare for the (optional) Spanish SAT II test and for advancement to Advanced Placement Spanish V.

SP 51-52: Spanish V (two semesters) The description for this course is the same as that for SP41-42. The syllabus is alternated from year to year so that students at both levels can study in the same "class" without duplication. Audio/video cassettes are utilized to enrich classroom instruction. Course work is conducted in Spanish. Strong course performance helps students to prepare for the (optional) Spanish SAT II test.

SP 41-42H: AP Literature Spanish for Heritage Learners (Advanced Placement; two semesters) This course is designed to prepare advanced heritage students (bilingual Hispanic speakers) for the demanding Advanced Placement Examination in Spanish Literature. Students develop their abilities in composition writing as well as read widely from Hispanic literature in order to prepare themselves fully for the Exam. All course work is conducted in Spanish.

SP 53-54: AP Spanish V (Advanced Placement; two semesters) This course is designed to prepare advanced language students for the demanding Advanced Placement Examination in Spanish. An intensive review of grammar, vocabulary and literature is conducted. Once enrolled in this course, students are involved in a rigorous course of instruction and required to take the Advanced Placement Examination in addition to other course assessments.

SP 91-92: Spanish Independent Study (two semesters: MINOR course) This individualized tutorial is available to motivated students with near native language proficiency, only with instructor recommendation and departmental approval. Requires planning with and written consent from the current Foreign Language Department instructor at the time of registration. (Note: This course is not open to native speakers.)

CH 11-12: Mandarin Chinese (two semesters) In this first-year course in Mandarin Chinese, students will begin to learn the Pinyin system of transcription, as well as the various tonalities inherent in Mandarin Chinese. Course content will focus on fundamental conversational structures and topics. Open only to freshmen and sophomores, with approval from the Language Department and the Academic Dean's Office.

1. Native Speakers: Those native speakers who need co-validation for their government/school must take an advanced level examination. Upon successful completion, credit will be granted by the Department.

2. Students must take three consecutive levels (years) of the same foreign language to fulfill The Governor's Academy graduation requirement. Those students considering selective colleges should plan to take at least four years of one foreign language. Such institutions are impressed by students who take the full sequence of one language.

3. Capable foreign language students are encouraged to begin an additional foreign language at the Academy while continuing advanced study of the first foreign language.

4. Foreign language students at The Governor's Academy have a number of enrichment opportunities which include exchanges, trips abroad, language club outings, audio/video cassette presentations, daily foreign language satellite and cable news programming and extensive Internet access to foreign language periodicals, newspapers and Web pages.