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Foreign Language Department
The Foreign Language Department offers French and Spanish as the
primary modern foreign languages. All foreign language
offerings are subject to student enrollment. Students may
complete up to five years of both languages, with Advanced Placement
preparation at the upper level. Moravian Academy students are
required to complete three years of one modern foreign language.
In addition to the standard language programs, a distance learning
program involving interactive teleconferences allows Moravian
Academy to offer levels one, two, and three of Japanese. These
courses are limited to upperclassmen who have strong foreign
language abilities and have demonstrated that success and aptitude
in previous foreign language classes.
The Foreign Language Department encourages students to put their
knowledge to use in the foreign country by participating in programs
which are invaluable in speaking the language. In addition, students
are given information about numerous summer programs abroad and are
aided by teachers and administrators in finding one which will best
suit their needs.
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Studies page. |
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| Course Offerings: |
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| Click on links for
course descriptions. |
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| Course Descriptions |
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| French I |
2 Semesters, 1 Credit |
| French I begins to develop
the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading,
and writing within an interactive context focusing on
communication in everyday situations. The Bon voyage Level 1
series includes a textbook, writing and audio activities
workbooks, listening CDs, chapter videos, chapter review
games, and an interactive website to practice grammar and
vocabulary. Total Physical Response exercises, songs,
dictations, videos, games, skits, and reading selections
help to reinforce concepts and skills and/or to present
francophone life and culture.
Main test: Bon voyage Level 1 |
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| French II |
2 Semesters, 1 Credit |
| French II further develops
proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing
within an interactive context focusing on communication in
everyday situations. Students are able to express
themselves in the present, past, future, and conditional, as
well as give commands. French II also increases
students’ knowledge and appreciation of diverse cultures
in French-speaking countries. The Bon voyage Level 2
series includes a textbook, writing and audio activities
workbooks, listening CDs, chapter videos, chapter review
games, and an interactive website to practice grammar and
vocabulary. In addition to the videos that go along
with the text, students will complete the Clémentine
series. Moreover, students complete several
independent assignments throughout the year. These are
designed to practice the receptive skills of reading and
listening. Total Physical Response Storytelling,
songs, dictations, games, skits, reading selections, and
journal entries help to reinforce concepts and skills and to
present and compare francophone life and culture to our own.
Prerequisite: French I
Main text: Bon voyage
Level 2 |
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| French III |
2 Semesters, 1 Credit |
| French III is an intermediate
language course designed to reinforce and expand the skills
acquired in French I and II. Using the Imaginez textbook,
published by Vista Higher Learning, students are challenged
to review verb tenses like the passé compose, the
imperfect, the future and the conditional, and learn new
tenses. The subjunctive mood is also introduced and becomes
a focal point of our grammar work. Additional major grammar
topics include the use of object, relative, demonstrative,
possessive, and disjunctive pronouns, “if…then”
clauses, and prepositions. Through ten thematic modules,
students explore Francophone culture and develop a basic and
well-rounded cultural competency. Every chapter nuances the
main theme under consideration with a rich variety of
cultural readings, a short film shown in French or
French-Canadian theaters, literary samples, pop songs, and a
“Galerie de createurs” (a “Gallery of Innovators”)
that highlights the achievements of major figures in various
domains including the scientific community, politics, or the
arts. Imaginez provide a multimedia experience for students
with on-line projects and exercises, permanent on-line
access to songs and shorts, and an engaging, magazine-like
text layout. In addition to textbook activities, students
continue to write “Journal entry” compositions as they
did in French II and engage in a variety of original
activities including games, skits, simulations, and
cooperative creative learning projects.
Prerequisite: French II
Main text: Imaginez |
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| French IV
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2 Semesters, 1 Credit |
| French IV reinforces and expands
the skills acquired in the first three years of French
instruction with the goal of preparing students to succeed
in AP French Language and/or college courses. The
course is designed to target each of the four skills at
least once a week. In addition to skills refinement
and a thorough grammar review, French IV continues to
increase students’ knowledge and appreciation of diverse
cultures in French-speaking countries. Students read
short works of French literature and study French films.
Finally, songs, dictations, games, skits, and directed
composition help to reinforce concepts and skills and to
present and compare francophone cultures to our own.
In addition to daily assignments, students have one
independent project per quarter. The independent
projects are designed to tap into students’ creativity and
interests.
Prerequisite: French III
Main texts:
Reprise, Listening
Comprehension Skills for Intermediate and Advanced
Students
Contes et legends du monde
francophone: A Collection of Tales from the
French-speaking World
Antigone |
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| AP French |
2 Semesters, 1 Credit |
| The AP course in French Language
is comparable to what is offered in a third semester college
course in advanced composition and conversation. It is
assumed that students qualifying for this course have
already learned grammar. Thus, the only grammar work
is done in context, not in isolation. In addition,
students entering this course should have already acquired
the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading,
and writing in French. Therefore, this course is
designed to refine, perfect, and enhance these skills.
In that vein, each of the four skills is targeted one class
a week. AP French Language students continue to
broaden their knowledge and appreciation of francophone
cultures through literature, film, and songs.
Moreover, the study of literature broadens students’
understanding of literary styles, genres, and themes.
We use more challenging dictations and games at this level.
In addition to daily assignments, students have one
independent project per quarter. The independent
projects are designed to further practice skills and tap
into students’ creativity.
Prerequisite: French IV, French III in exceptional
cases with departmental approval
Main tests:
AP French: Preparing for the
Language Examination, How to Prepare for
The AP French Advanced Placement
Examination (Barron’s)
Hiroshima
mon amour
La peste
Tous les Poèmes pour le
Cours Avancé |
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| Spanish I |
2 Semesters, 1 Credit |
| Spanish I introduces the
four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing
within an interactive context focusing on communication in
everyday situations. The Buen Viaje Level 1
series includes texts, activities manuals, listening CDs,
chapter videos, and an interactive web-site to practice
grammar and vocabulary. Educational games, classroom
skits, and computer grammar programs reinforce concepts,
while videos, songs and reading selections present
Spanish/Hispanic life and culture to students. |
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| Spanish II
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2 Semesters, 1 Credit |
| Spanish II further develops
proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing by
teaching all the verb tenses of the indicative and command
moods. It also increases students’ knowledge and
appreciation of diverse cultures in Spanish-speaking
countries. Students will complete the La Catrina
video series. The Buen Viaje Level 2 series includes
texts, activities manuals, listening CDs, chapter videos,
and an interactive web-site to practice grammar and
vocabulary. Much emphasis is placed on writing more
sophisticated sentences through weekly writing assignments.
Prerequisite: Spanish I
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| Spanish III |
2 Semesters,
1 Credit |
| Spanish III is an intermediate
language course designed to strengthen previously learned
skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Students will develop their cultural competency of Spain and
Latin America through 12 thematic modules. Literary
and cultural readings in each lesson recognize and celebrate
the diversity of the Spanish-speaking world and its people.
An emphasis is placed on guided communicative activities
that foster spontaneity of the language and a natural
approach to syntax. Each chapter of the Enfoques
textbook is accompanied by a sitcom video which builds upon
and parallels the vocabulary and grammar that students have
studied. In addition to the multimedia approach,
supplemental materials in the form of children’s stories,
magazine articles, audio material and computer language
programs are used to reinforce concepts.
Prerequisite: Spanish II
Main Text: Enfoques |
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| Spanish IV |
2 Semesters,
1 Credit |
| Spanish IV is designed to
reinforce and expand the skills acquired in the first three
years of Spanish instruction with the goal of preparing
students to succeed in AP and college courses. Through the
textbook Imagina (published by Vista Higher Learning),
students are challenged to review various verb tenses with
close attention to the subjunctive mood. Each chapter in the
text provides a rich variety of cultural readings, a
cortometraje (short film), literature, a Gallery of
Innovators that highlights the cultural and scientific
achievements of various Spanish speaking individuals,
numerous listening activities on-line, and activities to
challenge students speaking skills and provide structure and
syntax that students are to implement in writing assignments
of increasing difficulty. Listening activities are
supplemented with the La Catrina: El Ultimo Secreto video
series that focuses on the culture and history of Mexico.
Reading assignments will include Latin American legends,
contemporary short stories, and a lengthy play by Federico
Garcia Lorca, all serving as a basis for class discussion
and writing assignments.
Prerequisite: Spanish III
Main texts:
Imagina
Leyendas Latinoamericanas
Listening Comprehension
Skills
La Catrina: El Ultimo Secreto
video series |
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| AP Spanish
Language |
2 Semesters, 1 Credit |
| The AP Spanish Language course is
comparable to fifth and sixth semester college and
university courses that focus on speaking and writing in the
target language at an advanced level. In this course
students develop proficiency across three communicative
modes: interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational.
It is assumed that students qualifying for this course have
already learned grammar, and have acquired skills in
speaking, writing, reading and aural comprehension in
Spanish. Therefore, the curriculum for this course is
developed to meet the five goal areas outlined in the Standards
for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century:
communication, cultures, connections, comparisons, and
communities by providing students with authentic materials
representative of Spain and Latin America.
Prerequisite: Spanish IV; in exceptional cases with
departmental approval Spanish III
Main Texts:
AP Spanish Preparing for the
Language Examination
Triángulo
Panorama de la Prensa |
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Contemporary
Film and Culture of Latin America
(Senior Elective) |
Spring Semester, ½
Credit |
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| This Fall semester course,
conducted entirely in Spanish, raises social issues and
historic events through film. Our movies will especially
focus on the historical context for today’s growing Latin
American leftist movements among such countries as
Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Bolivia. Also, we will examine the
dynamics of immigration from Central and South America to
the United States. Some of the movies we will view are: Diarios
de motocicleta (Motorcycle Diaries), La Historia Oficial
(The Official Story), Guantanamera, Azucar Amarga (Bitter
Sugar), El Norte, Maria Llena Eres de Gracia (Mary Full of
Grace), and Frida.
Students will be expected to participate in conversation,
with writing and some grammar review based on the film
studied. Short stories and articles related to the cultural
and historical contexts of the movie will be assigned
reading. Finally, we will study and discuss the cultural
norms and music from the country where each movie takes
place.
We would hope that through this course students will
become much more informed about the dynamic changes of Latin
America.
Prerequisite: Seniors who have completed the third year
language requirement in Spanish.
Main Text: Cinema for Spanish Conversation |
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Contemporary
Film and Culture of Spain
(Senior
Elective) |
Fall Semester, ½ Credit |
| This course follows the cultural
and historical perspectives of 20th century Spain through
films based on the Spanish Civil War (i.e., La Lengua de
la Mariposa, Ay Carmela!), the evolution of surrealism
in the works of such famous artists as Salvador Dali and
film-maker Luis Bunuel (El Angel Exterminador), the
changing role of Roman Catholic morality in such
contemporary issues as euthanasia (Mar Adentro), and
changing norms in family and interpersonal relationships in
the colorful works of Pedro Almodovar such as Mujeres al
Borde de un Ataque de Nervios and Volver. Along
with movie viewing we will focus primarily on conversation,
with writing and some grammar review based on the film
studied. Short stories and articles related to the cultural
and historical contexts of the movie will be assigned
reading. Finally, we will study and discuss the cultural
norms and music from the period when each movie takes place.
Prerequisite: Seniors who have completed the third year
language requirement in Spanish.
Main Text: Cinema for Spanish
Conversation
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| Japanese
I |
2 Semesters, 1 Credit |
| This distance
learning course will provide students with the opportunity
to develop skills in listening, speaking, reading and
writing the Japanese language. The program includes a
textbook, videos, writing practice and a web site that
presents the culture of
Japan
. Students meet three times weekly to view videos and
twice weekly students speak with their telephone instructor
to develop their listening and speaking skills.
Students learn hiragana and katakana and master basic
structure and vocabulary. Assessment is based on test,
quizzes and performance during telephone class.
Prerequisites: Students must demonstrate success and
aptitude in their previous foreign language class and obtain
permission from the Foreign Language Department.
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| Japanese
II
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2 Semesters, 1 Credit |
| The second level of
this distance learning course allows students to develop
further their skills as well as examine the culture of
Japan. They learn idiomatic expressions, broaden
vocabulary and practice their skills in a range of daily
contexts. They will begin to learn Kanji and increase
their familiarity of advanced grammatical structures.
Students meet three times weekly to view videos and twice
weekly to speak with their telephone instructor.
Assessment is based on tests, quizzes and performance during
telephone class.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Japanese I. |
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| Japanese
III |
2 Semesters, 1 Credit |
| The third level of
this distance learning course encourages students to refine
their skills and expand their awareness of Japan.
Students view videos three days weekly and speak with their
telephone instructor twice each week. They increase
their facility with advanced grammar, continue to learn more
Kanji and heighten their understanding and appreciation of
Japanese culture, people and society. Assessment is
based on tests, quizzes and performance during telephone
class.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Japanese II. |
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| Chinese
I |
2 Semesters, 1 Credit |
| The purpose of this
course is to lay a groundwork for the study of modern
Chinese. The course will provide instruction in all
four language skills of aurally understanding, speaking,
reading and writing. Activities designed for the
course include both deductive and inductive lectures on
grammatical tones, vocabulary, and sentence patterns in
meaningful contexts will be used in order for the students
to communicate appropriately and accurately in authentic
contexts. For the reading and writing tracks, emphasis
will be placed on the acquisition of character recurring
components in order to improve students’ Chinese
orthographic awareness.
Prerequisites: This course is open to sophomores,
juniors and seniors who have demonstrated success and
aptitude in their previous foreign language class. |
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| Chinese
II |
2 Semesters, 1 Credit |
| This course will help
students expand their foundation in first year Chinese by
further developing aural skills, speaking, reading and
writing. Although some of the grammatical constructions
introduced in first year Chinese will be repeated, students
will learn to recognize and explain themes with increased
sophistication in style and usage. Students will be able to
comprehend and produce paragraph-level Chinese as they
master 140 new characters and increase their vocabulary.
Communicative activities and interactive CD exercises are
emphasized through thematic modules.
Prerequisite: Chinese I
Main Text: Ni Hao 2 |
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| Chinese
III |
2 Semesters, 1 Credit |
| Chinese III further
develops proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and
writing within an interactive context focusing on
communication in everyday situations. Thematic modules allow
students to participate in interpersonal and presentational
oral and written communication. Students develop their
competency in Chinese culture by processing language from
within a cultural framework. Students will be able to
comprehend and utilize approximately 100-150 new characters.
In the course ample opportunity is provided so that students
can review material learned in Chinese I and II. Depending
on the previous year, students may begin the first semester
completing any chapters not covered in the Ni Hao Level
II book.
Prerequisite: Chinese II
Main Text: Ni Hao 3 |
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