Language
The Language Department aims to bring its students to a level of proficiency that will permit them to communicate effectively in a second language and to discover and appreciate another culture, either modern or ancient. Increased self-confidence, the enjoyment of another culture, and a greater potential for empathy, appreciation, and acceptance of all backgrounds are among the benefits we believe our students gain.
In the study of modern languages, speaking is emphasized from the beginning; grammar and culture are presented and discussed in the language being studied; accurate and effective writing is a major goal; and serious full-length works are read from the third year on. Students of Latin learn first by the inductive method, moving on to authentic texts by the middle of the second year and to full-length works in the third and fourth years. Fourth and fifth year courses in all languages are opportunities to use the language to learn about literature, history, civilization, and contemporary culture, though in some cases linguistic proficiency is still the main goal.
To earn a Choate Rosemary Hall diploma, students must complete a course of study through the third year (i.e., 300 or 350 levels) in one of the following languages: Chinese, French, Latin, or Spanish. (Please note that Japanese will no longer be offered after the 2007-08 academic year). The requirement in contemporary global studies, new for three- and four-year students beginning with the Class of 2010, can be fulfilled currently with a range of courses (see page 6) including French in a Global Context (FR404AD, FR405AD, or FR406AD).
A number of opportunities are available for international study during the academic year:
- an academic term in China;
- an academic term in France;
- a term exchange with a student of a modern Gymnasium in Germany;
- an academic term at St. Stephen’s School in Rome, open to students with a particular interest in classical studies; and
- an academic term in Spain.
Summer opportunities include study and travel programs in China, France, Japan and Spain. Please see the section on International Programs for more details.
—Scott Mattoon, Department Head