Upper School World Language

Latin I (Year Long)

Open to: Grades 9-12

Latin I introduces students to the world of the ancient Romans and their language. The course covers the fundamentals of the Latin language by studying its grammar, morphology, and pronunciation with the goal of translating appropriately-leveled Latin readings through the Suburani textbook series. In their translations and supplementary readings, students study aspects of Roman daily life with a focus on the town of Pompeii and its well-preserved ruins. Class activities include practice through Latin readings, reading and pronouncing Latin words, and, occasionally, Latin composition. Ongoing discussions and creative projects, such as the “Bringing Latin to Life” project, engage students with various aspects of Roman daily life. As English and other western languages are in large part derived from Latin, students will use their study of Latin to learn how modern languages function.

Latin II (Year Long)

Open to: Grades 9-12

Prerequisite: Latin I 

In Latin II, students begin with a thorough review of the grammar covered in Latin I. From this point, students will continue their study of the language through the Suburani textbook series. Through thematic Latin readings about an array of topics, including education, gladiator competitions, and military expansion, students hone their translation skills, incorporate new grammar concepts, and gain insight into the Roman world. Throughout the year, students have the opportunity to engage in collaborative work and to focus on topics which are of particular interest to them. The course will continue to present linguistic concepts through Latin that will enhance their knowledge of the English language and other romance languages, and continue to offer students opportunities to reflect on the connections between the ancient past and modern world.

Latin III (Year Long)

Open to: Grades 9-12

Prerequisite: Latin II 

In Latin III, students conclude their study of Latin grammar and move on to reading unadapted Latin written by Roman authors. The course begins with a thorough review of grammar covered in previous years and moves into studying more complex, nuanced topics that are centered around Roman government in its structure and practice. Students will encounter Latin texts from Roman authors such as Cicero, Caesar, Ovid, Catullus, and Vergil. During class, students translate, analyze themes in their readings, and use a variety of modes to expand their vocabulary. In addition to class activities, students give presentations to their classmates on Latin grammar and engage in projects such as the Roman author project where they research the background and style of an author and present a passage to the class.

Latin III Honors (Year Long)

Open to: Grades 9-12

Prerequisite: Latin II 

This fast-paced course is designed for students who wish to delve into a deeper level and encounter material at a faster pace than Latin III. Students in Latin III Honors finish the whole of Latin grammar sooner than in Latin III and move on to spend more time reading unadapted texts written by Roman authors. Students will encounter Latin texts from Roman authors such as Cicero, Caesar, Ovid, Catullus and Vergil. Students will also be introduced to metered Latin poetry and learn how to read and scan dactylic hexameter. In class, students will translate, analyze themes in their readings, and use a variety of modes to expand their vocabulary. The historical focus for this year is learning about the Roman government in its structure and practice. In addition to class activities, students engage with projects such as the Roman author project and Cicero composition project in order to engage with the background and style of these authors.

Latin IV/V (Year Long)

Open to: Grades 9-12

Prerequisite: Latin III or Latin IV

A combined class, this two-year sequence deepens students’ understanding of both the language and culture of ancient Rome while exploring the themes of war and memory, the costs of colonialism & empire, and othering of foreigners. Students read passages from Vergil’s Aeneid and Julius Caesar’s de bello Gallico in alternating years. While reading these texts, students analyze writing styles and parse difficult grammar and syntax. In addition to language work, students explore the Roman world through papers, presentations, and projects, such as the Caesar-style ethnographic commentary and a research deep dive into the history/mythology of characters and places referenced in the Aeneid.

Advanced Topics Latin: Poetry in the Golden Age of Rome (Year Long)

Open to: Grades 11 & 12

Prerequisites: Latin III Honors, Latin III or Latin IV

In this capstone course, students explore the world of Latin poetry during the fall of the Roman Republic and into the early empire period. Readings are selected from a variety of Roman poets from the period. Authors may include Vergil, Catullus, Ovid, Lucretius, and others. Our units explore ancient philosophy, including female voices in Roman poetry, amongst other topics. Students in classwork and projects engage with modern scholarship in order to connect with the most recent work in classics. The course culminates in a project in which students synthesize the year’s themes and employ translation, creative, and communicative skills to demonstrate the depth of their learning. The two Advanced Topic courses in Latin are offered in alternating years. This course will next be offered in 2027-28.

Advanced Topics Latin: Survey of Roman Prose Authors (Year Long)

Open to: Grades 11 & 12

Prerequisites: Latin III Honors, Latin III or Latin IV

In this capstone course, students read important works of Latin prose, or works not written in meter, from several genres with an emphasis on both translation and interpretation. The course begins with historical works by Caesar, moves to the oratory of Cicero, delves into the more difficult biographies of Suetonius and history by Tacitus or others, and finishes with a unit chosen by the students. Discussion of the Roman political sphere pervades this course. While reading these authors and delving into the cultural ramifications and historical context for political decisions, students explore the background and style of each author through projects, presentations, in-class seminars and spirited debates, as they step into the ancient world. The two Advanced Topic courses in Latin are offered in alternating years. This course will next be offered in 2026-2027.

Spanish I (Year Long)

Open to: Grades 9-12

Learning Spanish not only benefits the brain of the student, it can broaden the worldview of the learners. In Spanish I, students gain basic vocabulary and grammar scaffolded in six thematic units and varied interactive activities to be able to read, write, listen, and speak in the target language. Through adapted cultural readings, short videos, music, and audios, students discover traditions, customs and history of some of the Hispanic cultures and communities in the U.S. and abroad. Students compose oral presentations, simulate numerous interpersonal situations, and solve many interpretive challenges. Students will complete some performance tasks and projects, such as recording  videos in Spanish to introduce themselves and their classes or writing original comic strips using the verb estar.

Spanish II (Year Long)

Open to: Grades 9-12

Prerequisite: Spanish I

Building upon students’ learning in Spanish I, this course introduces more thematic vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, and past tense verb conjugations. Units include new vocabulary to discuss daily routines, food, holidays, body and health, technology and our homes. Students also expand their knowledge of geography, history and cultures of the Spanish-speaking world through videos and short readings about Chile, Guatemala, Peru and more. Activities, games and homework target students’ abilities to read and write in Spanish with an increasing emphasis on listening comprehension and ability to speak Spanish as the year progresses. Students frequently collaborate in class with peers to perform short skits or presentations in Spanish. Students may work on some larger group projects such as the “Cuento para niños” assessment, which asks students to write and illustrate a children’s book in Spanish. Each year, Spanish II students participate in a cultural experience, such as a food-tasting, to expand their global awareness to the diversity of the Spanish speaking world. The course is conducted primarily in the target language, with English used as a comparative reference model or to clarify more complex concepts. Students are expected to participate daily in Spanish with a focus on a broader vocabulary and improved pronunciation.

Spanish III (Year Long)

Open to: Grades 9-12

Prerequisite: Spanish II

Spanish III is an intermediate-level course designed to build upon students’ learning from Spanish I & II through thematic units that include a multitude of verb forms, including the subjunctive mood. These grammar structures equip students with the ability to communicate more effectively in the target language. Vocabulary units include new terms to discuss the natural world, life in the city, well-being, creative arts and current events. Activities, games and homework place greater emphasis on written Spanish than in previous years, as students at this level possess more complex grammar to express themselves. Compositions often demand students to make cultural and historical comparisons while also employing creative writing. Students also work on research and collaborative projects such as using new vocabulary to discuss and solve environmental concerns in Colombia or plan an arts-focused trip in a Spanish-speaking city. Listening comprehension is heavily emphasized, as the class is taught primarily in the target language, and students are presented with more recordings and videos in Spanish. Students are expected to participate daily in Spanish with a strong emphasis on more complex communication and expression.

Spanish III Honors (Year Long)

Open to: Grades 9-12

Prerequisites: Spanish II or approval of teacher and department chair

Spanish III Honors is an accelerated intermediate-level course designed to build upon students’ learning from Spanish I & II through thematic units that include a multitude of verb forms, including the subjunctive mood. These grammar structures equip students with the ability to communicate more effectively in the target language. Vocabulary units include new terms to discuss the natural world, life in the city, well-being, creative arts and current events. Students in Spanish III Honors will work with greater independence and move more quickly through new grammar, opening up more time for in-depth studies of topics of interest. Topics may include analyzing Spanish-language poetry, discussing the Venezuelan economic and refugee crisis in the early 21st century, addressing environmental concerns in Colombia or conducting job interviews in Spanish. Students will work collaboratively on both research and creative projects, as well as seminars to discuss historical and current events. The class is taught exclusively in the target language, and students are presented with more recordings and videos in Spanish with no translation. Students are expected to participate daily in Spanish with a strong emphasis on more complex communication and expression.

Spanish IV (Year Long)

Open to: Grades 9-12

Prerequisites: Spanish III, Honors Spanish III or approval of teacher and department chair

In Spanish IV, students continue to hone their communication and writing skills in this course which is aimed at expanding students’ vocabulary and grasp of advanced grammatical structures and at improving overall fluency. Students learn and work with thematic vocabulary which is embedded in cultural and literary readings as well as in authentic short films from Spain and Latin America. The themes of this course include personal relationships, pastimes, daily life, health and wellbeing, travel, and nature. This class is conducted almost exclusively in Spanish and the students are expected to speak only in Spanish. Activities include writing original odes, researching and presenting health and well being topics, and creating and performing skits in the target language.

Spanish IV/V Honors (Year Long)

Open to: Grades 9-12

Prerequisites: Spanish III/III Honors or beyond, or approval of teacher and department chair

Spanish IV/V Honors is a combined class that is designed for Spanish students who want to continue their studies of advanced grammar topics and to improve their reading and writing skills through poetry, literature, film and current events. This course follows a two-year sequence, such that students can enroll in and enjoy both levels of the class. Students will continue to study complex grammar topics including the preterite vs. the imperfect and the subjunctive and indicative moods as they read short stories and poetry from  acclaimed authors such as Gabriel García Márquez, Isabel Allende, Jorge Luis Borges, Julio Cortázar, and Carlos Fuentes, Pablo Neruda, Federico García Lorca, Ernesto Cardenal, Rubén Darío and others. Students will analyze this literature in written essays and in seminars. They will also have opportunities to recite poems. Additionally, students will investigate and discuss current events from the Spanish-speaking world. This course is taught exclusively in Spanish and students are expected to discuss and write only in Spanish.

Advanced Topics Spanish: Language and Culture through Literature and Media (Year Long)

Open to: Grades 11 & 12

Prerequisites: Approval of teacher and department chair, typically after Honors Spanish III, Spanish IV or another AT Spanish course

This course is designed for advanced Spanish students interested in attaining fluency in Spanish by exploring major contemporary and historical themes and perspectives from the Spanish-speaking world. We examine authentic sources including literature, film and other media such as news broadcasts, podcasts, music, social media, and television programs. Some titles include medieval and modern works such as La casa de Bernarda Alba by Federico García Lorca, El burlador de Sevilla by Tirso de Molina, El ingenioso hidalgo don Quijote de la Mancha by Miguel de Cervantes, and films including La lengua de las mariposas by Spanish director José Luis Cerda, and the documentary film, Living on One Dollar, by directors Chris Temple, Zach Ingrasci, Sean Leonard and Sean Kusanagi. Students work both collaboratively and independently to research, analyze, and present cultural and literary topics including creating a non-profit organization and accompanying Google Site to address a real-world problem in the Spanish-speaking world. Proficiency in Spanish is developed and enhanced through class discussions, dialogues, debates, formal writing, and presentations as well as through intensive review of language structure, including vocabulary amplification from our readings and other course materials. Students continue to study and be tested on advanced grammar units. This course is taught exclusively in Spanish and students are expected to discuss and write only in Spanish. The two Advanced Topic courses in Spanish are offered in alternating years. This course will next be offered in 2027-28.

Advanced Topics Spanish: The Pursuit of Social Justice and Equality in the Spanish-speaking World (Year Long)

Open to: Grades 11 & 12

Prerequisites: Recommendation of teacher and department chair, typically after Honors Spanish III, Spanish IV or another AT Spanish course

Advanced Topics Spanish students develop and strengthen their linguistic and analytical skills in Spanish through examining authentic poetry, prose, plays, film, and other media sources. This AT Spanish course explores emerging voices and themes centering on the fight against social injustice and the pursuit of equal rights for all, especially for the disempowered. Some titles include poetry by Alfonsina Storni, Julia de Burgos and Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, La vida de Lazarillo de Tormes y de sus fortunas y adversidades by an anonymous author, and the documentary film, El silencio de otros by Spanish directors Almudena Carracedo and Robert Bahar. Students ​​reflect and present through creative and analytical writings, skits, debates, journal entries, interactive presentations, poetry recitations, and podcasts. Students continue to study and be tested on advanced grammar units. This course is taught exclusively in Spanish and students are expected to discuss and write only in Spanish. The two Advanced Topic courses in Spanish are offered in alternating years. This course will next be offered in 2026-27.

Online Options For Languages Not Offered At Derryfield

Students have the option to fulfill their language graduation requirement through online learning in a language not offered at Derryfield. This option gives students the flexibility to study such languages as French, German, Japanese and Arabic. Students still must complete level three of their language in order to graduate. This option is designed for highly-motivated and passionate students. The World Language Department Chair and the student’s academic advisor will work closely with interested students to determine if such an option is feasible for a student, based on their academic standing and other non-academic commitments. Just as we would ask that students think of proper balance for their course loads during the course selection process, we would help the student/parents weigh the pros and cons of taking an online language program.

If students are interested in exploring this option, they should contact Courtney Carter, World Language Department Chair, at ccarter@derryfield.org. Please consider the following:

• As with all online options at Derryfield, except for Malone classes, this will be a student’s sixth class.
• Students must submit a formal proposal via email to the World Language Department Chair by February 15th for current Derryfield students. This proposal should include the following information:
  • A 1-2 page proposal detailing their proposed plan and their rationale for taking an online course versus a course at Derryfield. This proposal should include program curricular information.
  • Materials and/or link from the online program showing its rigor, expectations, and general course outline.
  • A signed form or email from the student’s parents indicating support of the proposal and a clear understanding of the graduation requirement component of the program.
• The proposal will be evaluated by the Department Chair and recommended to the Division Head and Dean of Academics for approval.
• Derryfield acknowledges it cannot ensure that a student will have the same level of experience or success with an online provider as the student will have with a Derryfield language course. As a result, the responsibility rests with the parents to choose a program that will serve their child and to help monitor their child’s progress.
• Families will incur the cost of online tuition, sign-up, monitor progress, and address technology needs and issues.
• Students must enroll in a language program that does not conflict with any other Derryfield commitments or classes.
• Students/Families will be asked to provide the school with a progress report/certificate/documentation/transcript at the end of each Derryfield semester and also upon completion of their online language course by June of that academic year.
• Online language courses are listed as “Pass/Fail” on the Derryfield transcript with the grade in the transcript notes.
• Students must finish their course by the last day of the academic year.
• Online language courses are listed as “Pass/Fail” on the Derryfield transcript with the grade in the transcript notes.
• Students must finish their course by the last day of the academic year.