Courses
Chinese
Classical Languages
French
German
Japanese
Russian
Spanish
CHIN-100, First-Level Chinese
Five class periods. This course is designed for those students who have had little or no previous world language experience. It provides an introduction to spoken and written Chinese, with an emphasis on pronunciation, the Pinyin Romanization system, and the building blocks (radicals) of Chinese characters.
CHIN-100/0, First-Level Chinese
A yearlong commitment. Five class periods. This course provides an introduction to spoken and written Chinese, with an emphasis on pronunciation, the pinyin Romanization system, and the building blocks (radicals) of Chinese characters.
CHIN-110, First-Level Chinese
Five class periods. This course is designed for those students who have had previous experience in Chinese, but who are not sufficiently prepared for the second-level course. It provides a review of the Pinyin Romanization system and the building blocks (radicals) of Chinese characters, and emphasizes tonal accuracy.
CHIN-110/5, First-Level Chinese
(A two-term commitment) Five class periods. This course, a continuation of CHIN-100 and CHIN-110 First-Level Chinese, prepares students for CHIN-200 the following year.
CHIN-120/5, Accelerated Chinese Sequence Accelerated First-Level Chinese
Five class periods. Students will be recommended by the teacher for this accelerated course at the end of the fall trimester of CHIN-100 or CHIN-110. This course moves at a fast pace and expects students to do much independent learning outside of class. Successful completion of CHIN-120 allows students to advance to CHIN-220. The CHIN-100, -110, -220, and -320 sequence covers three years of Chinese in two years.
CHIN-200/0, Second-Level Chinese
A yearlong commitment. Five class periods. This course continues to emphasize proficiency in everyday situations. Students enlarge their inventory of words and phrases while also developing a deeper understanding of the essential features of Chinese grammar. Prerequisite: Successful completion of CHIN-110/5.
CHIN-220, Accelerate Chinese Sequence
Five class periods. CHIN-220 follows CHIN-120 and precedes CHIN-320 as part of an accelerated sequence. Because of the fast pace, each student's progress will be closely monitored during the fall term to see whether it is in his or her best interest to rejoin CHIN-200 for the remainder of the year or to continue the accelerated sequence in CHIN-320 in the winter and spring. The course focuses on building oral and written proficiency on daily topics with student-centered activities. Texts, supplementary readings, audio and video materials are used to provide a rich and complete learning experience. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Chinese 120.
CHIN-300/0, Third-Level Chinese
A yearlong commitment. Four class periods. This course provides more emphasis on reading and writing. Students are introduced to longer texts, covering such topics as family life, social issues, and aspects of Chinese culture. Prerequisite: Successful completion of CHIN-200.
CHIN-320/5, Accelerated Chinese Sequence
Five class periods. This third level course follows CHIN-220 and continues the accelerated sequence of three-years-in-two started in CHIN-120. The course moves at a fast pace and expects students to do thorough preparation and review independently outside of class. Much of the class time is devoted to oral proficiency development on concrete topics that are related to high school student lives and their perspectives. All students are expected to participate actively in class at the individual, small group and whole class level. Written proficiency is equally important for this course. Students are expected to practice and improve writing through various tasks, including essay and other types of written assignments. Prerequisite: Permission of the department chair.
CHIN-400/0, Fourth-Level Chinese
A yearlong commitment. Four class periods. Increased use of authentic materials is employed as more sophisticated aspects of language and culture are explored. In particular, students are exposed to the more formal written style of Chinese, which is prevalent in newspapers, on street signs, etc. Pre-requisite: Successful completion of CHIN-300 or equivalent.
CHIN-420/0, Accelerated Chinese Sequence
Four class periods. The course is designed for intermediate learners who have acquired basic Chinese cultural knowledge and felt comfortable engaging in further exploration on this topic. In addition to the continued language acquisition through listening, speaking, reading and writing, students will also get familiar with Chinese literature, history and current events. Prerequisite: Successful completion of CHIN-320 or equivalent.
CHIN-500/0, Fifth-Level Chinese
A yearlong commitment. Four class periods. This course is designed for learners who would like to continue their advanced Chinese learning regardless of the advanced placement exam. Students will read contemporary articles to further explore the formal style of the written language, improve their oral proficiency by producing longer narrative in a well-organized and logical discourse. Oral presentations, written essays, journals, papers are typically assessment in the course. Prerequisite: Successful completion of CHIN-400 or equivalent.
CHIN-520/0, Advanced Placement Chinese
A yearlong commitment. Four class periods. This intensive course is designed in accordance with the College Board guidelines to prepare students for the AP exam in Chinese. Students refine their communicative abilities in the interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes while deepening their understanding of Chinese history and contemporary society. Prerequisite: Successful completion of CHIN-420 or permission of the department chair.
CHIN-620/1, Advanced Topics in Chinese
Four class periods. This advanced course explores a wide range of modern issues in China within a historical, political, and cultural framework. In addition to assigned readings and class discussions, students also are expected to conduct independent research (using a variety of media), present oral reports, and submit papers on a regular basis. Prerequisite: Successful completion of CHIN-500 or -520, or permission of the department chair.
CHIN-620/2, Advanced Topics in Chinese
Four class periods. This advanced course explores a wide range of modern issues in China within a historical, political, and cultural framework. In addition to assigned readings and class discussions, students also are expected to conduct independent research (using a variety of media), present oral reports, and submit papers on a regular basis. Prerequisite: Successful completion of CHIN-500 or -520, or permission of department chair.
CHIN-620/3, Advanced Topics in Chinese
Four class periods. This advanced course explores a wide range of modern issues in China within a historical, political, and cultural framework. In addition to assigned readings and class discussions, students also are expected to conduct independent research (using a variety of media), present oral reports, and submit papers on a regular basis. Prerequisite: Successful completion of CHIN-500 or -520 or permission, of the department chair.
CHIN-641/3, Topics in 20th-Century China for Advanced Heritage Learners
Four class periods. This course is intended for students with near-native fluency in Chinese and extensive familiarity with Chinese culture. A variety of recent cultural and historical topics are studied, and the course structure and content are designed to emulate the challenge of an actual high school-level language course taught in China. Prerequisite: Successful completion of CHIN-640 or CHIN-642, or permission of the department.
CHIN-642/1, Chinese Current Events for Advanced Heritage Learners
Four class periods. Students keep learning complex sentence structures and improving fluency and accuracy in both colloquial and written formats. Course materials include reading excerpts, newspaper articles, TV programs and movies that reflect the major current events in contemporary China. Through reading, listening, writing and discussing the course materials, students will gain a deeper understanding of various aspects of Chinese people and society, while fine tuning their language with enlarged vocabulary and complex sentence patterns both in spoken and written forms. Prerequisite: Successful completion of CHIN-640 or CHIN-641, or permission of the department.
CHIN-642/2, Chinese Current Events for Advanced Heritage Learners
Four class periods. Students keep learning complex sentence structures and improving fluency and accuracy in both colloquial and written formats. Course materials include reading excerpts, newspaper articles, TV programs and movies that reflect the major current events in contemporary China. Through reading, listening, writing and discussing the course materials, students will gain a deeper understanding of various aspects of Chinese people and society, while fine tuning their language with enlarged vocabulary and complex sentence patterns both in spoken and written forms. Prerequisite: Successful completion of CHIN-640 or CHIN-641, or permission of the department.
CHIN-642/3, Chinese Current Events for Advanced Heritage Learners
Four class periods. Students keep learning complex sentence structures and improving fluency and accuracy in both colloquial and written formats. Course materials include reading excerpts, newspaper articles, TV programs and movies that reflect the major current events in contemporary China. Through reading, listening, writing and discussing the course materials, students will gain a deeper understanding of various aspects of Chinese people and society, while fine tuning their language with enlarged vocabulary and complex sentence patterns both in spoken and written forms. Prerequisite: Successful completion of CHIN-640 or CHIN-641, or permission of the department.
CLAS-310, Etymology
Four class periods. Open to all classes. English has an immense vocabulary (far larger than that of any other language), over half of which is based on Latin and Greek roots. The words of this Greco-Roman inheritance are best understood not simply as stones in the vast wall of English, but rather as living organisms with a head, body, and feet (prefix, main root, and suffix), creatures with grandparents, siblings, cousins, foreign relatives, life histories, and personalities of their own; some work for doctors and lawyers, others for columnists, crusaders, and captains of commerce. Systematic study of a few hundred roots opens the door to understanding the meanings and connotations of tens of thousands of words in English, the language now rapidly emerging as the most adaptable for international and intercultural communication.
FREN-100, First-Level French
Five class periods. This course is designed for those students who have had little or no previous world language experience. The course emphasizes Assignments are regularly required in the Language Learning Center. The course empphasizes the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing in the cultural contest of the Francophone world. (Text: Motifs, Jansma/Kassen)
FREN-110, First-Level French
Five class periods. This course is designed for those students who have had previous experience in French, but who are not sufficiently prepared for the second-level course. The course emphasizes listening comprehension and the use of basic conversational patterns of French speech. It includeds elementary grammatical and idiomatic structures, as well as appropriate reading material. Assignments are regularly required in the Language Learning Center. (Text: Motifs, Jansma/Kassen)
FREN-110/5, First-Level French
Five class periods. This course is a continuation of the First-Level French course for students from both FREN-100 and FREN-110 in preparation for French 200 the following year.
FREN-120/5, Accelerated French Sequence
A two-term commitment. Five class periods. Students will be recommended by the teacher for this accelerated course at the conclusion of the first trimester of FREN-100 or FREN-110. Successful completion of FREN-120 allows students to advance to FREN-220. The FREN-100/110-120-220-320 sequence covers three years of French in two years.
FREN-200/0, Second-Level French
A yearlong commitment. Five class periods. For students who have completed FREN-110, or for new students who qualify through a placement test. Students practice the IDIOMATIC expressions that are most useful in everyday situations. While continuing to develop aural-oral skills, this course involves reading non-technical French prose and writing simple compositions. (Texts: A votre tour, Valette and Valette; Grammaire progressive du français, CLE.)
FREN-220, Accelerated French Sequence
Five class periods. FREN-220 follows FREN-120 and precedes FREN-320 as part of an accelerated sequence. Because of the rapid pace, each student's progress will be closely monitored during the fall term to see whether it is in his or her best interest to move to FREN-200 for the remainder of the year or to continue the accelerated sequence in FREN-320 in the winter and spring. The course consists of grammar review and acquisition of contemporary vocabulary along with films and varied texts. (Texts: Cinéphile, Conditto; Le Petit Nicolas, Sempé and Goscinny) Prerequisite: FREN-120/5
FREN-300/0, Third-Level French
A yearlong commitment. Four class periods. This yearlong course develops listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through a review of grammar and the study of French films and Francophone texts. Articles from magazines and newspapers, online resources, and poems and recitations complement this core program. (Text: Cinéphile, Conditto)
FREN-320/5, Accelerated French Sequence
A yearlong commitment. Five class periods. Upon successful completion of this course, students continue their study in fourth-year courses. Because of the rapid pace, each student's progress will be evaluated closely in November to determine whether it is in his or her best interest to move to FREN-200. The course content consists of a complete grammar review and acquisition of contemporary vocabulary, along with films and varied texts. (Texts: Cinéphile, Conditto; Le Petit Nicolas, Sempé and Goscinny; Le Comte de Monte Cristo, Dumas)
FREN-400/1, French Civilization
Four class periods. Intended for students who understand, read, and write French well and who already speak at a competent level, but who desire to develop further conversational skills and acquire the vocabulary and idiomatic expression necessary to be able to discuss major cultural and social issues. The course is based on current articles taken directly from the French and Francophone press. The students also read a novel and write a weekly essay. Diction, elocution, and intonation also are stressed through debates and role-playing. (Text: Civilisation progressive du Francaise, CLE; Une Fois POUR Toutes, Sturges, Herbst, Nielsen; M. Ibrahim, Schmitt; Une Tempête, Aimé Césaire.)
FREN-400/2, The Francophone World
Four class periods. Students continue the study of French through a focus on the French-speaking areas outside of France. The course studies the civilizations of North, West and Sub-Saharan Africa and of the Antilles, and includes a study of the geographical, social, and historical aspects of these regions of the world. (Text: Une Fois Pour Toutes, Sturges, Herbst, Nielsen; Une Si Longue Lettre, Mariama Ba; Contes et légendes du monde francophone, Andree Vary et Claire Brouillet.)
FREN-400/3, The Francophone Literature
Four class periods. The central texts during the spring term are Contes et légendes des Antilles, Georgel, and Le Racisme Expliqué a Ma Fille. Ben Jelloun in addition to Une Fois Pour Toutes, Sturges, Herbst, Nielsen.
FREN-420/0, Crossing Cultures
A yearlong commitment. This course includes conversation practice, vocabulary acquisition, grammar exercises, and essay writing in the context of cross-cultural themes in literature and movies. Students consider the question of cultural identity and what it means to have more than one language and more than one culture. Fall term - Camus and Algeria. The class studies what it means to be "the other" in the complex relationship between France and Algeria in Albert Camus's novel L'Etranger and Gillo Pontecorvo's movie La Bataille d'Alger. Winter term - France in World War II. The themes of love and war in Le Silence de la Mer and Hiroshima Mon Amour. Spring term - Belonging to more than one culture. Texts include Marjane Satrapi's Persepolis, an autobiographical French graphic novel set in Iran and France, and Camara Laye's L'Enfant noir, a coming of age story set in Guinea. In the context of Tavernier's Autour de Minuit, students also study Paris as a haven for American jazz artists. Prerequisites: Completion of FREN-320 or equivalent.
FREN-520/0, French Civilization, Literature & Cinema
A yearlong commitment. Five class periods. Open to students who have completed three terms of fourth level French and to qualified new students. Students explore works of literature, films, and current events to develop their critical thinking skills and understand the cultural and social contexts of the French-speaking world. The course also includes instruction in language skills and in the methodology of expository writing in French. Students usually take the Advanced Placement French Language exam. The works studied include texts such as Cyrano de Bergerac, Rostand; Candide, Voltaire; Béni ou le paradis privé, Bégag; Paul et Virginie, Bernardin de Saint Pierre; and Mercure, Nothomb; and films such as Le Grand Bleu, Besson; Les 400 Coups, Truffaut; and Le Go,t des Autres, Jaoui.
FREN-600/1, Modern Francophone Literature
Four class periods. A seminar course open to students who have completed 500-level French or the equivalent. The class studies modern novels, plays, poetry, and films. Texts: Moi, Tituba, Sorcierè, Maryse Conde; Métisse blanche, Kim Lefèvre; Cinema for French Conversation, Anne-Christine Rice. (The course structure depends on enrollment and staffing.)
FREN-600/2, Modern Francophone Literature
Four class periods. A seminar course open to students who have completed 500-level French or the equivalent. The course studies modern novels, plays, poetry, and films. The student may write and/or perform a play. Texts: Moi, Tituba, Sorcierè, Maryse Conde; Métisse blanche, Kim Lefèvre; Cinema for French Conversation, Anne-Christine Rice. (The course structure depends on enrollment and staffing.)
FREN-600/3, Modern Francophone Literature
Four class periods. A seminar course open to students who have completed 500-level French or the equivalent. The course studies modern novels, plays, poetry, and films. Texts: Moi, Tituba, Sorcierè, Maryse Conde; Métisse blanche, Kim Lefèvre; Cinema for French Conversation, Anne-Christine Rice. (The course structure depends on enrollment and staffing and may require department permission.)
GERM-100/0, First-Level German
A yearlong commitment. Five class periods. A yearlong elementary course in speaking, reading, writing, listening comprehension, and culture. No previous experience in German or any other world language is needed to enroll in this course. GERM-100 offers significant daily structure and support in order to facilitate successful language learning. Current text: Deutsch Aktuell 1, 6th edition, supplemented by digital lab exercises, contemporary films, songs and adapted short stories.
GERM-150/5, Accelerated First-Level German
A two-term commitment. Five class periods. Open to students who have completed the fall term of GERM-100 with distinction and who have been recommended by their instructor. Superior work in this course enables students to enter GERM-250 the following fall, followed by GERM-300 in the winter and spring terms, thereby completing three years of the study of German in two years. An accelerated course in grammar, speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and culture. Current texts: Deutsch Aktuell 1, 6th edition, supplemented by video, digital lab exercise, contemporary films, poems, songs, and adapted short stories.
GERM-200/0, Second-Level German
A yearlong commitment. Five class periods. Open to students who have successfully completed GERM-100 or its equivalent. The study of basic grammar, conversation, and reading skills is continued along with the introduction of theme writing. Current texts: with Deutsch Aktuell 1, 6th edition; supplemented by digital lab exercises, contemporary films, songs, and adapted short stories.
GERM-250, Accelerated Second-Level German
Five class periods. Open to students with strong language learning skills who have completed GERM-150 or its equivalent with distinction. This accelerated course covers the spring term GERM-200 syllabus with the addition of intensive grammar review and writing. Successful completion of this course qualifies students to enter GERM-300 in the winter term. Current text: Emil und die Detektive, by Kastner; Vater und Sohn, Eppert; Deutsch heute 9th edition, supplemented by movies and digital lab exercises.
GERM-300/0, Third-Level German
Four class periods. Open to students who have successfully completed GERM-200 or GERM-250 or its equivalent. This course develops the language skills in speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing through the introduction of German texts in the original. Greater emphasis on classroom discussion as well as short essay writing is introduced. Current texts: Vater und Sohn, by E. O. Plauen; Emil und die Detektive, by Kastner; and Biedermann und die Brandstifter, by Frisch. Digital lab exercises, skits, contemporary films, and songs supplement the reading.
GERM-400/1, Fourth-Level German
Five class periods. Open to students who have successfully completed GERM-300 or its equivalent. This course is ideal for students who are looking for a systematic review of the first 3 years of grammar as well as a focus on listening comprehension and speaking. The class will heavily utilize the language learning center for listening and speaking skills, including viewing of and oral responses to contemporary films. Fall Term - grammar, film. Prerequisite: GERM-300 or permission of the department chair.
GERM-400/2, Fourth-Level German
Five class periods. Open to students who have successfully completed GERM-300 or its equivalent. This course is ideal for students who are looking for a systematic review of the first 3 years of grammar as well as a focus on listening comprehension and speaking. The class will heavily utilize the language learning center for listening and speaking skills, including viewing of and oral responses to contemporary films. Winter term - grammar, film, first half of Herr der Diehe (Funke) Prerequisite: GERM-300 or permission of the department chair.
GERM-400/3, Fourth-Level German
Five class periods. Open to students who have successfully completed GERM-300 or its equivalent. This course is ideal for students who are looking for a systematic review of the first 3 years of grammar as well as a focus on listening comprehension and speaking. The class will heavily utilize the language learning center for listening and speaking skills, including viewing of and oral responses to contemporary films. Spring term - film, second half of Herr der Diehe (Funke) Prerequisite: GERM-300 or permission of the department chair.
GERM-520, Advanced Fourth-Level German
Five class periods. The first term of a yearlong sequence, this course is open to students who have successfully completed GERM-300 or its equivalent and whose grammar skills are solid. A guideline is that students should have received an honors grade of 5 or 6 in GERM-300. Vocabulary expansion, increased oral fluency through daily classroom discussion, and written accuracy through paragraph writing and rewriting are central to this course. Selective review of advanced grammar topics is incorporated as needed. Texts: Selected Grimms' fairy tales, short stories by Lenz, Gappmeier and Kästner, current events videos and articles, concrete poetry and Goethe's poem Erlkönig. Prerequisite: GERM-300
GERM-520/5, Advanced Fourth-Level German
Five class periods. A continuation of GERM-520 with increased emphasis on oral proficiency through both informal classroom discussions as well as formal assessments in the LLC (Language Learning Center). Students continue to review advanced grammar as needed, while being exposed to a wider variety of German works in the original. Winter term - Cornelia Funke's novel Herr der Diebe Spring term - AP preparation and D
GERM-600/1, Advanced Topics in German
Four class periods. Open to students who have successfully completed three terms of fourth- level or AP German, or their equivalent, this course varies with the needs of the class. It is usually a seminar in the reading and discussion of German novels and plays. Frequent writing of greater length. Authors currently read: Brecht, Goethe, Kafka, D
GERM-600/2, Advanced Topics in German
Four class periods. Open to students who have successfully completed three terms of fourth- level or AP German, or their equivalent, this course varies with the needs of the class. It is usually a seminar in the reading and discussion of German novels and plays. Frequent writing of greater length. Authors currently read: Brecht, Goethe, Kafka, D
GERM-600/3, Advanced Topics in German
Four class periods. Open to students who have successfully completed three terms of fourth- level or AP German, or their equivalent, this course varies with the needs of the class. It is usually a seminar in the reading and discussion of German novels and plays. Frequent writing of greater length. Authors currently read: Brecht, Goethe, Kafka, D
JAPA-100/0, First-Level Japanese
A yearlong commitment. Five class periods. Open to all students. Seniors may take the course, but in situations of high enrollment, priority will be given to younger students to fulfill language requirement. Students will learn to express themselves in a variety of conversational situations and to read and write hiragana, katakana, and about 15 kanji, or Chinese characters. Classroom instruction will be based on Adventures in Japanese, Book 1, and its corresponding workbook. Students will learn not only the basic grammatical structures but also important elements of Japanese culture.
JAPA-200/0, Second-Level Japanese
A yearlong commitment. Five class periods. Open to students who have successfully completed first-level Japanese or its equivalent. A continuation of JAPA-100, the instruction will be based on Adventures in Japanese, Book 2, and its workbook. In this course there is an increased emphasis on grammar and an additional 150 kanji.
JAPA-300/0, Third-Level Japanese
A yearlong commitment. Four class periods. Open to students who have successfully completed second-level Japanese or its equivalent. Instruction is given based on Adventures in Japanese, Book 3, and its workbook. Emphasis is placed on more conversational practice using the previously learned grammar and more advanced new grammar. Additional emphasis is placed on a significant increase in kanji characters. Students are expected to learn an additional 150 kanji by the end of the course.
JAPA-400/0, Fourth-Level Japanese
A yearlong commitment. Four class periods. Open to students who have successfully completed third-level Japanese or its equivalent. Using the advanced textbook of Adventures in Japanese, Book 4, and its workbook, students will learn to express themselves more creatively and to communicate with status-appropriate word usage. Students will learn an additional 150 kanji by the end of the course. Emphasis is placed on more advanced Japanese culture and understanding Japanese history and values. Projects include interviews, research, and the final papers.
JAPA-520/0, Ap Japanese Language and Culture
A yearlong commitment. This course is modeled on the AP syllabus, and is designed to be comparable to college/university Japanese courses where students complete approximately 300 hours of college-level classroom instruction. Like the corresponding college courses, this course supports students as they develop the productive, receptive, and cultural skills necessary to communicate with native speakers of Japanese. Students' proficiency levels at the end of the course are expected to reach the intermediate-low to intermediate-mid range, as described in the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Proficiency Guidelines.
JAPA-600/1, Advanced Topics in Japanese
Four class periods. This course focuses on the development of additional kanji, and on vocabulary expansion through the study of Japanese newspapers, short stories, and a feature-length film. Emphasis is placed on students' listening comprehension and speaking proficiency. Prerequisite: A successful completion of JAPA-400 and/or the approval of the instructor.
JAPA-600/2, Advanced Topics in Japanese
Four class periods. This course focuses on the development of additional kanji, and on vocabulary expansion through the study of Japanese newspapers, short stories, and a feature-length film. Emphasis is placed on students' listening comprehension and speaking proficiency. Prerequisite: A successful completion of JAPA-400 and/or the approval of the instructor.
JAPA-600/3, Advanced Topics in Japanese
Four class periods. This course focuses on the development of additional kanji, and on vocabulary expansion through the study of Japanese newspapers, short stories, and a feature-length film. Emphasis is placed on students' listening comprehension and speaking proficiency. Prerequisite: A successful completion of JAPA-400 and/or the approval of the instructor.
RUSS-100/0, First-Level Contemporary Russian
A yearlong commitment. Five class periods. A yearlong elementary course in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Texts: all-digital textbook developed by the department for exclusive use at Phillips Academy; reference materials. Students enrolling in RUSS-100/0 will use an iPad, in lieu of textbooks or workbooks throughout their Andover Russian career.
RUSS-150/5, Accelerated First Year Russian
Five class periods. Open to students who have completed the fall term of Russian 100 with distinction and who have been recommended by their instructor. Superior work in this course enables students to enter Russian 250 in the fall, followed by Russian 300 in the winter and spring terms, thereby completing three years of Russian language in two years. An accelerated course in grammar, speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and culture, this course may require more than the standard four to five hours of homework per week. Texts: the same as those of Russian 100 and Russian 200.
RUSS-200/0, Second-Level Contemporary Russian
A yearlong commitment. Five class periods. Completion of the elementary course with continued emphasis on active use. Texts: all-digital textbook developed by the department for exclusive use at Phillips Academy; reference materials. (Required iPad) Prerequisite: successful completion of RUSS-100.
RUSS-250, Accelerated Second-Level Russian
Five class periods. Open to students with strong learning skills who have completed RUSS-150 or its equivalent with distinction. This accelerated course completes the work of RUSS-200 with the addition of intensive grammar review and writing. Successful completion of this course qualifies students to enter RUSS-300 in the winter term. This course may require more than the standard four to five hours of homework per week. Texts: the same as those of RUSS-200 and fall term of RUSS-300. (Required iPad)
RUSS-300/0, Third-Level Russian
A yearlong commitment. Four class periods. Students will improve conversation and composition skills through work with selected 19th and 20th century short stories and with video materials. A review of problematic areas of grammar is integrated into the course. Work with video and audio materials in the Language Learning Center constitutes an important component of the course. (Required iPad) Prerequisite: Successful completion of RUSS-200 or RUSS-250.
RUSS-400/1, Fourth-Level Russian
Four class periods. Expanded work in conversation, listening comprehension and composition. Extensive use of videos as a sourse of culture forconversation and understanding daily speech. Texts will become less modified as the year progresses. Prerequisite: Successful completion of RUSS-300.
RUSS-400/2, Fourth-Level Russian
Four class periods. Expanded work in conversation, listening comprehension and composition. Extensive use of vedeos as a sourse of culture forconversation and understanding daily speech. Texts will become less modified as the year progresses. Prerequisite: Successful completion of RUSS-300.
RUSS-400/3, Fourth-Level Russian
Four class periods. Expanded work in conversation, listening comprehension and composition. Extensive use of vedeos as a sourse of culture forconversation and understanding daily speech. Texts will become less modified as the year progresses. Prerequisite: Successful completion of RUSS-300.
RUSS-520/0, Advanced Fourth-Level Russian
A yearlong commitment. Five class periods. The core materials of the course are similar to those used in Fourth-Level Russian. In addition, however, one of the five weekly meetings will be devoted to preparation for the newly announced Advanced Placement Russian test. The additional material will be selected to reflect the structure of the AP exam. This course may require more than the standard four to five hours of homework per week. Prerequisite: Honors grades in RUSS-300 or permission of the department chair.
RUSS-600/1, Advanced Topics in Russian
Four class periods. A central goal of this course is to provide students with an overview of the major themes and developments in the last two centuries of Russian literature and history. Students will be expected to integrate this knowledge into the base they have acquired in their previous Russian study. The spring term works with a historical docudrama of the Stalinist period in the Soviet State. Prerequisite: Successful completion of RUSS-400/3 or RUSS-520.
RUSS-600/2, Advanced Topics in Russian
Four class periods. A central goal of this course is to provide students with an overview of the major themes and developments in the last two centuries of Russian literature and history. Students will be expected to integrate this knowledge into the base they have acquired in their previous Russian study. The spring term works with a historical docudrama of the Stalinist period in the Soviet State. Prerequisite: Successful completion of RUSS-400/3 or RUSS-520.
RUSS-600/3, Advanced Topics in Russian
Four class periods. A central goal of this course is to provide students with an overview of the major themes and developments in the last two centuries of Russian literature and history. Students will be expected to integrate this knowledge into the base they have acquired in their previous Russian study. The spring term works with a historical docudrama of the Stalinist period in the Soviet State. Prerequisite: Successful completion of RUSS-400/3 or RUSS-520.
SPAN-100, First-Level Spanish
Five class periods. This course is designed for those students who have had no previous world language experience. The course emphasizes listening comprehension and the use of basic conversational patterns of Spanish speech. Elementary grammatical and idiomatic structures are introduced, as well as appropriate reading material. All classwork is conducted in Spanish. (Text: Descubre I)
SPAN-110, First-Level Spanish
Five class periods. This course is designed for those students who have had previous experience in Spanish or in another world language. The course emphasizes listening comprehension and the use of basic conversational patterns of Spanish speech. Elementary grammatical and idiomatic structures are introduced, as well as appropriate reading material. All classwork is conducted in Spanish. (Text: Descubre I)
SPAN-110/5, First-Level Spanish
A two-term commitment. Five class periods. This course is a continuation of the first-level Spanish course for those students not enrolled in SPAN-120 (Accelerated First Level Spanish). (Text:Descubre I)
SPAN-120/5, Accelerated First-Level Spanish
Five class periods. Especially competent students will be recommended for this accelerated course at the conclusion of SPAN-100/1 or SPAN-110/1. Superior work in SPAN-120 enables recommended students to enter SPAN-220. Descubre 2 serves as the primary text and is supplemented with reading selections and proficiency-oriented exercises.
SPAN-200/0, Second-Level Spanish
A yearlong commitment. Five class periods. Using the Descubre 2 text, this course completes the introduction of grammar begun in the first year. Topics covered are imperfect, imperfect/preterite contrast, subjunctive, perfect tenses, future, and conditional. Extensive thematic vocabulary is integrated into each lesson. There are integrated video and audio programs by which the grammar and vocabulary are reinforced. Significant emphasis is placed on oral praactice. Writing and reading skills are further developed. Various Latin American countries are studied.
SPAN-220, Accelerated Spanish Sequence
Five class periods. SPAN-220 is open only to students who have obtained departmental permission, in most cases after completing SPAN-120. Being part of the accelerated sequence, this course has a pace that may be faster and a workload that may be heavier than usual. Only those students who can demonstrate an accelerated ability to make progress at a rapid pace will be recommended for SPAN-320 sequence during the winter and spring trimesters. Students not recommended for SPAN-320 will rejoin SPAN-200 in order to move at a regular pace more in tune with the student's abilities. SPAN-220 aims at promoting the students' ability to communicate in the target language. Intermediate level grammar is thoroughly reviewed and there is great emphasis on vocabulary building by means of a variety of readings ? short stories and newspaper articles. Students should be ready to engage in conversation on a daily basis, either through group exercises and activities or they are expected to speak up on their own. Passive acquisition without oral participation is not acceptable; the student is required to engage in all four skills on a daily basis: Listening, reading, speaking and writing.
SPAN-300/0, Third-Level Spanish
A yearlong commitment. Four class periods. During the fall term, students read short stories, testimonies, and poems of diverse Hispanic traditions that explore notions of family, individual and collective identities, and personal and social relationships. These texts also serve as structural and thematic models to various written exercises and other class activities. The primary objective of the winter term is to expose students to a challenging and sophisticated literary text, Cronica de una Muerte Anunciada (Chronicle of a Death Foretold), while enforcing their structural skills and communicative competence through a series of grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension exercises based on the novel. In the spring, students read Las Bicicletas Son Para el Verano (Bicycles Are for Summer) and a play about the Spanish Civil War by a contemporary Spanish playwright, and then perform selected scenes from this work.
SPAN-320/5, Accelerated Spanish Sequence
Five class periods. SPAN-320 is open to students who have obtained chair permission, usually after completing SPAN-220 in the fall. At the end of this course, students may usually enroll in courses at the 400-level, which requires considerable knowledge of grammar and vocabulary and the ability to discuss subjects of higher conceptual complexity. Consequently, the range of subjects and genres is expanded. In addition to short stories and articles, students read about current events in the winter and a play, Death and the Maiden, in the spring. Acting out some of the scenes in the play is one of the included oral exercises. Throughout the two terms, students continue to work on their vocabulary and grammar, but more sophisticated and linguistic nuances are added to the student's language repertoire, such as indirect discourse. However, the focus is still on communication and students are expected to be active participants at all times. Prerequisite: Permission of department chair.
SPAN-400/1, Current Events and Multimedia: Approaches to the Hispanic World
Four class periods. Fall term - Spain. Students will refine speaking, writing, and listening skills in Spanish as well as their ability to express current issues through a cultural context. This course will use literary texts, film, TV program series, and journalism in order to provide a basis to discuss and understand issues of modern Spain from the post-Franco era to the present. The course will begin a comprehensive review of basic to advanced grammar structures for students thinking about taking the various national Spanish exams. Class requirements include essays, tests, oral class presentations and recordings. Daily class participation is essential.
SPAN-400/2, Current Events and Multimedia: Approaches to the Hispanic World
Four class periods. Winter term - Mexico. Students will refine speaking, writing, and listening skills in Spanish as well as their ability to express current issues through a cultural context. This course will use literary texts, film, and art to provide a basis on which to discuss and understand the historical facts that shaped Mexico from the Mexican Revolution to present. The study of grammar will concentrate on the more challenging structures for English speakers, continuing the grammar review started in the previous SPAN-400/1. Daily class participation is essential.
SPAN-400/3, Current Events and Multimedia: Approachs to the Hispanic World
Four class periods. Spring term - Hispanic Caribbean. Students will refine speaking and writing through the analysis of poetry and short stories of select Caribbean authors. This course will use Caribbean poetry, short stories, film, music, and journalism to provide a basis on which to discuss and analyze current and historical issues of Puerto Rico, Cuba and the Dominican Republic. In addition, the course will complete the review of basic to advanced grammar structures started in the fall and winter trimesters. Class requirements will include essays and oral class presentations. Daily class participation is essential.
SPAN-401/1, Introduction to Hispanic Literature
Four class periods. Each trimester the class aims to develop language skills through reading, discussion, oral presentations, and regular writing assignments centered around major writers and texts of the contemporary Hispanic world. This course also emphasizes some of the finer Spanish grammar points and idiomatic expressions. Fall Term - Students will be exposed to short stories by contemporary Latin American and Spanish authors as varied as Carlos Fuentes, J.L. Borges, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, among others. Allende, and others.
SPAN-401/2, Introduction to Hispanic Literature
Four class periods. Each trimester the class aims to develop language skills through reading, discussion, oral presentations, and regular writing assignments centered around major writers and texts of the contemporary Hispanic world. This course also emphasizes some of the finer Spanish grammar points and idiomatic expressions. Winter Term - In the winter, the focus is on Spanish and Spanish-American drama and contemporary Hispanic poetry.
SPAN-401/3, Introduction to Hispanic Literature
Four class periods. Each trimester the class aims to develop language skills through reading, discussion, oral presentations, and regular writing assignments centered around major writers and texts of the contemporary Hispanic world. This course also emphasizes some of the finer Spanish grammar points and idiomatic expressions. Spring Term - Students will read selected literary short novels from the Hispanic world.
SPAN-500, Advanced Spanish Language Colloquium
Four class periods. This advanced, intensive language course is designed for students of Spanish that have completed their language requirement and seek an immersion experience. Students will continue to sharpen their linguistic competencies in speaking, listening, writing and reading and will explore an assortment of authentic media in doing so. These sources will reflect the diversity of registers heard throughout the Spanish speaking world and will expose students to a wide range of cultural, social and historical phenomena. Students will have many opportunities to synthesize and analyze these topics through various communicative modes (interpersonal, interpretive and presentational) in class discussions and written work, in oral/aural exercises in the LLC and in presentations delivered to their peers. Students will complete a research project and participate in a colloquium with the greater Spanish-speaking community. Students who take this course will be prepared to take the AP Spanish Language Exam in May. Materials will include a variety of media from the Spanish-speaking world, a monolingual grammar manual and AP Spanish Language Exam preparation resources. Students must take this course in order to be considered for SPAN-511 in the spring.
SPAN-510, Immersion in Lawrence, an Immigrant City
Four class periods. Lawrence, Massachusetts, has a long history of immigration, beginning during the Industrial Revolution with the Irish and Italians and continuing into the present with an influx of world cultures, predominantly from Caribbean and other Spanish-speaking American nations. For all intents and purposes, modern Lawrence is a Hispanic city, and our involvement there amounts to nothing less than an immersion in the language and culture of an entire hemisphere. This course exposes students to the culturally rich and vibrant "Immigrant City" and helps them understand, through firsthand accounts from members of the Lawrence community, the realities of living in a bicultural, bilingual world. Texts will include popular fiction, prose, journalism and other media in Spanish. At the end of the term, the class will elect a community partner with which to work in the spring, and each individual will design a research project to conduct throughout the following term.
SPAN-511, Community Engagement in Lawrence; We, the People
Four class periods. Students will continue to immerse themselves in the Immigrant City, moving from the theoretical in the winter to the practical in the spring. Having chosen a community partner to work with and research topics to develop, students have more significant input regarding the focus of the class. Students will participate in mini internships or collaborative projects with agencies in Lawrence, thus broadening their own perspectives of Hispanic life in the US while also leaving a "legacy" of cooperation and mutual respect to tie together the Lawrence and Andover communities. Prerequisite: Spanish 500 in the fall. Limited enrollment: Preference is given to students who take Spanish 510 in the winter, though students with considerable experience in Lawrence (i.e. on the level of community service project coordinators) may seek departmental approval. Readings and a daily journal are required in addition to the final research project. Prerequisite: SPAN-500/1
SPAN-520/1, Understanding Latin America
Four class periods. This course is an introduction to the reality of present-day Latin America through the study of its popular culture. The subject is approached from a diachronic perspective starting in the 20th century, which entails reviewing some of the major historical events, but the spotlight is on those aspects of everyday life that play a role in shaping the values of a community or contribute to create a sense of identity: language, religious beliefs, traditions, social movements, sports and cultural production ? music, cinema and television, literature and visual arts. From a linguistic point of view, students will continue to work on the four skills: reading (texts of various genres), writing (expository writing), speaking (oral presentations and daily conversation practice) and listening (in class and at home ? they need to watch a popular telenovela or soap opera). Prerequisite: Open to students who have completed Spanish 400, 401, or 500.
SPAN-520/2, Understanding Latin America
Four class periods. This course is an introduction to the reality of present-day Latin America through the study of its popular culture. The subject is approached from a diachronic perspective starting in the 20th century, which entails reviewing some of the major historical events, but the spotlight is on those aspects of everyday life that play a role in shaping the values of a community or contribute to create a sense of identity: language, religious beliefs, traditions, social movements, sports and cultural production (music, cinema and television, literature and visual arts). From a linguistic point of view, students will continue to work on the four skills: reading (texts of various genres), writing (expository writing), speaking (oral presentations and daily conversation practice) and listening (in class and at home - they need to watch a popular telenovela or soap opera). Prerequisite: Open to students who have completed Spanish 400, 401, or 500.
SPAN-520/3, Understanding Latin America
Four class periods. This course is an introduction to the reality of present-day Latin America through the study of its popular culture. The subject is approached from a diachronic perspective starting in the 20th century, which entails reviewing some of the major historical events, but the spotlight is on those aspects of everyday life that play a role in shaping the values of a community or contribute to create a sense of identity: language, religious beliefs, traditions, social movements, sports and cultural production (music, cinema and television, literature and visual arts). From a linguistic point of view, students will continue to work on the four skills: reading (texts of various genres), writing (expository writing), speaking (oral presentations and daily conversation practice) and listening (in class and at home - they need to watch a popular telenovela or soap opera). Prerequisite: Open to students who have completed Spanish 400, 401, or 500.
SPAN-521/3, Latin American Perspectives
(Not offered in 2013-2014) Five class periods. This course serves as a foundational tool in understanding the complex cultural processes of conflict, colonization, exchange, adaptation, exploitation, revolution, and globalization that have created and continue to shape the Latin American experience. By examining literary and cultural representations from colonial times to the present and exploring multiple, including non-traditional, perspectives on important themes and events of this region, students will gain insight into Latin America today. Examples of some of the perspectives analyzed in the fall include: conquest through the colonizers' accounts juxtaposed with indigenous Aztec painted manuscripts that depict the cultural encounter; slavery from the testimony of a runaway slave; the syncretism of both Yoruba and Catholic religions in Santería, among others. In the winter we will focus on cultural diversity in Latin America by analyzing how the interaction of different cultures has created the cultural blending expressed in Latin American art such as music, paintings, films and sculpture. Finally, in the spring we will concentrate on the contemporary issues affecting the region today. Some of these themes include: sustainability and economic development, women and politics, social and political revolutions, drug trade and drug trafficking, crossing borders, sports, adolescence and pop culture. Prerequisite: Open to students who have completed Spanish 400, 401, or 500.
SPAN-601/3, Introduction to Hispanic Literature
Four class periods. Each trimester the class aims to develop language skills through reading, discussion, oral presentations, and regular writing assignments centered around major writers and texts of the contemporary Hispanic world. This course also emphasizes some of the finer Spanish grammar points and idiomatic expressions. SPAN-601 is a more intense version of SPAN-401 for those students who have previously studied SPAN-520 or SPAN-521. Fall Term - Students will be exposed to short stories by contemporary Latin American and Spanish authors as varied as Carlos Fuentes, J.L. Borges, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, among others. Allende, and others.
SPAN-620/1, Commerce, Culture and Trade: Modern Latin America
Four class periods. This course will study contemporary modern Latin America by employing a wide range of tools - including historical documents, news articles, literary texts, and general economic principles. Students will apply knowledge to Latin American real-world settings, from political systems to economic models, to gain an integrative understanding of this vitally important region. Students will also apply this knowledge of history and political legacy to an understanding of the investment-capital system of stocks, bonds, and commodities in a globalized market. Furthermore, they will study the illegal commerce issues faced by Latin America that challenge the very notion of nation-state. This course is only open to students who have completed a year of Spanish at the -500, -520, or -521 level, or by permission of the chair.
SPAN-620/2, Commerce, Culture and Trade: Modern Latin America
Four class periods. Winter term - this course seeks to augment the vocabulary and conceptual knowledge of the emerging Hispanic markets, while at the same time trying to cast a light on why capitalism, after the fall of the Berlin Wall, has not brought the benefits to Latin America that the Western economies presently enjoy. Readings will be based on leading Latin American and North American economists. Students will work on businesslike cases and must find ways of resolving regional and global market conflicts with respect to natural resources. Students will create a "business case" as to why investors should invest capital in their respective Hispanic company. This aspect of the course will require a high level of businesslike teamwork, in which each member is responsible for the final group grade. Each group will have to prepare various presentations, in which each member of said group is responsible for a particular task. This course is only open to students who have completed a year of Spanish at the -500, -520, or -521 level or by permission of the chair.
SPAN-620/3, Commerce, Culture and Trade: Modern Latin America
Four class periods. Spring term - This course is the third part in a sequence of SPAN-620 that seeks to explain how drug trafficking emerged in Latin America and how it evolved into the multinational illegal commerce that it is today. Students will analyze the origins of the coca trade, its transport and economic aspects, and the cultural underpinnings that made Latin America a region in which drug trafficking could flourish. This course hopes to provide an overview of the complexities of how the history of contemporary Latin America was framed by the drug trafficker and the money launderer, how the product was transported and sold on the black market, and why Latin American nations have such a difficult time preventing the flow of illegal substances, how this challenges the traditional notion of nation-state, and what is considered a rogue state. This course is only open to students who have completed a year of Spanish at the -500, -520, or -521 level, or by permission of the chair.