Courses
Arabic
Chinese
Classical Languages
French
German
Japanese
Russian
Spanish
ARAB-100/1, First-Level Arabic
Five class periods. Beginning with the textbook, Alif-Baa, and other resources, students will first acquire knowledge of the writing system of Arabic. Students will then work more systematically on Modern Standard Arabic using all four skills (speaking, listening, reading,writing) with the first book of the al-Kitab series. Language learning will be augmented by attention to various cultural topics throughout the term. Open only to Uppers and Seniors who have demonstrated success as language learners. Requires permission of division head.
ARAB-110/5, First-Level Arabic
A two-term commitment. Five class periods. This course is open only to those who successfully complete ARAB-100 in the fall term, and for whom it is appropriate to continue at a non-accelerated pace. This course will continue to have as its focal text the first book of the al-Kitab series, with additional attention to various cultural topics throughout the year.
ARAB-120/5, Accelerated First-Level Arabic
A two-term commitment. Five class periods. This course is open only to those who successfully complete ARAB-100 in the fall term, but for whom it is appropriate to continue at an accelerated pace. The goal of the course is to cover approximately one year of college-level Modern Standard Arabic using the first book of the al-Kitab series. Language learning will be augmented by attention to various cultural topics throughout the year. This course may required more than the standard four to five hours of homework per week.
ARAB-130, A Short Course in Beginning Arabic
Five class periods. This one-term course is intended as a means for students to acquire some familiarity with the Arabic language. Students will be presented with authentic written and spoken language, and will acquire basic functional skills, including the ability to read and write the alphabet. Using the textbook, Alif-Baa, and other resources, students will acquire some useful knowledge of the language, but an important purpose of the course is to help studnets decide if they wish to pursue Arabic more seriously in the future. Open only to Uppers and Seniors.
ARAB-131, The Cultures of Arabic-Speaking Peoples
Five class periods. Although there are no prerequisites, this couse is designed to dovetail with HIST-SS533/1 (The Middle East Heartland) and ARAB-130. The course focuses on variuos facets of the cultures of diverse Arabic-speaking peoples. Through films, art, music, and readings in literature, religion, and history, students will consider a wide range of significant cultural issues. Open only to Uppers and Seniors.
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-120/5, Accelerated Beginning Chinese Accelerated First-Level Chinese
Five class periods. Distinguished students will be recommended by the department for this accelerated course at the conclusion of the first trimester of CHIN-100. Upon successful completion of this course, students move on to CHIN-220/0.
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-100.
CHIN-220/0, Accelerate Second-Level Chinese
A yearlong commitment. Five class periods. Upon successful completion of this course, students move directly to CHIN-400 by permission of the department. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Chinese 120 or permission of the department.
CHIN-300/0, Third-Level Chinese
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-400/0, Fourth-Level Chinese
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 CHIN-220.
CHIN-520/0, Advanced Placement Chinese
A yearlong commitment. Five 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-400 or permission of the department.
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-400 or CHIN-420, or permission of the department.
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-400 or CHIN-420, or permission of the department.
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-400 or CHIN-420, or permission of the department.
CHIN-641/1, 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 course taught in China. Prerequisite: Successful completion of CHIN-640 or CHIN-642, or permission of the department.
CHIN-641/2, 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 course taught in China. Prerequisite: Successful completion of CHIN-640 or CHIN-642, or permission of the department.
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 course taught in China. Prerequisite: Successful completion of CHIN-640 or CHIN-642, 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.
CLAS-320, Greek Literature
Four class periods. Open to all classes. A systematic study of the masterpieces of early European civilization as seen in their proper literary, intellectual, and historical contexts. In what is essentially a history of ideas, the major genres of epic, tragedy, comedy, satire, history, erotic poetry, and philosophy are stressed as aspects of the wider evolution of European thought. The major problems that still confront human life are explored through the writings of Homer, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Herodotus, Thucydides, Aristophanes, Plato, and others.
FREN-100/1, 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 listening comprehension and the use of basic conversational patterns of French speech. Elementary grammatical and idiomatic structures are introduced, as well as appropriate reading material. Assignments are regularly required in the Language Learning Center. (Text: Motifs, Jansma/Kassen)
FREN-110/1, 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. Elementary grammatical and idiomatic structures are introduced, 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 First-Level French
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 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. While continuing to develop aural-oral skills, this course involves reading non-technical French prose and writing simple compositions.
FREN-220/0, Accelerated Second-Level French
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. (Possible texts: Le Petit Nicolas, Sempé and Goscinny; Le Comte de Monte Cristo, Dumas; Une Fois Pour Toutes, Sturges, Nielsen, Herbst; Cinema for French Conversation, Rice)
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, such as Au Revoir Les Enfants, Les Choristes, and Amélie. Articles from magazines and newspapers, online resources, and occasional literary texts complement this core program. In the fall and spring terms, as a final project, students make a presentation on a topic of their choice. Preparation for this exercise requires considerable writing, while the presentation itself emphasizes speaking. (Text: Une Fois Pour Toutes, Sturges, Nielsen, Herbst; Cinema for French Conversation, Rice)
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; Grammaire progressive du Francaise, niveau avancé, CLE; M. Ibrahim, Schmitt)
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: Grammaire progressive du Francaise, niveau avance, CLE; Civilisation progressive de la Francophone, CLE)
FREN-400/3, The Francophone Presence in the U.S.A.
Four class periods. A study of the immigration patterns and the cultures of Haitians and Francophone Asians in the United States, with special attention to the Francophone communities in Lawrence and Lowell, Mass. This service-learning course will consist of two classes on campus and one double-period class per week working with the Francophone communities in our neighboring cities. In addition to writing daily in a journal, students will be expected to present a final project documenting a case study or a particular topic of the course. Prerequisite: enrollment in FREN-400 for the winter term.
FREN-420/0, Crossing Cultures
A year-long commitment. This course, conducted entirely in French, includes conversation practice, vocabulary acquisition, grammar exercises, and essay writing in the context of cross-cultural themes in literature and movies. Fall Term - The class studies 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 - The relationship between France and Germany provides the cultural background for La Grande Illusion, Le Silence de la Mer, and Le Dernier Metro. Spring Term - Persepolis pursues with humor the gender themes associated with coming of age in Iran and France. Texts include excerpts from Simone de Beauvoir's Le Deuxieme sexe, and Marjane Satrapi's Persepolis, an autobiographical French graphic novel set in Iran and France, and the 2007 movie Persepolis, directed by Marjane Satrapi and Victor Paronnaud.
FREN-450/1, History of France: 1610-1815
Four class periods. This course will explore the creation of unified France from the beginning of the reign of Louis XIII through the end of the First Empire. Emphasis will be on the final consolidation of power under Louis XIV, the succeeding years, the tumultuous years of the French Revolution, and the First Empire under Napoleon I. Emphasis will be placed not only on historical events, but on their influence on the French art, music, and architecture of the time.
FREN-460/2, History of France: 1815-1945
Four class periods. This course will focus on the history and culture of France from the defeat of Napoleon I until the end of World War I, with emphasis on the prolonged struggle to institute democracy, the development as an industrialized nation with pressures for social reform, and France's grandeur as a colonial power and as a center for the arts. Particular attention will be paid to the study of French impressionism and the other dominant schools of art, literature, and music.
FREN-470/3, Contemporary French Civilization
Four class periods. This course deals with aspects of contemporary French civilization such as the family, the school system, politics, gender roles, art, and popular culture. The emphasis is on learning about culture comparatively through the discussion of articles, films, and comic strips. The course includes research on the Web and e-mail with French students.
FREN-500/1, Civilization of France and the Francophone World
Open to students who have completed fourth-level French and to qualified new students, this French history, geography, and civilization course is designed to address multidisciplinary issues concerning France and the Francophone world. There also are vocabulary, grammar, conversation, composition, and reading components. The choice of texts is generally determined by the class and the instructor. The course is intended to help students prepare for the Advanced Placement examination in French Language.
FREN-500/2, Civilization of France and the Francophone World
Open to students who have completed fourth-level French and to qualified new students, this French history, geography, and civilization course is designed to address multidisciplinary issues concerning France and the Francophone world. There also are vocabulary, grammar, conversation, composition, and reading components. The choice of texts is generally determined by the class and the instructor. The course is intended to help students prepare for the Advanced Placement examination in French Language.
FREN-500/3, Civilization of France and the Francophone World
Open to students who have completed fourth-level French and to qualified new students, this French history, geography, and civilization course is designed to address multidisciplinary issues concerning France and the Francophone world. There also are vocabulary, grammar, conversation, composition, and reading components. The choice of texts is generally determined by the class and the instructor. The course is intended to help students prepare for the Advanced Placement examination in French Language.
FREN-520/0, French Literature and Cinema
A yearlong commitment. Five class periods. Open to students who have completed three terms of fourth-level French and to qualified new students. This course is primarily a seminar in which students share their interpretations of works studied in class discussions and oral presentations. It emphasizes the cultural and social contexts of major films and literary works so that class discussions often include current events of the French-speaking world. We read news articles and Web-based work. It also includes an introduction to the methodology of literary and argumentative papers in French and meets the requirements of the Advanced Placement examination in French Language. The syllabus may include works by Moliere, Flaubert, Rostand, Pagnol, Ionesco, Sartre, Begag, or Nothomb. Films range from the new wave to classic comedies and contemporary features. Film adaptations also may be studies along with the original novel (i.e., Marcel Pagnol's Manon des Sources).
FREN-600, Modern Literature
Two two-hour 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. The books studied may include La Peste, Camus; Un Amour de Swann, Proust; La Vie devant soi, Ajar; La P...respectueuse, Sartre; Coq de Bruyere, Tournier; and La Civilisation, ma Mere, Chraibi. Films recently studied include Diabolo Menthe, Kurys; Rouge, Kieslowski; and Manon des Sources, Pagnol.
FREN-600/2, Modern French Literature
Two two-hour 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. The books studied may include La Peste, Camus; Un Amour de Swann, Proust; La Vie devant soi, Ajar; La P...respectueuse, Sartre; Coq de Bruyere, Tournier; and La Civilisation, ma Mere, Chraibi. Films recently studied include Diabolo Menthe, Kurys; Rouge, Kieslowski; and Manon des Sources, Pagnol.
FREN-600/3, Modern French Literature
Two two-hour 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. The books studied may include La Peste, Camus; Un Amour de Swann, Proust; La Vie devant soi, Ajar; La P...respectueuse, Sartre; Coq de Bruyere, Tournier; and La Civilisation, ma Mere, Chraibi. Films recently studied include Diabolo Menthe, Kurys; Rouge, Kieslowski; and Manon des Sources, Pagnol.
GERM-100/0, First-Level German
A yearlong commitment. Five-hour course. 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, 5th edition, by Kraft, 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, this course may require more than the standard four to five hours of homework per week. Current texts: Deutsch Aktuell 1 and 2, by Kraft, supplemented by video, digital lab exercise, contemporary films, poems, songs, and adapted short stories.
GERM-200/0, Second-Level German
A yearlong commitment. 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: Deutsch Aktuell 2, Kraft; Emil und die Detektive, Kastner; supplemented by digital lab exercises, contemporary films, songs, and adapted short stories.
GERM-250/1, Accelerated Second-Level German
Five class periods. Open to students with strong 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. This course may require more than the standard four to five hours of homework per week. Successful completion of this course qualifies students to enter GERM-300 in the winter term. Current text: Emil und die Detektive, by Eric Kastner, supplemented by movies and digital lab exercises.
GERM-300/0, Third-Level German
Four-hour course. 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. Students are introduced to a wide variety of authors and genres, including Biedermann und die Brandstifter, Frisch; Das fliegende Klassenzimmer, Kästner; and a selection of short stories and poems. A short theatrical presentation in German complements other classroom work. Digital lab exercises, contemporary films, and songs supplement the reading. Students who complete GERM-300 with an honors grade are prepared to take the College Board Subject test. Additional practice tests are recommended.
GERM-400/1, Fourth-Level German
Five-hour course. Open to students who have successfully completed GERM-300 or its equivalent. This course is identical to the yearlong course GERM-520 (Advanced Placement German). Students who are unsure of their commitment to taking a full-year of fourth-level German should enroll in this course as it is term-contained and can be taken for one, two, or all three terms. Students who complete all three terms of GERM-400 with an honors grade are well prepared to take the AP exam in May.
GERM-400/2, Fourth-Level German
Five-hour course. Open to students who have successfully completed GERM-300 or its equivalent. This course is identical to the yearlong course GERM-520 (Advanced Placement German). Students who are unsure of their commitment to taking a full-year of fourth-level German should enroll in this course as it is term-contained and can be taken for one, two, or all three terms. Students who complete all three terms of GERM-400 with an honors grade are well prepared to take the AP exam in May.
GERM-400/3, Fourth-Level German
Five-hour course. Open to students who have successfully completed GERM-300 or its equivalent. This course is identical to the yearlong course GERM-520 (Advanced Placement German). Students who are unsure of their commitment to taking a full-year of fourth-level German should enroll in this course as it is term-contained and can be taken for one, two, or all three terms. Students who complete all three terms of GERM-400 with an honors grade are well prepared to take the AP exam in May.
GERM-520/0, AP German
A yearlong commitment. Five-hour course. Open to students who have successfully completed GERM-300 or its equivalent. Students are exposed to a variety of German works in the original, including poems, plays, short stories, novels, and accounts of current events. Authors currently read: Brecht, Funke, 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 analytical reading and discussion of German classics. Frequent writing of greater length is expected. A term paper or student-designed independent project replaces the final exam. 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 analytical reading and discussion of German classics. Frequent writing of greater length is expected. A term paper or student-designed independent project replaces the final exam. 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 analytical reading and discussion of German classics. Frequent writing of greater length is expected. A term paper or student-designed independent project replaces the final exam. 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-130, Introduction to Japanese
Not offered in 2009-2010. Four class periods. This course is designed for students who are thinking of traveling to Japan and/or studying Japanese as a second language at Andover or in college. In addition to developing survival-level speaking skills, students will learn to read and write using katakana, hiragana and 50-75 kanji, or Chinese characters. Students will also sing and perform short skits, and will follow at least one popular animated film in Japanese. Selections from the textbook Japanese for Busy People, karaoke songs, audio and video tapes, visits by Japanese-speaking guests, and materials developed by the instructor will support classroom instruction. In the last weeks of the course, students will research a social, cultural, or historical topic in which they are personally interested and then present it to their classmates.
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, the AP 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.
RUSS-130, A Short Course in Beginning Russian
Four class periods. A term-contained introduction to speaking, reading, and writing Russian, using conversational text materials, this course enables students to feel comfortable with the somewhat different features of a Slavic language. It also gives a sound foundation for continuing courses in Russian language, history, and literature, whether at Andover or in college.
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. Prerequisite: successful completion of RUSS-100.
RUSS-250/1, 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.
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. Prerequisite: Successful completion of RUSS-200 or RUSS-250.
RUSS-400/1, Fourth-Level Russian
Four class periods. Further work in conversation and composition. Over the course of the year, there is a transition from texts that are lightly adapted to texts in the original. The focus of materials in the winter and spring terms is the 20th century. The winter term is devoted to a single text; fall and spring terms examine shorter texts and video materials. Work with video and audio materials in the Language Learning Center constitutes an important component of the course. Prerequisite: Successful completion of RUSS-300.
RUSS-400/2, Fourth-Level Russian
Four class periods. Further work in conversation and composition. Over the course of the year, there is a transition from texts that are lightly adapted to texts in the original. The focus of materials in the winter and spring terms is the 20th century. The winter term is devoted to a single text; fall and spring terms examine shorter texts and video materials. Work with video and audio materials in the Language Learning Center constitutes an important component of the course. Prerequisite: Successful completion of RUSS-300.
RUSS-400/3, Fourth-Level Russian
Four class periods. Further work in conversation and composition. Over the course of the year, there is a transition from texts that are lightly adapted to texts in the original. The focus of materials in the winter and spring terms is the 20th century. The winter term is devoted to a single text; fall and spring terms examine shorter texts and video materials. Work with video and audio materials in the Language Learning Center constitutes an important component of the course. 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 identical 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: Successful completion of 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. At the same time, students will work to improve their ability to diagnose their own language-learning strengths and weaknesses, and, where relevant, to plan their approach to the continued study of Russian at the college level. Current events are a major component of the spring term. 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. At the same time, students will work to improve their ability to diagnose their own language-learning strengths and weaknesses, and, where relevant, to plan their approach to the continued study of Russian at the college level. Current events are a major component of the spring term. 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. At the same time, students will work to improve their ability to diagnose their own language-learning strengths and weaknesses, and, where relevant, to plan their approach to the continued study of Russian at the college level. Current events are a major component of the spring term. Prerequisite: Successful completion of RUSS-400/3 or RUSS-520.
SPAN-100/1, 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-110/1, 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-220/0, Accelerated Second-Level Spanish
A yearlong commitment. Five class periods. This is an accelerated second-year course that develops communicative competence, and provides intensive reading and writing practice. At least eight Latin American and Spanish short stories are read in the first trimester, followed by the theatrical play La Muerte y la doncella in the second trimester, and Relato de un naufrago in the third trimester. Advanced concepts of grammar and idiomatic expressions are studied and put into practice in three-page essays. In order to work on pronunciation and speaking proficiency, PowerPoint and oral presentations are required, as is acting out specific scenes from the theatrical play. Students normally must maintain an honors grade to remain in the course. There are at least three tests per trimester, not including final exams. This course enables students, upon departmental recommendation, to enroll in a 400/420-level course. Open to students who have completed SPAN-120 with distinction and other qualified students with departmental permission.
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-400/1, Current Events and Multimedia: Approaches to the Hispanic World
Four class periods. Fall Term (Hispanic America) - Students will refine speaking, writing, and listening skills in Spanish and the ability to express current issues through a cultural context. This course will use canonical Latin American literary texts, film, and journalism in order to provide a basis to discuss current and historical issues of four Latin American countries: Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico. Furthermore, 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 three essays with subsequent corrections, three tests (not including the final exam), and a class presentation made in PowerPoint. Daily class participation is essential.
SPAN-400/2, Current Events and Multimedia: Approaches to the Hispanic World
Four class periods. Winter Term (Spanish and Latin American Film)- Through the study and analysis of various films from Spanish-speaking countries, students further develop oral and written proficiency in the language. Representative cinematic works of Cuba, Spain, Argentina, and Mexico serve as an artistic medium for discussion of historical, cultural, and political issues. These films serve to enhance students? knowledge of the complexity and richness of Hispanic cultures. In addition to weekly tests on vocabulary and general comprehension of the films, students will produce an original script and a short video at the end of the term. Students also will enhance their writing by creating four essays based on issues presented on the films. The study of grammar will concentrate on the more challenging structures for English speakers, continuing the grammar review with systematic exercises that were 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 canonical Caribbean poetry, short stories, film, music, and journalism in order to provide a basis to discuss and analyze current and historical issues of Puerto Rico and Cuba. In addition, the course will complete the review started in the fall and winter trimesters of basic to advanced grammar structures. Class requirements will include two essays with subsequent corrections, a class presentation made in PowerPoint, a midterm exam, and a final exam. 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-500/1, Current Issues in the Spanish-Speaking World
Three class periods. Current articles from periodicals of the Hispanic world - similar in content and format to Time magazine- provide the context for the review and practice of the more complex structures of the language and for vocabulary expansion. In addition to writing assignments based on the articles, students are evaluated on their aural comprehension and oral proficiency once a week in the Language Learning Center. In the last two weeks of the term, the focus shifts to a contemporary film from Spain or Latin America as a basis for (a) the mastery of colloquial speech patterns and current idiomatic expressions, and (b) the analysis of social and/or political issues in the Spanish-speaking world.
SPAN-500/2, Film and Narrative
Three class periods. Through a series of short stories, films, videotaped scenes, and a novel, this course focuses on childhood perceptions of the adult world in different areas of the Hispanic world. The universal aspects of childhood - those that transcend cultural or geographical boundaries - and those experiences that stem from specific child-raising practices or societal attitudes toward the child are explored through a series of analytical and creative writing assignments. Role playing and oral/aural exercises in the Language Learning Center complement these assignments. Prerequisite: enrollment in the fall trimester of SPAN-500, or permission of the chair of the Spanish department.
SPAN-500/3, Advanced Spanish Language in the Lawrence Community
In partnership with the schools of neighboring Lawrence, this course focuses on the reading and writing skills of younger students living in a bilingual, bicultural world. Phillips Academy students meet three times per week - once in Lawrence for one-hour mentoring sessions, and twice on campus to prepare their lesson plans and review the progress of their mentees. A research paper is required. Limited enrollment. Prerequisite: Enrollment in a fifth-level Spanish course in the previous two trimesters, or permission of the department chair. See also Latin American Studies (HIST-SS535), which is offered every other year.
SPAN-520/0, Advanced Topics in Spanish
A yearlong commitment. Four class periods. This course seeks to provide knowledge of the Hispanic contemporary world by looking at its major transformative historical, cultural, literary, socioeconomic and political milestones of the last century. In analyszing these major Hispanic events, students will apply critical thinking and analytical reasoning while developing and perfecting Spanish written and oral communication. By employing a wide range of tools such as historical documents, new articles, literary texts, art works and general economic principles, the course aims to foster integrative learning as students develop the ability to use applied knowledge in addressing real Hispanic-world settings. The major events to be studied are: the Spanish American War, the Mexican Revolution, Hispanic Dictatorship in context of the Cold War and Latin Ameircan revolutions, as well as emerging Hispanic-world markets and recent economic and political treaties and alliances, such as NAFTA and Mercosur.