Modern Languages

Modern Languages at Middlesex

Middlesex School offers courses in Chinese, French and Spanish. The study of a foreign language provides the student with the opportunity to become a more versatile member of the world community. It also gives the student a unique perception of the student’s culture as distinct from another way of life and thought.

All classes are conducted primarily in the language studied. The skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing are taught simultaneously. Courses use a full range of materials: texts, periodicals, literature, recordings, films, videos, and language laboratory sessions. Throughout their career every student is called upon to demonstrate listening, speaking, reading, and writing competence. A variety of techniques are employed to encourage advanced students to approach the competence of a native speaker of the same age: extensive vocabulary study, thorough grammatical review, readings in modern literature and periodicals, digital recordings, films, and guests. Advanced Placement courses are offered in Chinese, French, and Spanish.

The School encourages Middlesex students to participate in foreign travel. Departments offer trips during spring break and summer vacation when there are enough interested students and teachers.

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The Chinese Department

Spoken by more than one billion people, Chinese is the most common language in the world.  Its primary dialect, Mandarin, alone is the most common native tongue among the global population. When students choose to study the Chinese language at Middlesex, they will be prepared to interact linguistically and culturally in a contemporary Chinese context. The objective of the Chinese Department is to develop listening, speaking, reading, writing, and typing skills and to cultivate a level of competency through which students can comfortably communicate in a variety of settings. Classes are led in Mandarin, and English is only used to help in the explanation of grammar. Materials include textbook, workbook, DVDs, periodicals, websites, online programs, and language computer programs, with access to virtual language lab tools. As students advance in each level of study, they will gain further insight into the Chinese language and culture enabling them to participate more fully in a global community and marketplace.

Chinese Courses: 2024-2025

CHINESE 10 – Chinese
Year. For students with no previous or limited experience with Chinese.

As students embark on their journey in learning Chinese, they will find themselves immersed in the language and its culture. The focus of Chinese 10 is to introduce students to both the Mandarin Chinese language and Chinese culture. It is a highly interactive course designed to help students build a solid foundation in speaking and listening skills while introducing Chinese characters. Students are immediately immersed in the spoken language through the use of short stories, videos and authentic materials. Teachers and students read and also create comprehensible and compelling stories together. Students narrate stories, describe pictures, and make Chinese videos. Elements of Chinese culture including Chinese cooking, calligraphy, painting and music, and topics on diversity, equity and inclusion are discussed. During the spring semester, students have opportunities to test their language skills through email exchanges and video conferencing with native Chinese students.

CHINESE 20 – Intermediate Chinese
Year. Prerequisite: Chinese 10 or its equivalent.

This course is a continuation of Chinese 10. It builds on the skills learned in Chinese 10 and continues to use stories and authentic materials to improve students’ ability to narrate, describe and express opinions. Authentic materials are introduced in the form of stories, short news articles, current affairs, movies, and music videos to help students increase their vocabulary and acquire more complex grammatical structures. Topics on the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion and the life of overseas Chinese are discussed. Chinese 20 continues to expose students to elements of Chinese culture such as poetry, proverbs, colloquial expressions, and different cultural artifacts. E-mail exchanges and project collaboration with Chinese schools provide opportunities for students to practice interpersonal communication skills and intercultural exchange.

CHINESE 30 – Advanced Chinese Part I
Year. Prerequisite: Chinese 20 or its equivalent.

A continuation of Chinese 20, Chinese 30 will strengthen students’ ability to communicate in Mandarin and help them transition to an intermediate level of proficiency. This class will be conducted mostly in Mandarin. Students will learn more extensive vocabulary and complex grammatical structures through authentic materials. Students will read Chinese stories, blogs, news and watch movies. The class will continue to expose students to Chinese culture such as Chinese poetry, proverbs, colloquial expressions, cooking, calligraphy, and different cultural artifacts. Students will collaborate with Chinese students in China throughout the year to write about and discuss a variety of topics such as traveling, interviewing for study abroad programs, college application, job hunting, Chinese cuisine, market, and architecture, as well as diversity, equity and inclusion.

CHINESE 41 – Advanced Chinese Part IIa
Fall. Prerequisite: Chinese 30 or its equivalent.

Chinese 41 provides students with various opportunities to further develop their aural, oral, and writing proficiency skills. This course is taught almost entirely in Mandarin Chinese and interweaves the study of Chinese language and culture. Students learn more complex sentence patterns and vocabulary through the use of a wide range of primary resources. The course explores themes of traveling, life outside the classroom, literature, art performance, going abroad, diversity, equity, and inclusion. They will collaborate with Chinese native speakers on cultural projects throughout the semester. THIS COURSE WILL NOT BE OFFERED IN 2024-2025.

CHINESE 42 – Advanced Chinese Part IIb
Spring. Prerequisite: Chinese 30 or its equivalent.

This course consolidates the students’ overall aural, oral, and writing proficiency. It is taught almost entirely in Mandarin Chinese and develops students’ awareness of social and environmental issues, including global societal changes brought by China’s economic development, environmental protection, feeding the world and marching towards prosperity. Students are encouraged to initiate self-expression and discussion of current events. Students will continue to work with native Chinese speakers to practice interpersonal and intercultural exchange. THIS COURSE WILL NOT BE OFFERED IN 2024-2025.

CHINESE 43 – Chinese Literature
Fall. Prerequisite: Chinese 30 or its equivalent.

In this course, students will read a variety of Chinese literature works of various literary genres selected from different historical periods, including Chinese poetry, prose, drama etc. Based on the reading of the literature works, students will discuss and research topics in Chinese history and culture. The course is mainly conducted in Mandarin Chinese.

CHINESE 44 – Chinese Culture
Spring. Prerequisite: Chinese 30 or its equivalent.

In this course, students will watch and analyze famous Chinese movies and TV programs from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan that are of cultural significance. Through discussion and research, students will develop an understanding of the programs’ themes, backgrounds, content, and culture. Students will also learn vocabulary and language expressions through the study of the scripts. The course is mainly conducted in Mandarin Chinese.

CHINESE 60 – Advanced Placement Chinese Language and Culture
Year. Prerequisite: Chinese 30 or equivalent and Permission of the Department.

This course is taught entirely in Mandarin Chinese. It is designed for those students who are interested in deepening their immersion into Chinese language and culture. The course provides students with ongoing and varied opportunities to further develop their proficiencies across the full range of language skills. The course prepares students for the Advanced Placement Examination in Chinese Language and Culture.

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The French Department

The French Department incorporates the study of the Francophone world and its culture at all levels of study. Additionally, the French Department does its best to uphold the Standards of Foreign Language Learning in the twenty-first century known as “The Five Cs”: Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, Communities. We practice the four skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) through the three modes of communication (interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational). Each student’s voice is important; therefore, the Department expects every student to share their work and thoughts in the target language on a daily basis. Our objective is to educate a lifelong language learner and a cognizant and culturally competent global citizen. We seek to instill a lifelong sensitivity to and curiosity about Francophone culture and language from an intellectual and human perspective. As a department, our goal is to be more inclusive, and we are deliberate in our quest for anti-racist and ethnically unbiased classrooms.

French Courses: 2024-2025

FRENCH 11 – French Part I
Fall. For students with no previous or limited experience with French.

The students will learn to speak, write, and read French from the beginning. Materials used include textbook, workbook, audio, and web-based content. Units include introducing oneself, student life, and family. Students work on their pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar and are exposed to Francophone culture. Students will use interactive web-based video chat content to further their communicative skills outside the classroom. This course teaches both conversational and written skills.

FRENCH 12 – French Part II
Fall, Spring. Prerequisite: French 11 or Permission of the Department.

The course is a continuation of French 11. The student further develops their pronunciation, vocabulary, reading, writing, and elementary conversation skills. Units include ordering food at a café, outings, and pastimes. Materials used include textbook, workbook, audio, and web-based content. Students will use interactive web-based video chat content to further their communicative skills outside the classroom. The study of grammar and the exploration of Francophone culture continue to be an integral part of the course.

FRENCH 21 – Intermediate French Part I
Fall, Spring. Prerequisite: French 12 or Permission of the Department.

Assuming previous experience with French, this course reviews the basic grammar of the first year. We introduce readings that help develop comprehension and communication skills. Units include holidays and celebrations, vacation and travel, and home life. Structured, but increasingly free compositions are required. The study of Francophone culture continues to be an integral part of the course.

FRENCH 22 – Intermediate French Part II
Fall, Spring. Prerequisite: French 21 or Permission of the Department.

This course is a continuation of French 21. At this level, emphasis is placed on communication in French to develop oral comprehension and speaking skills. In addition, original compositions will be required. Units include food and cuisine, health and the body, and technology. A higher level of fluency and autonomy is the goal. The study of Francophone culture continues to be an integral part of the course.

FRENCH 31 – Advanced French Part I
Fall, Spring. Prerequisite: French 22 or Permission of the Department.

This course stresses the improvement of basic language skills. It also introduces an extensive review of verb forms and grammatical structures. The study of Francophone culture continues to be an integral part of the course. Units include city life, future careers, adult life, professions, and the environment. Readings of moderate difficulty are introduced for oral discussion and written appreciation. Speaking skills are developed in recitations and classroom discussions.

FRENCH 32 – Advanced French Part II
Fall, Spring. Prerequisite: French 31 or Permission of the Department.

A continuation of French 31, this course further studies the essentials of French grammar. The course includes authentic works (i.e., poems, fables, short stories, comics) from nineteenth, twentieth, or twenty-first-century authors, as well as French-language films. Regular compositions, tests, and oral presentations are required. Units include personal relations, media and technology, nature, society, and the environment.  Students will use interactive web-based video chat content to further their communicative skills outside the classroom.

FRENCH 41 – Colonisation française des Amériques / French Colonization of the Americas
Fall. Prerequisite: French 32 or Permission of the Department.

How did Francophone America come to be? In this course, we will cover the history of the French settlement in the Americas, beginning in the 16th century with the arrival of French explorer Jacques Cartier, through the Quiet Revolution in Québec in the 1960s. Additional study will include explorer narratives, the French and Indian War, Acadian migration, the Haitian Revolution, French Canadian literature, and the role of the Roman Catholic Church. Throughout this survey, students will give presentations and write short papers, all while fine tuning the grammar covered in the first six semesters.

FRENCH 42 – Enjeux contemporains en Amérique française / Topics in 21st Century North American Francophone Society
Spring. Prerequisite: French 32 or Permission of the Department.

This class examines socio-political issues in Canada, Louisiana, Haiti, and the French overseas territories. Topics include bilingualism, postcolonialism, indigenous communities, and social movements; we will also study the literature, film, and music that these societies have produced. In addition to refining our grammatical mastery and acquiring new vocabulary, there will be a significant emphasis on presentations and compositions. Students who successfully complete this class should be prepared for French 60 (AP French Language and Culture) in the fall.

FRENCH 43 – Literature, Court-Métrages, Films, & Culture of the Francophone World
Fall. Prerequisite: French 32 or Permission of the Department.

In this course, in addition to a review of the essentials of language structure, we will analyze selected readings of twentieth and twenty-first-century authors from the Francophone countries in Asia, Europe, and the islands of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. We will watch one or two movies and examine the literature (prose and poetry), cultures, current events, and issues in these areas of the Francophone world and their connections with France. Analytical papers, vocabulary, comprehension, grammatical structure, and correct oral expression will serve as the basis for each student’s grade. THIS COURSE WILL NOT BE OFFERED IN 2024-2025.

FRENCH 44 – L’Afrique: le lendemain du français /Africa: the future of French
Spring. Prerequisite: French 32 or Permission of the Department.

By 2050, there will be 400+ million additional speakers of French; French will rival Mandarin Chinese as the most spoken first language on the planet. How? On the eve of its population boom, this class will take the plunge into francophone Africa, a diverse community of 100 million people who continue to redefine themselves in the postcolonial era. Through various lenses–including family and societal values, media, literary arts, and business and industry–we will come to better understand this part of the world, its cultural significance, and the role it will come to play throughout the 21st century. Students will continue to refine their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills; special emphasis will be placed on presentations and written compositions. Students who successfully complete this class should be prepared for French 60 (AP French Language and Culture) in the fall. THIS COURSE WILL NOT BE OFFERED IN 2024-2025.

FRENCH 60 – Advanced Placement French Language and Culture
Year. Prerequisite: Permission of the Department.

The course will incorporate interdisciplinary topics addressing six basic themes: Global Challenges, Sciences and Technology, Contemporary Life, Personal and Public Identities, Families and Communities, and Beauty and Aesthetics. We will work with authentic non-literary, literary, and audio texts. This course prepares students to be grammatically proficient, fluent, and accurate when they speak and write. Students are also trained to be “au courant” and well-versed in the various cultures, literature, and languages of France and the Francophone world. This course prepares students for the Advanced Placement Examination in French Language and Culture.

FRENCH 70 – Advanced French – Francophone Literature and Film
Fall, Spring. Prerequisite: French 60 or Permission of the Department.

This class serves as an introduction to the study of literature for students who are passionate about French. The course will help students refine their ability to read and understand French poetry, plays, and prose from the Renaissance through modernity. The language modalities (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) perfected in the language courses will accordingly be extended to train students in literary analysis in French. Students will focus on textual elements including character, theme, structure, and style in order to arrive at sound and substantiated interpretations of literature. They will also familiarize themselves with an arsenal of rhetorical devices to better dissect French texts. When appropriate, the class will also view French cinematic adaptations of the texts and read and analyze them as literature. Finally, students will learn about the practices of French literary studies and history, as well as the fundamental notions of literary theory. All texts will be read in French in their entirety. THIS COURSE WILL NOT BE OFFERED IN 2024-2025.

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The Spanish Department

The Spanish Department incorporates the study of Spanish-speaking countries’ culture and literature to enhance communication and interaction in Spanish. All courses are conducted in Spanish in order to create a learning environment where students develop interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication. Because oral communication is an important part of a modern language, it is an integral part of Spanish courses. Course content at every level is structured to promote exploration of Spanish in context and develop students’ understanding of the language and cultures which speak it. Vocabulary and grammar are essential insofar as they help a student to communicate, be it in writing or speaking. The goal is for students to be able to use Spanish in real-life settings. Students who are native Spanish speakers are only permitted to take Spanish 70.

Spanish Courses: 2024-2025

SPANISH 11 – Spanish
Fall. For students with no previous or limited experience with Spanish.

This is the foundation course in Spanish, stressing both the oral and grammatical functions of the language. The language in the classroom is Spanish; English is used only to help in the explanation of grammar. Equal consideration is given to oral comprehension, pronunciation, and self-expression (both written and spoken). Materials include textbook, workbook, and audio programs linked to the text.

SPANISH 12 – Spanish Grammar
Fall, Spring. Prerequisite: Spanish 11 or Permission of the Department.

This course is the continuation of Spanish 11. Its goals are to introduce stem-changing and irregular verbs as well as more complex grammar like direct object pronouns. The course seeks to amplify vocabulary and increase oral and written expression. Students are also exposed to longer audios to help them develop listening comprehension. Materials include textbook, workbook, and audio programs linked to the text.

SPANISH 21 – Intermediate Spanish – Part I
Fall, Spring. Prerequisite: Spanish 12 or Permission of the Department.

Grammar skills are reinforced with writing assignments and in-class conversation. Vocabulary and idiomatic expressions are expanded. Students are expected to be able to take notes from what they hear. Materials include textbook, workbook, audio programs linked to the text, and outside readings.

SPANISH 22 – Intermediate Spanish – Part II
Fall, Spring. Prerequisite: Spanish 21 or Permission of the Department.

This course is a continuation of Spanish 21, emphasizing self-expression and conversational skills. Grammar topics include commands and the introduction of the subjunctive mood. Materials include textbook, workbook, audio programs linked to the text, and outside readings.

SPANISH 31 – Advanced Spanish – Part I
Fall, Spring. Prerequisite: Spanish 22 or Permission of the Department.

The course offers an introduction of advanced grammar topics with further acquisition of vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. Additional tenses and compound structures are presented and incorporated through reading and writing. Active vocabulary and proficiency in speaking and listening are developed through conversations and oral presentations. Spanish and Latin American texts and film are used to support curricular objectives and provide the subject matter for in-class discussions and short compositions. Materials include textbook, workbooks, audio programs linked to the text, and outside readings.

SPANISH 32 – Advanced Spanish – Part II
Fall, Spring. Prerequisite: Spanish 31 or Permission of the Department.

The continuation of Spanish 31, this course further studies the essentials of advanced Spanish grammar and offers an exploration of more complex contextual themes. Students develop higher proficiency in all areas of language in preparation for special topic and/or Advanced Placement courses. This course requires regular compositions, oral presentations, and class discussion. Materials include textbook, workbooks, and outside readings and audios.

SPANISH 41 – The Latino Experience in USA
Fall. Prerequisite: Spanish 32 or Permission of the Department.

This course will explore the complex history and the rich cultural production of Latinos in the US, and their peculiar position in American society. Despite having partaken in the American experience from the very beginning, Latinos have been stubbornly perceived as outsiders and strangers. However, from their frequently marginal position Latinos have managed to leave their mark on every aspect of American life. Through the discussion of literary works, scholarly articles, art, film, and music, the students will expand their knowledge of the heterogeneous and complex Latino experience and improve their conversational Spanish. The development of vocabulary and grammatical sophistication will also be cornerstones of the course, thus giving students the opportunity to continue on to the Advanced Placement level.

SPANISH 42 – Latin America: Culture and Social Turmoil in the 20th Century
Spring. Prerequisite: Spanish 32 or Permission of the Department.

This course will introduce the students to a variety of materials concerning relevant topics of the history and culture of Latin America. Focusing on specific historical events, such as the Cuban and Mexican Revolutions, students will be exposed to literary works, films and articles that dealt, and in some instances even contributed to shape, the historical events discussed. Advanced grammar topics will be reviewed in connection with the material, and class discussions, presentations, and papers will be used to assess the improvement of the spoken and written Spanish. The development of vocabulary and grammatical sophistication will also be cornerstones of the course, thus giving students the opportunity to continue on to the Advanced Placement level. THIS COURSE WILL NOT BE OFFERED IN 2024-2025.

SPANISH 43 – Spanish and Latin American Film
Fall. Prerequisite: Spanish 32 or Permission of the Department.

This course uses Spanish language cinema to highlight cultural issues in the Spanish-speaking world. By way of carefully chosen films from a variety of Spanish-speaking countries, students will examine a wide variety of geographic, cultural, and historical settings. For example, in Nueve reinas students will learn about recent Argentinian history and will discuss issues of national identity and representation, in También la lluvia they will learn about social conflicts in South America and the legacy of Spanish colonialism, and in No they will learn about Pinochet’s dictatorship in Chile and the transition to democracy. The class will be taught entirely in Spanish. The development of vocabulary and grammatical sophistication will also be cornerstones of the course, thus giving students the opportunity to continue on to the Advanced Placement level. THIS COURSE WILL NOT BE OFFERED IN 2024-2025.

SPANISH 44 – Spanish and Latin American Literature
Spring. Prerequisite: Spanish 32 or Permission of the Department.

In this course students will read a mix of novels, plays, essays, and poems, with the goal of furthering their analytical ability, vocabulary, and cultural understanding. It is a student-centered course with heavy emphasis on in-class discussion, oral presentations and written analysis of works studied. The class will be taught entirely in Spanish. The development of vocabulary and grammatical sophistication will also be cornerstones of the course, thus giving students the opportunity to continue on to the Advanced Placement level. Works studied will include poetry by Sor Juana, Gabriela Mistral and Alfonsina Storni, La casa de Bernarda Alba by Federico García Lorca and a selection of readings from the essay Breve historia de la misoginia by Anna Caballé. THIS COURSE WILL NOT BE OFFERED IN 2024-2025.

SPANISH 45 – Spain in the Twentieth Century
Fall. Prerequisite: Spanish 32 or Permission of the Department.

The main objective of this course is for students to acquire the basic knowledge to analyze Spain’s recent past. Students will learn about the Spanish Civil War, the authoritarian regime of Francisco Franco and the transition to democracy. Course material includes texts, pictures, and documentaries concerning this historical period. Discussion of these sources will include the motivation of their creators and the specific interests that drove them to create their pieces. Students will comment on and analyze contemporary Spanish cases and will examine manifestations of Spanish culture affected by the Civil War. The development of vocabulary and grammatical sophistication will also be cornerstones of the course, thus giving students the opportunity to continue on to the Advanced Placement level. THIS COURSE WILL NOT BE OFFERED IN 2024-2025.

SPANISH 46 – Spanish Americas: Politics and Social Issues
Spring. Prerequisite: Spanish 32 or Permission of the Department.

Competence in a language requires cultural understanding. Part of what this entails is being aware of current events in the places that speak Spanish. This course is meant as an exploration into topics of importance, like education, women’s rights, and the environment. Students will be expected to read and listen to material dealing with these topics so that they can then discuss it in class. They will also be required to write about the events, and to voice their opinion of what is going on. The development of vocabulary and grammatical sophistication will also be cornerstones of the course, thus giving students the opportunity to continue to the Advanced Placement level.

SPANISH 49 – Culture, Identity and Politics
Fall. Prerequisite: Completion of Spanish 32 or the fourth year course with a semester average of 88 or higher and Permission of the Department.

This course, a prerequisite to take AP Spanish Language and Culture (Spanish 60) in the spring, provides students with opportunities to demonstrate their proficiency in each of the three modes of communication: interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational. None of the materials (videos, podcasts, newspaper articles, short stories) used in class are designed for language students but are instead materials meant for native users of Spanish. The course is centered on six themes, which we explore throughout the semester: Families in Different Societies, The Influence of Language and Culture in Identity, Influences of Beauty and Art, How Science and Technology Affect Our Lives, Factors that Impact Quality of Life, and Environmental, Political and Social Challenges. One of the main objectives, besides learning about Latin American and Hispanic culture, is for students to reflect on the commonalities and differences between these communities and their own. The course is taught exclusively in Spanish.

SPANISH 60 – Advanced Placement Spanish Language and Culture
Spring. Prerequisite: Spanish 49 and Permission of the Department.

A continuation of Spanish 49, this course prepares students for the Advanced Placement Examination. It follows the guidelines and procedures specified by the College Board AP Spanish Language and Culture curriculum. It is designed to develop and enhance students’ knowledge of the Spanish language through the development of the five skills involved in language learning: reading, writing, listening, speaking, and adapting to new cultures. The class is conducted entirely in Spanish, and students are encouraged and expected to also communicate in Spanish using the three modes of communication (Interpersonal, Interpretive, and Presentational) defined in the Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21^st Century. These three modes of communication are the foundation of the AP Spanish Language and Culture course.

SPANISH 70 – Advanced Placement Spanish Literature and Culture
Year. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 60 or its equivalent and Permission of the Department.

This course follows the guidelines and procedures specified by the College Board AP Spanish Literature and Culture curriculum. This course is intended to be the equivalent of a college third-year Introduction to Spain and Latin American literature and prepares students to analyze critically representative works of prose, poetry, and drama of Spain and Latin American literature of different historical periods from Medieval to the most recent trends. Students acquire a sense of literary expression as part of the human experience and understand the characteristics of major literary movements and the forces that shaped them. This allows for a profound analysis and understanding of the works presented without neglecting the enjoyment of literature as an art and reflection of themselves. Since this course is presented entirely in Spanish, students have the opportunity to communicate and improve their language skills as well as learn new basic vocabulary of critical terms.