Since we live in an increasingly international environment, the achievement of proficiency in a foreign language is essential for a well-rounded education. Foreign languages make a person culturally sensitive, globally knowledgeable and adaptable, and offer countless professional advantages. The language requirement enables Oak Knoll students to attain reasonable proficiency in another language. Studying French or Spanish will give students necessary skills for communication, while the study of Latin places emphasis on understanding the complexities of grammar and the skills of verbal reasoning and logical thinking. Three consecutive years of the same language are required for graduation. The foreign language department offers courses in Latin, French, and Spanish to accommodate students with or without prior foreign language experience. All students new to Oak Knoll with experience in French, Spanish, or Latin take a placement test to determine the appropriate course (Level I or Level II) for them. Course placement for all students is at the discretion of the department.
All language courses are proficiency-based. Emphasis is placed on thematic and functional tasks supported by grammatical and lexical precision. In French and Spanish, students are trained equally in all linguistic skills: aural comprehension, speaking, reading and writing and each of these skills are considered when placements are made. In the Latin courses, holistic reading and writing are emphasized while focusing on linguistically productive Latin forms. In our Latin classes, we also explore Roman culture and the development of classical Latin into its later Church form. Cultural topics and authentic texts appropriate to each level serve as an integral part of each course.
Instructors and students speak the target language in Spanish and French classes at every level. Assessments will be varied in order to reach the widest possible range of learning styles. Work will include traditional tests and quizzes with more real-world based tasks such as reading authentic texts, negotiating in various social situations, discussing current events and analyzing the language in its historical context. In some classes laptops are used as a virtual language lab. In Latin courses, the focus on authentic texts allows students to make connections between ancient civilizations and our modern culture, because the better we understand our origins, the better we understand ourselves. An attempt is made to create projects that include other academic disciplines.
Teachers of foreign languages at Oak Knoll continue to update their pedagogical approaches by keeping current with the latest trends in foreign language teaching. Professional journals and conferences are just some of the tools that OKS language teachers avail themselves of to create a dynamic and linguistically rich environment for students.
The Foreign Language Honors and Advanced Placement Program at Oak Knoll is a demanding form of independent study. Honors courses are offered to students in levels II, III, IV and V. Advanced placement language is offered after completion of level IV language. The purpose of the program is to enrich, broaden, and deepen the knowledge of those students who are particularly capable and interested in the study of foreign language. Participation in the program requires self-motivation, self-discipline curiosity and a strong work ethic.
The following criteria are considered for placement in honors and Advanced Placement:
- Final grade average
- A in current Level I in order to be considered for Level II Honors
- A in current CP Level II, III, IV for Honors/AP consideration
- A- in current Honors Level II, III, IV for Honors/AP consideration
- Teacher recommendation based on evidence of proficiency in all four skills
- A writing sample completed in class
- Strong and independent work ethic, enthusiasm, and curiosity for the subject
- Switching from a CP to an Honors class often presents challenges, and changes to Honors from CP will be considered on a individual basis.
For admission into a Level V language course, students must have:
- An overall average of "B" in their required language courses
- Teacher recommendation based on evidence of language proficiency in all four skills and of strong and independent work ethic, enthusiasm, and curiosity for the subject.
French I or Spanish I
This course offers beginning students the basic tools of writing, reading and conversation. Grammar and vocabulary are introduced in the context of real world language experience.
French II or Spanish II
While continuing to emphasize listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, this course introduces more complex grammatical structures and continues to build vocabulary. Students review all the elementary topics as they move into the intermediate level of language study.
French III or Spanish III
These courses prepare the student to communicate effectively with a native speaker at an intermediate level using correct grammar, appropriate vocabulary, and correct pronunciation. Students continue to develop their reading and writing skills.
French IV or Spanish IV
At this level, students should be able to understand television programs, print media, and other authentic resources. As a natural outcome of this exposure to real language students will gain proficiency in all linguistic skills.
French V or Spanish V
As described above, this class is open to students who have an overall B average in their required language courses. Honors designation will be given to those whose overall average in required courses is A-. Teacher recommendation, proven work ethic, and curiosity are also required for the honors designation.
In this advanced course, students discover the richness of Francophone and Hispanic literature, culture and society. Linguistic skills will be enhanced through news articles from mainstream magazines and newspapers, excerpts from novels, selected television and radio programs and news, films and targeted websites. This course is available as enrollment permits.
French or Spanish Language—Advanced Placement
This is a demanding program for students who have completed four levels of language study. AP students must take the College Board Advanced Placement exam.
Prerequisite: Completion of Level 4
French VI or Spanish VI
This advanced course is for students who have successfully completed the Advanced Placement language program. This course may emphasize literature, culture or conversation depending on student interest. This course is available as enrollment permits. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.
Latin I
By reading simple Latin texts, students begin to understand basic structural and lexical patterns of the language. Declensions, conjugations, roots and affixes are introduced as a means for decoding the text. Abridged versions of some of Ovid’s Metamorphoses serve as supplementary reading. Students also discover Roman culture and civilization and are amused by some of the pithiest “sententiae” ever spoken by prominent statesmen and writers of ancient Rome.
Latin II
This course continues its emphasis on the rich texts of ancient Rome. Students learn grammar and vocabulary as a means for appreciating the readings and gain increased sophistication in understanding the syntax and literary devices of Roman authors. Modified and original versions of primary texts strengthen students’ translation skills and help them explore aspects of Roman culture. Projects and reports on famous Roman events and personages are required.
Latin III
Students complete their knowledge of the morphology of the verb systems and begin to focus more intensely on literary style and rhetorical devices in poetry and prose. More complex reading of the classics will help students uncover the historical and cultural traditions of Ancient Rome.
Latin IV
Writing based on reading are the emphasis of this advanced course. Students also continue their study of the cultural and historical roots of Latin.
AP Latin *
In this highly advanced course, intensive training in classical literature is accompanied by linguistic analysis of the structure of Latin. Students train for the AP exam by increasing their knowledge of general and productive language patterns.
*Due to impending revisions of the AP Latin exam in the 2012-2013 school year, this course may not be offered in subsequent years.
National Latin Exam
The National Latin exam may be offered annually as an enrichment opportunity for students enrolled in Latin. The test incorporates grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, derivatives, and cultural and historical knowledge. The National Latin Exam gives every student the opportunity to demonstrate her knowledge and feel a sense of pride in her linguistic accomplishments.
Foreign Language Electives—Grades 12
Italiano Presto: Accelerated Honors Italian I and II (year-long course)
Students will be astonished at the “velocità” with which they acquire the basics of spoken and written Italian in this accelerated course. Equivalent to at least one year of college Italian, Accelerated Honors Italian builds on the linguistic knowledge students have already attained in another Romance language. Content of the course includes important grammatical and lexical “how-tos” and cultural and literary explorations. Because of the accelerated nature of this class, it is open only to students who have successfully completed their Oak Knoll foreign language requirement with a 92 percent average. Teacher recommendation is also a pre-requisite.
Phenomena of Language (trimester course)
Do men really speak differently from women? Is it possible for a government to impose language rules on the people? How can one tell Philadelphians from New Yorkers when they speak? What happens to the native speech patterns of immigrants who have long been away from their country? How do advertisers use language to manipulate consumers? These and other questions of language will be explored in this basic linguistics course. Students will gain the ability to analyze language for sound, structure and meaning using the basic tenets of important linguistic theories. Students will also discover the intricate relationship between a speaker’s language and his/her gender, education, socio-economic and geographical background. Excerpts from seminal works by Noam Chomsky, Bill Labov, Steven Pinker and Deborah Tannen, among others, will serve as the basic texts of the course.
Perfect Your French Trilogy (may be offered as a French V or French VI course)
These trimester courses will help the student refine her French while gaining knowledge of French and Francophone contributions to the arts. In order to enroll in one, two, or all these of these classes, students must have completed their Oak Knoll language requirement with 85 percent average and have strong listening, speaking, and writing skills. Teacher recommendation and a strong work ethic are a must.
Triology Part I: French through Songs (first trimester course)
Speaking French through music is the goal of this rhythmical and cultural course. Students will be exposed to popular French song from the last 50 years. While appreciating the diversity of rhythms in France and Francophone countries throughout the decades, students will learn about the song writers and singers who have shaped the French popular musical panorama. Lyrics will be interpreted and analyzed and most importantly, performed to the student's delight. Enunciation and diction will be addressed in this course and will help the student feel more confident about speaking the language. As a support to the songs played, excerpts from video clips and artist interviews will be used.
Trilogy Part II: French through Art and Literature (second trimester course)
This course is designed for art and literature lovers since we will be sampling the important connections between these two arts. Students will read works by prominent Francophone authors in conjunction with "virtual" visits to the world's great art museums. The course will culminate in a trip to New York to see some of the art in person. Linguistic skills will be strengthened through reading, discussing, and writing in French about these masterpieces, and students will gain much insight into the cultural and historical times which helped influence or were influenced by French artists and writers. There may be possible collaboration with the creative arts department. .
Trilogy Part III: French through Films (third trimester course)
The French have been leading producers of movie classics for decades and many of these films have been introduced to the public at the annual Cannes Film Festival, the French version of the Academy Awards. In this course, students will view a variety of classic and sometimes off-beat French and Francophone films and will learn of the contributions the French have made to international cinematography. Students will read on a regular basis the French movie magazine Les cashiers du cinema and get the inside scoop on French movie critics' opinion of current films. In addition, this course will help students acquire strong listening skills, facility with colloquial language, and insights into French and Francophone culture and history.
School-Sponsored Trips
School-sponsored trips are offered every year according to interest of students and availability of faculty chaperones. These trips offer students the opportunity to use the language they are studying and to discover the cultural richness of other lands.