Language

In the World Languages and Cultures department, all students beginning in the Upper School in ninth grade are required to complete three credits through Berwick Academy's Upper School World Languages and Cultures classes. Berwick will accept credit awarded for language classes taken at previous high schools for students transferring to Berwick after the ninth grade. Students new to Berwick Academy who wish to continue a language they have previously studied will be placed in a course based upon their performance on a readiness test.

NOTE: 3 consecutive years of the same language are highly recommended for college admissions. Any student considering a language progression other than 3 or more consecutive years of the same language must discuss that decision in advance with a member of the College Counseling team.

World Language and Cultures Department: Yearly Language Progression

Latin:	Mandarin:	Spanish:
Latin I	Beginning Mandarin	Beginning Spanish
Latin II	Intermediate Mandarin	Intermediate Spanish
Latin III	Intermediate-Advanced Mandarin	Options: Intermediate-Advanced Spanish Intermediate-Advanced Spanish Honors
Latin IV Honors	Advanced Mandarin	Options: Advanced Spanish Through Media 1A & 1B Advanced Spanish Through Graphic Novels 1A & 1B Advanced Spanish Honors
	Inside China*	Options: Advanced Spanish Through Media 2A & 2B Spanish Through Literature and Film*
Elective Options in English: American Sign Language 1A & 1B Classical Impacts on Modern Society* (Note: open to 11th and 12th graders; no Latin experience necessary)

Latin I

Latin I introduces the student to the classical language which is the basis of so much of our English language and to the people who had so great an influence on the society of the western hemisphere. Formal work in grammar and syntax is taught to enable the learner to read simple Latin, and to prepare students for further progress in the following years. Emphasis is placed on an increased English vocabulary through the study of Latin roots. This introduction to the study of Latin is for beginning students and for those who have previously studied Latin but not enough to enter Latin II. This course will also cover Roman civilization: art, architecture, mythology, and the like. Students will be required to research a topic of their own choosing and create a project and present it to the class.
Latin II

This course continues the traditional approach begun in Latin I completing the essential grammar, particularly the subjunctive constructions. The remainder of the year is devoted to reading prose authors of increasing complexity, usually the stories of: Perseus, Jason and the Argonauts, The Twelve Labors of Hercules, Ulysses, and Caesar’s Gallic Wars.
Prerequisite: Latin I
Latin III

This is a year-long advanced prose reading course primarily devoted to studying and analyzing the political, legal, rhetorical, and philosophical works of Cicero. Those to be read include: In Catilinam I, II, III, IV and Pro Lege Manilia. At this level students will learn to take a little more literary license and develop their own style of translating while also learning to interpret the passages at hand. Besides translation assignments, there will be analytical essays assigned for students to share their understanding of the Roman world particularly relevant to the passages assigned. In the second trimester, students will define and discuss the Roman view of decadence in a variety of genres particularly in passages from Petronius’ Satyricon. Finally, the year will end with the translations of Pliny the Younger’s Eruption of Mount Vesuvius as a primary source to our discussions and study of the destruction of Pompeii in 79 A.D. Throughout the year students will continue to hone their translation skills in preparation for Latin IV Honors.
Prerequisite: Latin II
Latin IV Honors

This full-year course provides an in-depth reading of Vergil's great epic, the Aeneid. The goal of the course is for students to continue to develop their translating skills while at the same time developing a critical eye for Latin poetry. In addition to substantial reading in Latin, course time will be devoted to examining Vergil's Homeric models, studying literary criticism, mastering dactylic hexameter, and reading at sight. Students translate both prose and poetry, learn stylistic analysis, and write cumulative analytical essays. They consider genre conventions and thematic connections throughout the text. They also write analytical essays of varying scope and increased depth, consider the historical and cultural influences, and read ancillary texts in English.

Prerequisite: Latin III
Requires Department Chair Approval
Beginning Mandarin

This course is designed to introduce students to the Chinese language and culture. With the importance of empathy towards others and gaining a deeper understanding of a different culture as the foundation for the class, students will develop the basic skills necessary to use Mandarin in their daily life. The course starts with an introduction to Pinyin, the phonetic system of Mandarin, and later students develop basic skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. The main goal of this class is to help students evolve into Mandarin students with a strong foundational knowledge of the language to provide a solid base for future study. By the end of the course, students will be able to recognize and write characters, hold simple conversations using basic vocabulary and grammar structures, and be acquainted with different aspects of Chinese culture and society. By the end of this course, students have a Novice-high proficiency level according to the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines and will prepare students for the Intermediate Mandarin class.
Intermediate Mandarin

This course is a continuation from Beginning Mandarin, with an increased learning of characters, grammar, and authentic expressions used in daily communication. The course also prioritizes a more in depth exploration of Chinese culture and encourages students to better understand China’s role in the modern world. Speaking, reading, listening and writing will be equally emphasized and learned in a communicative context in order to prepare students to use the language in more realistic contexts. By the end of the course, students will be able to recognize and write more complex characters, hold conversations about daily life using appropriate vocabulary and grammar structures, and be comfortable with participating in and exploring different aspects of Chinese culture through in class and extracurricular activities.
Prerequisite: Beginning Mandarin
Intermediate-Advanced Mandarin

This course is devoted primarily to reading and discussing literature and culturally related topics in Chinese. The main purposes of this course are to grow students’ vocabulary, to increase students’ reading speed, to improve students’ reading comprehension, to maintain students’ conversation skills through class presentation and class discussion, and to enhance students’ writing ability through composition assignments, and a writing project. Students solve the problems they might encounter in their professional lives as international business people, social workers, or other international affairs experts. By the end of the year, students are expected to analyze various media sources, write creatively and analytically, and give speeches and presentations completely in Mandarin.
Prerequisite: Intermediate Mandarin
Advanced Mandarin

This advanced-level Mandarin course focuses on the oral components of the language. By the end of the year, students are expected to speak and listen in Mandarin throughout the school year both inside and outside of the classroom. The course offers some review and expansion of Mandarin grammar and vocabulary with the goal being to improve the student’s ability to use the language more effectively in real-life situations. A significant part of the grade for this course comes from prepared oral presentations as well as spontaneous dialogue, oral exercises, and conversations in class.
Prerequisite: Intermediate-Advanced Mandarin
Inside China*

This Pinnacle course is designed for students who have studied Mandarin in the Upper School for at least three years. Students are exposed to authentic materials about Chinese history, philosophy, education, geography, economy, and society. Students are asked to explore and evaluate current issues in China and the US, including topics ranging from race, religion, gender issues, internet, movies, and pop culture. By the end of the year, students are expected to analyze various media sources, write creatively and analytically, and give speeches and presentations completely in Mandarin.
Prerequisite: Advanced Mandarin
Requires Department Chair Approval
Beginning Spanish

This course is designed to introduce students to Spanish language and culture. With the importance of empathy towards others and gaining a deeper understanding of a different culture as the foundation for the class, students will develop the basic grammar and vocabulary skills necessary to use Spanish in their daily life. Equal emphasis is placed on reading and listening to understand the Spanish language as well as speaking and writing to communicate in the Spanish language. By the end of the course, students will be able to hold simple conversations using basic vocabulary and grammar structures in the present tense, and be acquainted with different aspects of the Spanish-speaking world.
Intermediate Spanish

In this course, students continue to strengthen all four language skills: reading, listening, speaking and writing. More complex structures are introduced and students’ vocabularies are expanded to include the past tenses of the preterit and the imperfect as well as commands. Classes are conducted as much as possible in Spanish, and students are expected to use the target language whenever possible. Listening comprehension is emphasized and students are expected to prepare for oral assessments. This class aims to broaden students’ cultural knowledge of the Spanish-speaking world, along with Spanish-speaking communities within the United States. The textbook for this course is the Senderos Series.
Prerequisite: Beginning Spanish
Intermediate-Advanced Spanish

In this course, students continue to strengthen all four language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. More complex structures are introduced and vocabulary continues to expand to include the future, conditional and perfect tenses, while recycling and maintaining structures previously learned. Classes are conducted almost entirely in Spanish, and students are expected to use the target language. Exploration of topics concerning contemporaneous affairs are used to promote communication and negotiation of meaning. Listening comprehension is emphasized and students are expected to prepare for oral assessments. This class aims to expand upon students’ cultural knowledge of the Spanish-speaking world, along with Spanish-speaking communities within the United States. The textbook for this course is the Senderos Series.
Prerequisite: Intermediate Spanish
Intermediate-Advanced Spanish Honors

Students are expected to speak and listen in Spanish throughout the school year while communicating with the instructor and one another. Intermediate Advanced Spanish Honors students read short cultural selections with scaffolding and guidance. Students grow the skills and confidence to read longer and more complex reading assignments over the span of the course. Assessments may take the form of short answer questions, personal response, or written summaries and oral interviews. Class discussions include grammar and vocabulary while analyzing an advanced level topic, such as global warming or personal wellness. Students build their cultural knowledge of the Spanish-speaking world. Previously learned grammar is reviewed more quickly in the Honors class and new concepts are introduced early in the year. Students will recognize all indicative verb tenses by the end of the year, as well as the imperative (commands) and subjunctive mood. Students are expected to retain previously taught vocabulary words and be able to use them along with the new terms in context. Students work on developing their written skills with short essays, reflections and creative works that synthesize grammar concepts. The textbook for this course is the Senderos Level 3 and other supplemental materials are used.

Prerequisite: Intermediate Spanish

Requires Department Chair Approval
Advanced Spanish Through Graphic Novels 1A

This one-semester, advanced-level Spanish course will further explore the Spanish language and the many cultures of the Spanish-speaking world through graphic novels. In this course we will learn about the graphic novel as an artistic vehicle for studying the history and cultures of Spain and Latin America, as well as the Latino US. Dynamic topics will be introduced through authentic examples of the target language as well as imagery for discussion and visual analysis. Grammar, syntax, regional idioms and vocabulary, history, and celebrations will be woven into the curriculum using texts such as Arrugas, María y Yo, Fantasmas, María Habla, Los Surcos del Azar, El Ala Rota, Aquel Verano, etc. This course will be taught almost exclusively in Spanish. Students may choose to continue with the second part of this course in Advanced Spanish Through Graphic Novels 1B.
OFFERED: Semester 1
Prerequisite: Intermediate-Advanced Spanish or higher
Advanced Spanish Through Graphic Novels 1B

This one-semester, advanced-level Spanish course will further explore the Spanish language and the many cultures of the Spanish-speaking world through graphic novels. In this course we will learn about the graphic novel as an artistic vehicle for studying the history and cultures of Spain and Latin America, as well as the Latino US. Dynamic topics will be introduced through authentic examples of the target language as well as imagery for discussion and visual analysis. Grammar, syntax, regional idioms and vocabulary, history, and celebrations will be woven into the curriculum using texts such as Arrugas, María y Yo, Fantasmas, María Habla, Los Surcos del Azar, El Ala Rota, Aquel Verano, etc. This course will be taught almost exclusively in Spanish. Students may choose to take this course in the second semester only, or as a continuation of Advanced Spanish Through Graphic Novels 1A in the first semester.
OFFERED: Semester 2

Prerequisite: Intermediate-Advanced Spanish or higher
Advanced Spanish Through Media 1A

Each semester of Advanced Spanish through Media is designed for students to experience the Spanish speaking world through the context of an authentic Spanish language television program that rotates each year. In this advanced level Spanish class, while grammar is one component, the emphasis is on communication through reading, listening, speaking and writing while building cultural curiosity. Risk taking, active participation and effort are all valued and practiced skills in this course to acquire real-world vocabulary and knowledge, and to have a greater ease with natural and spontaneous speech while not worrying about making too many mistakes. Students may choose to continue with the second part of this course in Advanced Spanish Through Media 1B for the opportunity to watch this year’s entire 42 episode television program through the “Edunovela.com” platform.
OFFERED: First Semester
Prerequisite: Intermediate-Advanced Spanish
Advanced Spanish Through Media 1B

Each semester of Advanced Spanish through Media is designed for students to experience the Spanish speaking world through the context of an authentic Spanish language television program that rotates each year. In this advanced level Spanish class, while grammar is one component, the emphasis is on communication through reading, listening, speaking and writing while building cultural curiosity. Risk taking, active participation and effort are all valued and practiced skills in this course to acquire real-world vocabulary and knowledge, and to have a greater ease with natural and spontaneous speech while not worrying about making too many mistakes. Students may choose to take this course in the second semester only, or as a continuation of Advanced Spanish Through Media 1A in the first semester for the opportunity to watch this year’s entire 42 episode television program through the “Edunovela.com” platform.
OFFERED: Semester 2
Prerequisite: Intermediate-Advanced Spanish
Advanced Spanish Through Media 2A

Each semester of Advanced Spanish through Media is designed for students to experience the Spanish speaking world through the context of an authentic Spanish language television program that rotates each year. In this advanced level Spanish class, while grammar is one component, the emphasis is on communication through reading, listening, speaking and writing while building cultural curiosity. Risk taking, active participation and effort are all valued and practiced skills in this course to acquire real-world vocabulary and knowledge, and to have a greater ease with natural and spontaneous speech while not worrying about making too many mistakes. Students may choose to continue with the second part of this course in Advanced Spanish Through Media 2B for the opportunity to watch this year’s entire 42 episode television program through the “Edunovela.com” platform.
OFFERED: Semester 1
Prerequisite: Advanced Spanish Through Media 1A and/or 1B (or I, II and/or III)
Advanced Spanish Through Media 2B

Each semester of Advanced Spanish through Media is designed for students to experience the Spanish speaking world through the context of an authentic Spanish language television program. In this advanced level Spanish class, while grammar is one component, the emphasis is on communication through reading, listening, speaking and writing while building cultural curiosity. Risk taking, active participation and effort are all valued and practiced skills in this course to acquire real-world vocabulary and knowledge, and to have a greater ease with natural and spontaneous speech while not worrying about making too many mistakes. Students may choose to take this course in the second semester only, or as a continuation of Advanced Spanish Through Media 2A in the first semester for the opportunity to watch this year’s entire 42 episode television program through the “Edunovela.com” platform.
OFFERED: Semester 2
Prerequisite: Advanced Spanish Through Media 1A and/or 1B (or I, II and/or III)
Advanced Spanish Honors

Advanced Spanish Honors is an advanced, literature-based course that focuses on developing richer vocabulary, understanding more complex grammar, and reading authentic material. Works from authors such as Neruda, Paz, Mistral, Borges, García Márquez, Cortázar, and many more are examined and students write both creative and analytical responses. The literary themes may include the geography of Latin America, Spain and Cervantes, and immigration through short stories, essays, poems, autobiographies and more. This course will be taught almost exclusively in Spanish.
Prerequisite: Intermediate-Advanced Spanish
Requires Department Chair Approval
Spanish Through Literature & Film*

Students will study Spanish/Hispanic culture and language through thematic units. Each unit will start with an authentic film from the Spanish-speaking world. Supplementary materials will be short stories, articles, works of art, poems, videos, online activities, and other resources. Students will be expected to analyze various media sources, write creatively and analytically, interact completely in Spanish, and question other points of view.

Prerequisites: Advanced Spanish

Requires Department Chair Approval
Classical Impacts on Modern Society*
This pinnacle, taught in English and open to 11th and 12th graders, will offer a full range of topics in language and literature and in art, architecture, and archaeology. Ancient Greek and Roman culture is distinctive because it’s simultaneously both near and far, familiar and foreign. Much of what we experience in our own lives has its origins in the ancient Greek and Roman world, from the architectural elements of our campus buildings to elements of tragedy showing themselves in TV sitcoms. We will study Greco-Roman literature presented in tragedy and mythology which contains profound and challenging insights in the human condition that are as relevant today as when the works were first composed. Much the same is true of Greek and Roman art and architecture, which likewise holds a central place in the western artistic tradition. Because of these connections, it’s easy to assume that we can clearly understand that world. Looking more closely, however, the stranger it appears: the world and humanity’s place within it, the nature of the divine, all require careful reorientation on our part. Yet looking more closely still, the fundamental issues confronting people then were the same as those that confront us now. Through the in-depth study of Classics, you learn that near and far, familiar and foreign, are just a matter of perspective. Some features of the course:

Inquiry into Classical literature through Greek and Roman tragedy/mythology

Development of artistic and architectural styles from prehistoric through Byzantine

Ancient Pompeii as a resource to the past

The study of the Greek and Roman world including history, religion, philosophy, women’s and gender studies, dramatic arts, and much more

Guest lectures by colleagues from different departments (history, English, math, physics, art) to increase the understanding of the connections made to our modern world
Note: A background in Latin is helpful, but not necessary
Requires Department Chair Approval
American Sign Language 1A

This is an introduction to American Sign Language (ASL). This class will emphasize the basics of ASL and deaf culture. Areas explored include basic signing to communicate conversationally with peers, cultural studies, issues important to the deaf community, and career exploration related to ASL and interpreting. Students will develop their skills through video, classroom participation, and other supplemental materials related to the deaf community. Students will have multiple opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge and growing fluency with activities and classroom conversations. Students will be required to purchase a “Signing Naturally” textbook for this course, which will have access to a video library of resources for one year.
OFFERED: Semester 1
American Sign Language 1B

This course is a continuation of American Sign Language 1A and will use the textbook purchased in ASL 1A. In ASL 1B, students will continue to build vocabulary, fingerspell, and learn the grammatical processes of American Sign Language. This course is designed to further develop the student’s receptive and expressive skills in American Sign Language. Emphasis will be on applying principles of sign language through discourse. Deaf Culture and its community will also be further explored.
OFFERED: Semester 2

Prerequisite: American Sign Language 1A or American Sign Language II

Our Faculty

Michael Barbaro

Spanish Teacher

New York University - MA
Princeton Seminary - MDiv
Flagler College - BA
Cushing Academy

michael.barbaro@berwickacademy.org
Christine Barnes

Middle and Upper School Mandarin Teacher

207-384-2164

Durham University, England - MA
Duke University - BA

cbarnes@berwickacademy.org
Claudia Castillo Gonzalez

Upper School Spanish Teacher

207-384-2164 x2519

University of Colima Bachillerato Técnico No. 10 - BA
University of Colima Escuela de Lenguas Extranjeras

ccastillo@berwickacademy.org
John Downey

Upper School Latin Teacher, Middle School Latin Teacher

(207) 384-6166

Denison University - BA

jdowney@berwickacademy.org
Lauren Duwel

Upper School Spanish, Lower School Spanish, Community Life Coordinator, Grade 11 Dean

(207) 384-6347

Middlebury College - MA
Ithaca College - BA

LDuwel@berwickacademy.org
Christine Edgar

Faculty

University of New Hampshire - BA
University of New Hampshire - MA

christine.edgar@berwickacademy.org
Leah Gourlie

Spanish Teacher prek-4

Colby College - BS

leah.gourlie@berwickacademy.org
Jessica Harley

Upper School Language, Lower School After Care, Library Assistant

Lesley University - MEd
TEFL Organization - TEFL Certification
University of New Hampshire Manchester - BS
University of New Hampshire - BA
Berwick Academy

jharley@berwickacademy.org
Jufen Rui

Mandarin Teacher

207-384-2164 x2520

Tianjin Foreign Studies University - MA
Beijing Foreign Studies University - BS

jrui@berwickacademy.org
Alexandra Teitz

McGill University - BA
The Graduate Center, City University of New York - Greek/Latin Institute, Upper Latin Program

alexandra.teitz@berwickacademy.org
Adelle Tibbetts

Upper School Spanish Teacher, Girls JV Basketball Coach, 11th Grade Class Advisor

207-384-2164 x2517

Syracuse University - BA
University of Zimbabwe
Peace Corps/Guatemala

atibbett@berwickacademy.org