Modern Language

The modern languages taught at Brunswick are Arabic, Chinese, French, Italian and Spanish. Classes are conducted in the target language; the use of English is kept to a minimum. The goal is to lead students to a level of proficiency that enables them to interact with linguistic and cultural accuracy with native speakers. Audio-visual materials are used frequently in the classroom and at home to strengthen students’ language skills, to provide them with immersion experiences, and to present culturally authentic material.

Level I courses can be taken by 9th—11th graders at any time during their career. Starting with level II courses, students are placed in Regular or Honors sections, according to their achievement in level I.

9th graders are encouraged to continue the study of the two languages they have studied in the Middle School (Latin and Chinese, French, or Spanish) by taking the appropriate level II courses, Regular or Honors; they can also choose to keep only one of these languages and to add a new one (including Arabic 1 or Italian I).

In the required sequence (levels I—III), all four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) are stressed with varying priority depending on level and section. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition of vocabulary, the fundamentals of grammar, and on the development of cultural awareness, sensitivity, and appreciation.

The elective sequence (levels IV—V) offers two paths: one that expands on communicative skills, and another that goes deeper into the study of language (AP Language courses) and culminates in the study of literature (AP Literature courses).

Students are encouraged to take the SAT II examination upon completion of a level IV course.

For information on our summer study abroad programs, please click here.  

Faculty Members

• Ali Al-Maqtari
  
• Anne Arzeno
  
• Mikel Berrier
  
• Richard Cipolla
  
• Sarah Crawford
  
• Jaime Gonzalez-Ocana
  
• Leslie Harris
  
• Alina Hoyos
  
• Jing Wang
  
• Paul Withstandley
  
• Tucker Hastings