MODERN LANGUAGES
Arabic I
This course will focus on the basic elements of Modern Standard Arabic. The student in this course will be exposed to the Arabic alphabet, and will be able to read, write, and pronounce letters of the alphabet at a novice level . Students will also be able to read, write, and pronounce simple phrases and words. By the end of this course, students will be able to communicate with their classmates, and maintain basic conversation. Students will also be exposed to the Arab culture through the use of technology, media, music, and films. This course will be taught mainly in the target language.
Instructor: Ali Al-Maqtari
Professor Al-Maqtari is a native speaker of Arabic from Yemen. He holds a master's degree in education from the University of Franche-Comte in France. In addition to Arabic, he also speaks French and Ethiopian. He has taught Arabic at Yale University, and is currently teaching Arabic and French at Brunswick School and Southern Connecticut State University during the regular academic year; he also teaches in the summer program at Southern Connecticut State University. He is knowledgeable with many dialects of Arabic such as Yemeni, Egyptian, Syrian, Lebanese, Iraqi, and Gulf. He has been teaching Arabic as a foreign language for many years, both for English and French speakers and has been teaching at Brunswick since 2006. He is also a proud citizen of the United States of America, having just received his citizenship in late 2007.
Arabic II
Prerequisite: Arabic I
This is the continuation of Arabic I. Students begin to learn more complex aspects of the language, such as grammar, conversation skills, reading comprehension, listening, and oral proficiency. In addition to using the textbook, students are introduced to a variety of Arabic language resources such as videos, radio programs, newspapers, and internet sites. Students become more familiar with the different cultures of the Arab world.
Instructor: Ali Al-Maqtari
Professor Al-Maqtari is a native speaker of Arabic from Yemen. He holds a master's degree in education from the University of Franche-Comte in France. In addition to Arabic, he also speaks French and Ethiopian. He has taught Arabic at Yale University, and is currently teaching Arabic and French at Brunswick School and Southern Connecticut State University during the regular academic year; he also teaches in the summer program at Southern Connecticut State University. He is knowledgeable with many dialects of Arabic such as Yemeni, Egyptian, Syrian, Lebanese, Iraqi, and Gulf. He has been teaching Arabic as a foreign language for many years, both for English and French speakers and has been teaching at Brunswick since 2006. He is also a proud citizen of the United States of America, having just received his citizenship in late 2007.
Chinese I
This beginner-level Chinese course is an intensive class geared toward introducing the student to Chinese through near-total immersion in the target language. The course will revolve around the language and culture of China and develop the students’ skills in the areas of reading, writing and most importantly, speaking Chinese. Any enthusiastic language beginner or any student, who is thinking of switching their current second language choice to Chinese, or even making it their third language, will find this class a must.
Instructor: Jing Wang
Jing Wang has over 12 years experience teaching Chinese as a second language at secondary schools and universities. She has taught at schools in China and the United States and joined the Brunswick faculty in 2007. She holds Bachelor's degrees from Hunter College and Taiyuan Teachers College (China) and has a Master's degree in foreign language Education from Fairfield University.
Pre-AP Chinese
This advanced language course will focus primarily on preparing current Chinese students for the rigors of the Advanced Placement Chinese class and AP exam. By extending the student's range of vocabulary and learning appropriate syntax, students will improve their overall language skills through drills, conversation, and writing. In addition students will become more familiar with the AP exam format and the skills necessary to succeed on the test. Sharpening one's skills through practice, especially one's aural/oral development, will not only improve one's fluency but also prepare the students for the rigors of the fast paced AP Chinese course. Discussions and projects on Chinese customs, daily life, economics, education, entertainment, family, and geography will greatly aid the student in his or her knowledge of the Chinese culture.
Instructor: Jing WangJing Wang has over 12 years experience teaching Chinese as a second language at secondary schools and universities. She has taught at schools in China and the United States and joined the Brunswick faculty in 2007. She holds Bachelor's degrees from Hunter College and Taiyuan Teachers College (China) and has a Master's degree in foreign language Education from Fairfield University.
French I
This beginner-level French course is an intensive class geared toward introducing the student to French through near-total immersion in the target language. The course will revolve around the language and culture of France and develop the students’ skills in the areas of reading, writing and most importantly, speaking French. Any enthusiastic language beginner or student who is thinking of switching their current second language choice to French, or even making it their third language, will find this class a must.
Instructor: Erin Withstandley
Erin Withstandley received both her BA in International Politics and Economics and her MA in French from Middlebury College. Her life-long love of language has taken her all over the world and allowed her to live abroad in several foreign countries. Currently, Erin is the Coordinator of Modern Languages and Latin in the Middle School division of Brunswick School. In her time at Brunswick, she has taught French and Spanish (and tutored in various other languages) from grades 5 through 12. This fall, Mrs. Withstandley will begin her 16th year at Brunswick.
Spanish I
This beginner-level Spanish course is an intensive class geared toward introducing the student to Spanish through near-total immersion in the target language. The course will revolve around the language and culture of Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries and develop the students’ skills in the areas of reading, writing and most importantly, speaking Spanish. Any enthusiastic language beginner or any student who is thinking of switching their current second language choice to Spanish, or even making it their third language, will find this class a must.
Instructor: Fanning Hearon
Fanning Hearon is entering his fourteenth year at Brunswick and is currently the Chair of the Modern Language Department. He holds a BA from Middlebury College and an MA from NYU. He has had extensive experience in the teaching of Spanish at all levels and has been in the classroom for 19 years.