World Languages & Cultures

2 terms, solid, 2 credits, Approved as Additional Core course by NCAA

The journey toward proficiency in French begins as students cultivate their communicative abilities, while exploring cultural components of this diverse language.   Students in French I will gain middle to high novice proficiency in all three communicative modes: interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational as well as a deeper understanding of the important roles French plays in our global community.  Students will build skills to interact more confidently in the target language through the extensive use of authentic sources and tasks.

2 terms, solid, 2 credits, Approved as Additional Core course by NCAA

The voyage toward proficiency in French continues as students perfect their communicative abilities, while exploring cultural components of this diverse language.   Students in French II will gain low to middle intermediate proficiency in all three communicative modes: interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational as well as a deeper understanding of the important roles French plays in our global community.  Students will build skills to interact more confidently in the target language through the extensive use of authentic sources and tasks. Students enrolled in this course have the opportunity to complete an Advanced project which can result in earning a grade with a special designation on their transcript.

2 terms, solid, 2 credits, Approved as Additional Core course by NCAA

The voyage toward proficiency in French continues as students refine their communicative abilities, while exploring cultural components of this diverse language.  Having successfully navigated the first two levels of French study, students are now prepared to live the language in a more natural manner.  As a member of the French-speaking, global community, students will read non-learner centered sources such as letters, magazine articles, listen to podcasts and radio broadcasts, write emails and focused essays, and make oral presentations comparing cultures in the francophone world.  Students in French III will aim to reach the benchmark of intermediate proficiency in all three communicative modes: interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational and cultivate a deeper understanding of the important role French plays world-wide.  

2 terms, solid, 2 credits

The voyage toward proficiency in French continues as approved Advanced French III students refine their communicative abilities, while exploring cultural components of this diverse language, many anticipating enrolling in AP French Language and Culture further on in their journey.  Having navigated the first two levels of French study with exceptional performance, students are now prepared accelerate the pace of their language-learning and communicate in a more natural manner.  As a motivated member of the French-speaking, global community, students will focus on engaging with non-learner centered sources such as letters, magazine articles, podcasts, radio broadcasts, writing emails and focused essays, and making oral presentations, and comparing cultures in the francophone world.  Students in Advanced French III are expected to reach the benchmark of intermediate proficiency in all three communicative modes: interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational and cultivate a deeper understanding of the important role French plays world-wide.  

1 term, solid, 1 credit, Approved as Additional Core course by NCAA

Students will study Francophone films covering a variety of directors, genres and time periods.  Examples from recent years include Truffaut's Jules et Jim, Nuyetten's Camille Claudel and Kassovitz's La Haine.  At the end of the course, students will have an understanding of French film history and be able to make intelligent contributions to discussions about French cinema.

1 term, solid, 1 credit, Approved as Additional Core course by NCAA

Students will study the culture of various francophone regions through the lens of food.  They will have the opportunity to hone all of their French skills while learning about the cuisine of France, Senegal, Quebec, and the like.  This student-centered, project-based class also affords students the opportunity to prepare their own francophone dishes while discovering the rich culture of food in the French speaking world.

1 term, solid, 1 credit, Approved as Additional Core course by NCAA

With the study of francophone cultures and histories as the context, students will increase their knowledge of and familiarity with topics of interest relevant to college level French. This course is an introduction to cultural literacy of the francophone world. Student input will help to determine the themes explored.

3 terms, solid, 3 credits, Approved as Additional Core course by NCAA

Admission to AP French Language and Culture requires the student earn A or A- in Advanced French III or earn A in French III or A or A- in a French IV course.  Rising Sophomores are strongly encouraged to enroll in two French IV courses to build more proficiency in French before requesting AP French Language & Culture.  For any rising sophomore requesting AP French Language & Culture, approval from the department of World Language & Culture will be required.

The AP French Language and Culture course engages students in an exploration of culture in both contemporary and historical contexts. The course develops students' awareness and appreciation of cultural products, both tangible (e.g., tools, books, music) and intangible (e.g., laws, conventions, institutions); practices (patterns of social interaction within a culture); and perspectives. When communicating, students in the AP French Language and Culture course demonstrate an understanding of the cultures(s), incorporate interdisciplinary topics, make comparisons between the native language and the target language and between cultures, and use the target language in real-life settings. The three modes of communication (Interpersonal, Interpretive and Presentational) are foundational to the AP French Language and Culture course. Course work provides students with opportunities to demonstrate their proficiency in each of the three modes in the Intermediate to Pre-Advanced range. Students enrolled in the course are expected to take the Advanced Placement French Language and Culture Exam in May.

1 term, solid, 1 credit

Prerequisites: Satisfaction of language requirement for graduation with a language GPA at Culver of A- or higher in performance; absent a language GPA, a Humanities GPA of A or higher in performance

This introductory course in Ancient Greek invites students to actively engage with one of the foundational languages of Western civilization. Students will acquire the language through meaningful communication and interaction at an accelerated pace. From the very beginning, learners will listen to, speak, read, and write in Ancient Greek. Class sessions will feature stories, dialogues, and activities drawn from myth, history, and daily life in the ancient Mediterranean world. The course is designed around the principles of communicative language teaching, prioritizing comprehension and fluency over rote memorization in keeping with the communicative approach of the World Languages and Cultures department. Students will build vocabulary and develop an intuitive grasp of Greek structures through repeated exposure in context. Cultural insights and authentic ancient content will enrich the learning experience and promote deeper understanding. Learners will be encouraged to express their own ideas in Greek, ask and answer questions, and engage in collaborative tasks. By the end of the term, students will be able to understand an array of literary genres through both reading and listening, create simple narratives, and engage in basic conversations in Ancient Greek. 

1 term, solid, 1 credit

Prerequisites: Satisfaction of language requirement for graduation with a language GPA at Culver of A- or higher in performance; absent a language GPA, a Humanities GPA of A or higher in performance. Completion of ancient Greek I or proof of a beginning foundation in ancient Greek through previous coursework.

This course in Ancient Greek builds upon the foundation built by students in Ancient Greek I. Students will continue to acquire the language through meaningful communication and interaction at an accelerated pace. Students will advance in their acquisition through listening to, speaking, reading, and writing Ancient Greek. Class sessions will feature stories, dialogues, and activities drawn from myth, history, and philosophy in the ancient Mediterranean world. The inclusion of philosophy in Ancient Greek II is purposeful due to the more advanced nature of those texts and ideas which make them appropriate for students in Ancient Greek II. Just as in Ancient Greek I, students will build vocabulary and develop an intuitive grasp of Greek structures through repeated exposure in context and the communicative practices present throughout all language classes in the World Languages and Cultures department. Cultural insights and authentic ancient content will enrich the learning experience and promote deeper understanding. Learners will be encouraged to express their own ideas in Greek, ask and answer questions, and engage in collaborative tasks. By the end of the term, students will be able to understand an array of literary genres through both reading and listening, create narratives, and engage in conversations in Ancient Greek about a wider variety of topics. 

2 terms, solid, 2 credits, Approved as Additional Core course by NCAA

Spoken Latin will be the primary input method for Latin students, so that they can learn Latin as the Romans did. Students enrolled in Latin I will hear Latin every day as well as read authentic pieces in Latin. Students will also be immersed in the culture and people of Ancient Rome, giving an explicit historical and cultural focus to their vocabulary acquisition and spoken and written Latin.  By the end of Latin I, students will demonstrate novice middle to novice high proficiency in the three communicative modes: interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational. Through assessment in these communicative modes, Latin I students will demonstrate the language acquisition that has taken place, which will follow them as they matriculate into Latin II.

2 terms, solid, 2 credits, Approved as Additional Core course by NCAA

Latin II students will continue to engage with Roman culture through reading and listening to authentic Latin. Spoken Latin will continue to be the vehicle for language acquisition for students. Julius Caesar’s Commentaries will form the basis of a varied collection of authentic readings in Latin.  Continued exposure to authentic written Latin will bring students into closer contact with the Roman world as well as develop a higher reading proficiency. By the end of Latin II, students will demonstrate novice high to intermediate low proficiency in the three communicative modes: interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational. Through assessment in these communicative modes, Latin II students will continue to demonstrate the language acquisition that has taken place in the course. Latin II students will also have the option of earning a special distinction on their transcripts through completing additional work in each of the communicative modes. Students enrolled in this course have the opportunity to complete an Advanced project which can result in earning a grade with a special distinction on their transcript.

2 terms, solid, 2 credits, Approved as Additional Core course by NCAA

Latin III students will continue to engage with Roman culture through reading and listening to comprehensible and authentic Latin. Spoken Latin will continue to be the vehicle for language acquisition for the students, but there will also be room at this level to delve into in-depth cultural discussions in both English and Latin. By the end of Latin III, students will demonstrate novice high to intermediate low proficiency in the three communicative modes: interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational. Through assessment in these communicative modes, Latin III students will continue to illustrate the language acquisition that has taken place in the course. Latin III students will also have the option to earn a special distinction on their transcripts. This option is for those students who wish to engage in additional work in Latin regarding a topic or theme about which they are passionate that also relates back to the essential question(s) of the course. Students will demonstrate at least two of the communication modes in the culmination of this work each term in order to earn this distinction.

2 term, solid, 2 credits, Approved as Additional Core course by NCAA

Students enrolled in Latin IV are students who want to demonstrate their growth in language to others. They will engage with Roman culture through reading and listening to authentic Latin and Spoken Latin will continue to be the vehicle for language acquisition for the students. As in Latin III, there will also be room at this level to delve into in-depth culture discussions in both English and Latin. Culture learned from the readings and discussions will play an integral role in the interpretations and discussions that will form the basis for the Latin IV curriculum. By the end of Latin IV, students will demonstrate intermediate low to intermediate middle proficiency in the three communicative modes: interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational. Through assessment in these communicative modes, Latin IV students will continue to illustrate the language acquisition that has taken place in the course. Latin IV students will also have the option to earn a special distinction on their transcripts. This option is for those students who wish to engage in additional work in Latin regarding a topic or theme about which they are passionate that also relates back to the essential question(s) of the course. Students will demonstrate at least two of the communication modes in the culmination of this work each term in order to earn this distinction.

1 term, solid, 1 credit

The history and cultural practices of the Ancient Romans have inspired countless films from numerous movie houses around the world. However, how accurate are these films regarding the history from which they claim to derived? Students enrolled in the course will consult meaning-based Latin texts regarding the historical accounts of Roman figures and history that are also viewed on the big screen. Students will engage in both discussion-based reflection as well as written arguments concerning the following Essential Questions: What motivation(s) would a director/producer have in purposefully portraying historical inaccuracies? and How does one judge historical accuracy when only the sources, not the authors, are available for consultation? This course will continue to build a Latin student’s interpretive reading proficiency as well as presentational writing, as students will be expected to display their knowledge through both methods of communication.

1 term, solid, 1 credit

Greek and Roman mythologies form a foundation of knowledge upon which many prolific works of western literature and culture are based. Ovid’s Metamorphoses is a rich piece of Latin poetry with vast mythological content. The stories within Metamorphoses combine Roman cultural beliefs and narrative storytelling which are both entertaining to the reader but also highly analytical and telling of the Roman world in which Ovid lived. Characters and stories like Daedalus and Icarus, Pyramus and Thisbe, and Perseus and Medusa have fed countless authors, books, and movies which we feel the effects of today and ought to be thoroughly investigated and understood. Students enrolled in this course will deepen their understanding of Roman mythology through reading selections from Ovid’s Metamorphoses and then applying that knowledge to an array of discussions, activities, and assessments. Students will also complete a capstone project in which a myth of interest to the student will be intensively studied and the student will create a product that demonstrates both knowledge about the myth itself as well as deeper cultural connections that bridge the world of the Romans to that of today.

2 terms, solid, 2 credits, Approved as Additional Core course by NCAA

Mandarin 1 introduces students to the Mandarin phonetic system of pronunciation and tones. It also gives them a brief picture of the Mandarin the writing system (characters). The textbook is supplemented by a students’ workbook and an audio CD. The phonetic system pinyin is used to help students master pronunciation and learning skills. A planned sequence of basic grammatical structures is introduced and constantly reinforced and reviewed. Students are taught to read and write 300 characters by the end of the course. Frequent oral and written tests along with basic communication tasks are part of the course. Also, basic knowledge about Chinese society and culture is introduced through videos and cuisine. At the end of the semester, students should be able to carry out very basic conversations in Mandarin relating to greetings, self-introduction, family, numbers, and school.

2 terms, solid, 2 credits, Approved as Additional Core course by NCAA

In Mandarin II, more grammatical structures are taught as students continue to learn the structure and background of Mandarin characters. Students will be introduced to the Mandarin keyboard. At the end of the course, students should be able to type Mandarin with their computer and carry out simple daily conversations concerning age, zodiac, animals, food, clothes, vehicles, colors, shopping, locations, and time in Mandarin. Students will continue to explore Chinese culture through current news, films, and other media. Members of the class will also engage with current Chinese high school students through our partnership with Shanghai Foreign Language School.

2 terms, solid, 2 credits, Approved as Additional Core course by NCAA

In Mandarin III, students will learn to read and write more characters and will begin to produce more complex spoken Mandarin in a variety of classroom activities.  By the end of the course, students will be able to carry out simple conversations on everyday topics in Mandarin.  Members of the class will also play a leadership role in welcoming and engaging with our annual visitors from Shanghai Foreign Language School.  Through this partnership, they will have the invaluable opportunity to reach beyond the textbook and learn about the daily life of a Chinese high school student.

1 term, solid, 1 credit Approved as Additional Core course by NCAA

The emphasis in this course is on writing the Mandarin language at an advanced level.  Through models of style, related grammar, examples of usage and exercises for writing practice, students will develop a feel for the structure needed to write correctly in Mandarin.  It is also a training class for Mandarin key board skill - typing Mandarin in a prompt and efficient way.  The reading references cover a variety of authentic works and articles, including some pieces which are similar to AP Chinese readings.  This is a one term course, open to students who have successfully completed Mandarin III.

3 terms, solid, 3 credits, Approved as Additional Core course by NCAA

Admission to AP Chinese Language and Culture requires the student earn A or A- in Chinese III or Chinese IV.  Rising Sophomores are strongly encouraged to enroll in Chinese  IV to build more proficiency in Chinese before requesting AP Chinese Language & Culture.  For any rising sophomore requesting AP Chinese Language & Culture, approval from the department of World Language & Culture will be required.

A continuation of Chinese III, this course begins with a review of previously studied concepts. More key grammatical structures and an additional 400 characters are taught. Students go deeper with the Chinese way of thought in both language and culture. Short, type-written essays in Chinese are required on regular basis. By the end of the course, students should be able to carry on conversations concerning Chinese language, culture, art, music, and songs and are required to take the AP Chinese Language and Culture exam in May.

2 terms, solid, 2 credits, Approved as Additional Core course by NCAA

This is the first in a three-year sequence designed to develop communicative competency. This course focuses on basic, high-frequency language functions, and subsequent lessons include cultural briefs and address a unique set of clearly identified language performances. Active participation is encouraged through student-centered activities. Grammar is introduced lexically and then reinforced through a formal explanation of structure. Continual reinforcement of key concepts encourages mastery. Audio files, sound recordings, authentic texts, and written exercises ensure ample practice in all four language skills.

2 terms, solid, 2 credits, Approved as Additional Core course by NCAA

Students continue their study of Spanish by expanding their knowledge of the language and culture. In five units, students will not only look at themselves through this cultural lens, but will begin to analyze the Latinx world, utilizing relevant vocabulary and grammar that grants them more access to that world. Students not only begin to comprehend input more fully, but they also start to express themselves more meaningfully in both speaking and writing. There is a strong emphasis on providing cultural context and proficiency-based tasks for the language concepts presented in each unit. Students should expect to be actively engaged in their own language learning, understand common vocabulary terms and phrases, use a wide range of grammar patterns in their speaking and writing, participate in conversations, analyze and compare cultural practices, products, and perspectives of various Spanish-speaking countries, and take IPAs (Integrated Performance Assessments) and/or produce projects that show off their evolving language skills. The course has been carefully aligned with the national standards as set forth by ACTFL (the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages).

2 terms, solid, 2 credits, Approved as Additional Core course by NCAA

This course offers the motivated student an in-depth study of Spanish grammar, presented in 14 lessons in which vocabulary and structure are introduced through pictures, dialogues, and reading selections. While understanding and speaking are important goals, increased emphasis is given to broadening the vocabulary base and developing reading and writing skills. Students achieving the course objectives will express themselves with some oral fluency, understand a moderate rate of spoken Spanish, read with comprehension material within their range of interest, and write with a reasonable degree of accuracy.

2 terms, solid, 2 credits, Approved as Additional Core course by NCAA

This course includes an interactive, conversationally oriented review focusing on basic, high-frequency vocabulary and structures followed by new vocabulary and more sophisticated grammar structures. Culture is incorporated into each lesson, as is longer narrative material. The student works toward a better command of the spoken language and an improvement in writing skills.

2 terms, solid, 2 credits, Approved as Additional Core course by NCAA

This course is a flexible, innovative Spanish program designed for students who have mastered the fundamentals and are ready to apply their abilities. The text includes standard vocabulary as well as colloquial Spanish that students may use for writing about and discussing issues having to do with education, ecology, dating, the media, stereotypes, sports, and the cinema, among others. Some of the more troublesome and complex points of Spanish grammar are featured in each lesson. Students achieving the course objectives will be able to speak and write confidently and with a high degree of accuracy about a variety of topics.

1 term, solid, 1 credit

Prerequisites: Students must have Hispanic heritage or be native Spanish speakers who are fluent in spoken Spanish and wish to improve their reading and writing skills. Students should be confident in spoken Spanish but may experience challenges with written expression or seek to enhance their academic literacy in Spanish.

This course is designed for heritage and native Spanish speakers who wish to develop advanced literacy while exploring their bilingual and bicultural identities. Students will read authentic texts, from poetry and journalism to short stories and personal narratives, that represent the diversity of the Spanish-speaking world. Through writing workshops, peer feedback, and reflective activities, students will build confidence and precision in academic and creative expression.

Cultural exploration and identity development are central to the course. Learners will examine issues such as language, family, migration, and representation while reflecting on their own experiences as bilingual individuals. Regular opportunities for listening, collaboration, and discussion will strengthen students’ fluency and cultural awareness. By the end of the term, students will be able to communicate effectively across multiple registers and demonstrate a deeper understanding of their linguistic and cultural heritage.

1 term, solid, 1 credit, Approved as Additional Core course by NCAA

This course will provide students with on-going oral practice intended to strengthen their verbal skills. Topics for this course may include current events in the Spanish-speaking world, art, music, and other topics that serve to broaden the students’ vocabulary base and cultural awareness. This one-term course, conducted entirely in Spanish, is open to students who have successfully completed Spanish 3, 3H, 4, or AP, but enrollment is subject to departmental approval.

1 term, solid, 1 credit, Approved as Additional Core course by NCAA

Students will study the culture of various Hispanic regions and countries through the lens of food. Students will delve into food history and will discover how different Hispanic cuisines have evolved, how these cuisines affect daily life and traditions, and how other cuisines influenced the modern version of “typical” dishes. Students will have the opportunity to hone their Spanish communication skills while preparing their own Hispanic dishes and discovering the rich culture of food in the Spanish speaking world.

This one-term course is open to students who have successfully completed Spanish 3, 3H, 4, or AP, but enrollment is subject to departmental approval.

1 term, solid, 1 credit, Approved as Additional Core course by NCAA

This 1-term elective course is intended for students with at least an Intermediate Low proficiency level, who have shown initiative in learning and have successfully completed Spanish 3.   Conducted entirely in Spanish, this course provides language practice and instruction through the study of specific cultural themes.  Depending on instructor preference, units will focus on one or more of the following topics in Spanish-speaking societies:  handicrafts, fine arts, literature and folklore, film, sports, politics or ecology.  To accommodate intermediate learners at a range of developmental levels, process tasks could include pair conversations, auditory comprehension tasks, journal writing and/or interpretation of relevant texts.  The focus of this thematic course is on the cultural heritage of Hispanic communities, based on the customs, traditions and artwork they preserve and value.  Students in this course will be required to learn target vocabulary and master essential language structures.  Assessment of their skills will be based on speaking samples, interpretive assessments and presentational writing.  Independent projects, by instructor preference, might include interviews of native speakers, group presentations, cultural outreach, individual research or collaborative communication with other language classes.

3 terms, solid, 3 credits, Approved as Additional Core course by NCAA

Admission to AP Spanish Language and Culture requires the student earn A or A- in Advanced Spanish III or earn A in Spanish III or A or A- in a Spanish IV course.  Rising Sophomores are strongly encouraged to enroll in two Spanish IV courses to build more proficiency in Spanish before requesting AP Spanish Language & Culture.  For any rising sophomore requesting AP Spanish Language & Culture, approval from the department of World Language & Culture will be required.

This course will develop proficiency in Spanish with no specific emphasis on literary analysis. The focus is the development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills with the following objectives: the ability to comprehend formal and informal spoken Spanish; the acquisition of vocabulary and a grasp of structure to allow the easy, accurate reading of a wide range of written material; the ability to compose expository passages; and the ability to express ideas orally with accuracy and fluency. Students enrolled in the course are expected to take the Advanced Placement Spanish Language and Culture Exam in May.

2 terms, solid, 2 credits, Approved as Additional Core course by NCAA

Prerequisites: French, Chinese, and Spanish students must be enrolled in or have completed a fourth-year course and have completed an immersion experience or completed Advanced Placement course in the target language. Latin Students must A) earn the "Advanced" distinction in Latin 3 by completing extra work on top of the regular Latin 3 curriculum and B) have taken OR be currently taking one of the 2 Latin IV Electives (Film or Mythology). All honors applicants must provide evidence of Intermediate High proficiency in their target language, as evidenced by STAMP scores of 6 or above in reading and writing and no score below a 5, AP Score of a 3 or above, or Latin ALIRA score of I-4. Students must complete an application 2026-27 World Languages and Cultures Honors Seminar Application – Fill out form

The Honors Seminar in World Languages and Cultures is a solid 2-term course in which a self-directed student pursues an individual interest that culminates in an academic research paper of the target language. In order to be considered for the World Languages and Cultures Honors Seminar, a student must intermediate-high competency and proficiency on their STAMP test. Upon admission, a student will conduct academic research in which a student proposes and designs a thesis and then completes research to produce a 18-20 pages academic paper in support of that thesis. The student will complete all of the work in the target language. Outside of the Honors Seminar teacher, who will facilitate their independent learning process, each student will have a Language Mentor in their target language so as to provide added and language-specific support. At the end of the seminar, the student will defend their project in the target language in a presentation before a committee from the Department of World Languages and Cultures.