Modern Languages

The courses in modern languages aim to develop all the basic skills—aural comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing—and to provide students with an understanding and appreciation of a culture other than their own. The foreign language being studied is used in the classroom from the beginning. Students acquire a working knowledge of essential grammatical structures and learn to speak and understand the language; at the higher levels, they develop their ability to read, analyze, and discuss literary works, contemporary texts, and films.

Entering students may wish to continue studying a language begun at their previous schools. Placement will be done by evaluating previous experience in the language and may include a test and/or interview. On the other hand, many students begin a new foreign language at this point in their education. Because daily assignments in all classes are limited to a fixed time scheme, no language entails more work than another, and the range of grades which students receive is the same in all languages offered by the department. Consequently, students should choose the language that interests them the most.

The study of Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Russian, or Spanish may be begun in any year. A two-term accelerated sequence beginning in the winter term may be offered in French, German, and Russian; these courses cover the work of the first year in two terms. The accelerated two-term sequence in Italian is for Seniors only. College-level accelerated courses offered in German and Russian cover the material of two years in one. They are especially appropriate for incoming Uppers and Seniors who seek a solid preparation in a foreign language before going to college.

As technology plays a greater role at the Academy, the Modern Language Department has integrated computer-based material into its curricula. Several language classes make use of multimedia software developed by faculty members in the department; other classes use commercially produced programs that supplement the department’s teaching approach. E-mail and computerized assignments are a regular part of the learning experience in the Modern Language computer laboratory.

All students are encouraged to consider the study of more than one foreign language while at Exeter. Seniors who have exhausted all the offerings in a particular language may petition the department for a field course after having secured the willingness of an instructor to serve as teacher of the course. The department reserves the right to approve or reject any field course proposal. Staffing constraints may override the worthiness of a particular proposal. Written permission from the department chair is required to register for a field course.

Note: All modern language courses through Language 230, with the exception of the accelerated Italian course, meet five class periods per week.