— Trinity High School: Curriculum

Preliminary Curriculum: Foreign Language

Objectives:

Latin—Exposure to basic conversation in and mastery of the reading of Latin, so that students may engage with the foundational documents of Western Civilization and the church originally written in Latin. Familiarity with the cultures and times in which Latin was spoken. Increased understanding of English vocabulary and grammar derived from Latin. Acquisition of analytical thinking skills through translation of an inflected language.

Modern Languages—Mastery of reading, writing, speaking, and aural comprehension of a modern foreign language, with the goals of being able to communicate with speakers of that language and to read material both within and across the disciplines in that language. Familiarity with and understanding of the cultures of the countries where the foreign language is spoken.

Scope and Sequence:

Three years of the same foreign language are required for graduation (i.e., reaching the third level of a single language). Optional fourth and fifth levels of both Latin and Spanish will be offered. When enrollment levels and student interest permit, French and/or German will also be offered. Beginning course offerings will be as follows:

9th	10th	11th	12th
Latin I Latin II	Latin I Latin II Latin III	Latin I Latin II Latin III Latin IV	Latin I Latin II Latin III Latin IV Latin V
Spanish I Spanish II	Spanish I Spanish II Spanish III	Spanish I Spanish II Spanish III Spanish IV	Spanish I Spanish II Spanish III Spanish IV Spanish V

Latin I–V:
Levels I–II cover most of Wheelock’s Latin. Level III completes Wheelock’s and includes some readings in Augustine and the Vulgate. Level IV will be a literature course covering Caesar, Ovid, and Vergil; Level V literature will include Catullus, Horace, and/or Cicero. Some emphasis on Roman history and culture at all levels. Courses may also include some exposure to medieval history and culture as appropriate.

Spanish I–V:
Levels I–III predominantly grammar, supplemented by level-appropriate readings; Levels IV–V will be advanced literature courses. Culture and history of Spanish-speaking countries/peoples will be included at all levels.

Students with previous experience in a given language may be placed in advanced language classes at the discretion of the instructor.

Trinity students are strongly encouraged, but not required, to study Latin. Advanced Latin and Spanish courses will not be taught as Advanced Placement courses (i.e., using the official AP syllabus). However, readings selected for these courses may be keyed to the AP exam topics for that year. Students wishing to sit for the AP exams in a language are encouraged to work with their teachers to obtain individual guidance, additional practice, sample tests and CDs, etc., that will help them prepare for these exams.

In-class aural/oral practice methods will be employed until a language laboratory is feasible in terms of space and cost. Initial planning for a language lab is expected to begin during the coming year.

The curriculum planning committee recommends that Trinity investigate the possibility of the development of a short-term study-abroad or exchange program for advanced students. This could be linked to a class missions/service trip.

Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill
4011 Pickett Road, Durham, NC 27705
919.402.8262 voice + 919.402.0762 fax