Frisch students are required to take two years of Latin, French or Spanish. Electives for the advanced study of each language are available for eleventh and twelfth graders.
It is the goal of the teachers of French and Spanish to teach the target language so that the students will be able to maintain a simple conversation, read and write, as well as appreciate various aspects of the culture of the people. During the first two years, aural and oral skills are emphasized through the use of tapes, videos, and class conversation. Students write guided compositions to emphasize and employ grammar and vocabulary.
In the third and fourth-year classes, advanced grammar is taught and the students are asked to create a portfolio, a year-long project involving peer editing, in which they demonstrate their writing skills. The fourth-year A.P. course solidifies the students mastery of these courses. Students teach various classes so that they develop a sense of confidence in their ability to manipulate the language.
Latin is taught somewhat differently since it is not a spoken language. The emphasis is on grammar and structure as well as analogies between Latin and English. References to historical events and personalities and Roman mythology enliven the daily classes. The goal is for the students to understand the complexities of the language and appreciate the development of English as well as enhance the vocabulary of the students.
Each year we publish, Las Joyas/Les Bijoux, a magazine of original poetry and stories in Spanish, French, Latin and Hebrew.
Advanced language students in the eleventh and twelfth grades have the opportunity of participating in a trip to either France or Spain led by a member of our department.
HEBREW LANGUAGE
Hebrew not only is the language of Medinat Yisrael, which is central to our religious and national identity, but also has increasingly become the common language of Jews throughout the world. The goal of the Hebrew Department is to foster the development of oral communication and literacy skills which will allow our students to participate fully in the emerging Jewish and Israeli culture and society. The Hebrew curriculum includes development of conversational skills, grammar and syntax and increasingly sophisticated literature.
The study of Zionism, the history of the State of Israel and Israeli Current Events is also an integral part of the Hebrew program.
The most advanced Hebrew students have the option of the Bechinah Yerushalmit (The Jerusalem Exam) curriculum, a study of biblical, medieval and modern Hebrew Literature in Grades 11 and 12 for which they are able to earn a significant number of college credits.
Hebrew Language is linked in the students schedules with their Limudei Kodesh subjects but is considered a general studies course on their high school transcript and G.P.A.
