WORLD LANGUAGES AND CULTURES DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY

The study of one or more World Languages is an essential part of the background of the individual who wishes to function effectively in the global community. Proficiency in a modern language and cultural understanding are essential skills for the world traveler and businessperson of the 21st Century.

OBJECTIVES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF WORLD LANGUAGES AND CULTURES

• Students of French, Spanish, or Mandarin will understand alternate ways of viewing and interpreting the world.
• Students who successfully complete French, Spanish or Mandarin through Level five will acquire intermediate level proficiency.
• Students of French, Spanish or Mandarin will gain an appreciation of the importance of the speakers of these languages in the modern world.
• Students of Latin will gain insight into the impact that Latin has on English vocabulary and an appreciation of Rome's impact on the Ancient World and subsequent Western civilization.

It is the goal of the Department of World Languages and Cultures to encourage completion of the full five-year sequence (available in both French and Spanish, and to be available in Mandarin by the year 2016) by all students who have the interest and motivation to undertake the study of a modern language. The department encourages our Latin students to complete the full four year sequence in the study of Latin.  Language students at Medfield High School have the opportunity to acquire the lifelong skill of knowing a second language that will in turn enrich both their professional and personal lives.

Medfield requires that all students complete two years of study of the same language in order to graduate. It is recommended that students complete more than the two years of a language required for graduation from Medfield High School so as to fulfill individual college's expectations and ultimately to gain fluency. Students in advanced levels of French, Spanish, and Mandarin are also encouraged to begin the study of another language as these students often meet with great success in these beginner level courses.