World Languages

Each world language curriculum is designed to be completed in six semesters by the average student. Students are assessed on their interpersonal, interpretive, presentational, and intercultural proficiency, using performance assessments. Students in the Novice-Intermediate level of each language have the opportunity to move at a faster or slower pace, as necessary to tailor their experience to their individual needs. Each language, with the exception of Chinese, offers opportunities for foreign exchange opportunities on a biennial basis.

LOWER LEVEL COURSES (Introduction and Novice-Intermediate Levels)

In the lower level courses, students develop skills in listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Students also learn about various aspects of the relevant culture. As students progress through each unit, they must demonstrate proficiency in each area of the language before advancing. General, CP, or Honors level credit can be earned, depending on the number of units in which proficiency is achieved during a given semester.

UPPER LEVEL COURSES (Specialized Classes after Novice-Intermediate Levels)

In the upper level courses, cultural information is acquired through a variety of sources, using authentic language. Over two courses/semesters, students move from intermediate to more advanced grammar in order to facilitate the expression of more complex ideas. These courses focus on the relevant history and culture, with the language becoming a familiar and comfortable means of expression, rather than a “foreign” language. Upper level classes are honors level courses and can be taken in any order, prior to the AP Level.

AP French

Conducted entirely in French, this course is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement French Language and Culture examination, which centers on skills for real-world communication. The different sections of the exam are reviewed, practice exams are given, and each section is carefully analyzed. Students review grammar, expand vocabulary, work on writing skills, and discuss test-taking strategies. Short stories, poetry, literary excerpts and current events are read and analyzed. PREREQUISITE: A grade of B- or better in the preceding courses is recommended. A placement test or permission of the teacher is required for students who did not previously study French at Burr and Burton. Students opting to take the AP exam are responsible for the exam fee of approximately $100. (Fee reduction applications are available in the school counseling office.)
AP German

Conducted primarily in German, this course is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Language examination. The different sections of the examination are reviewed, practice exams are given, and each section is carefully analyzed. A thorough review of difficult grammar and vocabulary is undertaken, and test-taking strategies are discussed. Authentic materials and current events are used as a means of increasing comprehension and preparing students for the AP exam. PREREQUISITE: A grade of B- or better in the preceding courses is recommended. A placement test or permission of the teacher is required for students who did not previously study German at Burr and Burton. Students opting to take the AP exam are responsible for the exam fee of approximately $100. (Fee reduction applications are available in the school counseling office.)
AP Spanish

This course is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Language examination and is conducted entirely in Spanish. The different sections of the exam are reviewed, practice exams are given, and each section is carefully analyzed. A thorough review of difficult grammar and vocabulary is undertaken, and test-taking strategies are discussed. Contemporary short stories and a novel are read and analyzed. PREREQUISITE: A grade of B- or better in the preceding courses is recommended. A placement test or permission of the teacher is required for students who did not previously study Spanish at Burr and Burton. Students opting to take the AP exam are responsible for the exam fee of approximately $100. (Fee reduction applications are available in the school counseling office.)
CP French 1

Based on communication and primarily conducted in French, this course has students developing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills from the beginning. Along with using the text Inspire Lycée, students learn through relevant activities and engaging topics. Culture is embedded throughout the curriculum and is used to introduce vocabulary and grammar. As their abilities grow, students begin to express themselves in full sentences and participate in small discussions. A variety of multimedia components are used to introduce lessons, as are whole class, hands-on activities. Interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communication skills are assessed and are the focus. A cultural competency component is added toward the end of the semester.
CP French 2

Conducted primarily in French, this course emphasizes communication by developing students’ reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Students continue to build on and employ previous language through relevant topics while comparing Francophone cultures with their own. Students present, engage in dialogues, and interpret videos and films as well as stories. Culture is embedded throughout the curriculum and continues to be a vehicle through which vocabulary and grammar elements are introduced. PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of French 1 with a grade of C or higher. A placement test or permission of the teacher is required for students who did not previously study French at Burr and Burton.
CP German 1

German 1 is designed to acquaint the new language student with the sound, look, and feel of what studying German is all about. Students develop listening comprehension and speaking skills, as well as reading and writing skills, with an emphasis on oral skills. Development of an extensive basic vocabulary and basic grammar is also emphasized. The themes explored are basic greetings/introductions, family and friends, everyday activities, likes and dislikes, and school.
CP German 2

This course is designed to be a continuation of CP German 1. The themes explored are sports and free-time activities, travel, home, and holidays and celebrations. Students must complete units 5-8 before being eligible to continue to German 3. PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of German 1 with a grade of C or higher. A placement test or permission of the teacher is required for students who did not previously study German at Burr and Burton.
CP Modern Cultures of the Spanish Speaking World

In this class, students examine modern culture in several Spanish-speaking countries. This includes an exploration of food, music, fashion, and activities of modern teenagers through the use of film, current events, e-pals, guest speakers and Skype. Students study and practice different accents and the uses of slang in various countries, and take at least one field trip. The class is conducted entirely in Spanish and is designed for advanced Spanish students; however, the course is not as rigorous as an honors-level class. PREREQUISITE: completion of at least one upper level Spanish class. This course can be taken before, after, concurrently with, or instead of AP Spanish.
CP Spanish 1

CP Spanish 1 is designed to acquaint the new language student with the sound, look, and feel of what studying Spanish is all about. Students develop listening comprehension and speaking skills, as well as reading and writing skills, with an emphasis on oral skills. Development of an extensive basic vocabulary and basic grammar is also emphasized. The themes explored are basic greetings/introductions, everyday activities, likes and dislikes, school, family and friends, and descriptions.
CP Spanish 2

A continuation of CP Spanish 1, CP Spanish 2 consists of units focused on grammar, reading, speaking, listening, and intercultural components, which are practiced within a variety of themes. Students must complete units 5-8 before being eligible to continue to CP Spanish 3. PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Spanish 1 with a grade of C or higher. A placement test or permission of the teacher is required for students who did not previously study Spanish at Burr and Burton.
Honors French 4

French 4 Culture Through Film is designed to provide students with the opportunity to improve their French conversational and writing skills through discussion on various topics. This course is a place for practice in speaking and writing in French as well as building and recycling vocabulary and grammar. It looks at a variety of political, historical, and social justice themes, as experienced in French society. Communication is all in French. This class is for students who have acquired basic skills and have a strong interest in improving them.
Honors French 4/5 (Spring Semester)

Conducted primarily in French, this course allows students to improve their intermediary oral, written and cultural skills. Themes include relationships, cultural identity, politics, and the environment as they relate to the Francophone world. Films and novel excerpts are used as a vehicle to teach cultural competence and practice interpretive skills. Previous grammar is reviewed and new skills are presented so that students can improve both their writing and oral presentations. PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of CP French 3 or 4, with a grade of B- or higher. A placement test or permission of the teacher is required for students who did not previously study French at Burr and Burton.
Honors German 4

In the first half of this course, students explore fairy tales, looking at the literary constructs and specifically at the fairy tales of the Grimm brothers.The second half focuses on the German-speaking country of Austria. Students learn about various aspects of Austrian culture, including the Austrian dialect. Throughout, students continue to expand their vocabulary and their advanced grammar skills.. PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of CP German 3, with proficiency demonstrated in all skill areas. A placement test or permission of the teacher is required for students who did not previously study German at Burr and Burton.
Honors German 4/5 (Spring Semester)

This course examines the period of German history following World War II, through the reunification of Germany (1945 - 1990). Particular attention is given to the division of East and West Berlin and the Berlin Wall. Authentic resources are used to look at the impact that the government system had on individual lives. Throughout the course, students continue to expand their vocabulary and their advanced grammar skills. PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of CP German 3 or 4, with a grade of B- or higher. A placement test or permission of the teacher is required for students who did not previously study German at Burr and Burton.
Honors Spanish 4

Conducted entirely in Spanish, this course is an analysis of the root causes and effects of the flood of immigrants arriving at our southern border. Extensive reading and writing provides students with opportunities to practice grammar and broaden vocabulary, while in-class discussions and informal conversations further students’ oral proficiency. PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of CP Spanish 3, with proficiency demonstrated in all skill areas. A placement test or permission of the teacher is required for students who did not previously study Spanish at Burr and Burton.