Where the Foreign Becomes Familiar

Classical Languages

Through the program of courses in Greek and Latin at Deerfield, students learn to read and interpret classical literature in its original form.  Encounters with timeless words, personalities, historical events, ideas, and ideals provide students with a unique opportunity to understand and appreciate ancient Greek and Roman society and culture, the basis of liberal arts, and studies in the humanities. Beginner students develop basic language skills and read simplified or contrived stories in Latin. Later they focus on the actual works of specific authors or kinds of literature, starting out by mastering the characteristic vocabulary, syntax, and elements of style that are needed for a full understanding of the written word; advanced students venture beyond to consider how ancient authors express their thoughts.

While the study of classical languages offers a challenge, amusement, and satisfaction all its own, it also makes students aware of how much classical literature influences the literature of modern languages. Such study also sharpens their insights into their reading and equips them with greater precision in writing and speaking their own language.

Modern Languages

While the study of one or more languages has always been an important component of a Deerfield education, such study has become increasingly vital in today’s rapidly changing world. Deerfield offers instruction in four modern languages: Chinese, French, Arabic, and Spanish. In the modern language courses at Deerfield, oral proficiency, competency in written expression, and cultural literacy are equally important. The beginning levels stress rapid acquisition of vocabulary, fundamental grammatical skills, and cultural awareness. Third-year courses provide a comprehensive review of grammatical structures and an introduction to reading and composition. Fourth-year courses are usually devoted to the development of oral proficiency and literary skills.

Each year several Deerfield juniors and seniors live with host families and attend school in France, Spain, Italy or China through the Academy’s association with the School Year Abroad Program. In most years, there are summer trips abroad, organized and chaperoned by Deerfield faculty members, for students studying Chinese, French, Arabic, and Spanish.