While the study of language 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.
Who were the ancient Greeks and Romans? And how does their legacy continue to shape our culture? At Deerfield Academy, Greek and Latin form a part of our heritage, having been inaugural subjects when the school was founded in 1797. The study of classics is as much about self-discovery as mastery; we learn the heritage of Greece and Rome just as we come to know ourselves.
Before they enter Deerfield, all new students are required to take a language placement test to determine an appropriate class. Students who have already taken a language they wish to continue studying at Deerfield will take a placement test to determine what level class they should take. If the placement in either department is deemed inappropriate after the student arrives, then the section teacher may suggest a change of level. Students may also request such a change and should consult with their teacher and their academic advisor before contacting the Dean of Studies.
In the modern language courses at Deerfield, oral proficiency, competency in written expression, and cultural literacy are equally important. First and second 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. In the fifth and sixth level courses, students delve into the literature originally written in the language they are studying.
In most years, there are spring and summer trips abroad, organized and chaperoned by Deerfield faculty members, for students studying Chinese, French, Arabic, and Spanish. Deerfield is also an associate member of the School Year Abroad Program (SYA). Each year several Deerfield juniors and seniors live with host families and attend school in Rennes, France, Zaragoza, Spain, or Beijing, China.
Yes, several of our courses will prepare students for the appropriate AP Language Examinations.
Haley O’Neil
honeil@deerfield.edu
413-774-1516
Fax 413-772-1128
Kendall Classroom Building
Mon–Fri, 8am–4pm
7 Boyden Lane, PO Box 87
Deerfield, MA 01342
7 Boyden Lane, PO Box 87, Deerfield, MA 01342
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS: Deerfield Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
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