Global Languages

About the Global Languages Program

Global Languages is one of Sem’s core graduation requirements. The Global Languages department offers classes ranging from introductory through advanced placement courses in four different languages — Chinese, French, Latin, and Spanish. Incoming students are placed in classes based on their proficiency in the language (including prior experience).

After four years of study, Sem students are generally eligible for advanced standing in college language classes, and some students who participate in AP-level classes at Sem receive college credit.

Why Study a Global Language?

Students who study 3-4 years of a language stand out to colleges, gaining a competitive edge in the admissions process. Our students develop marketable language skills that open up career pathways and increase employability. Language study also improves English-language speaking and writing skills via vocabulary development and grammar instruction. By exposing our students to different cultural perspectives, we build critical thinking skills and increase empathy. Multilingual instruction also exercises the brain, leading to improved cognitive function and higher test scores.

LEARNER BENEFITS AND OUTCOMES

CHINESE

Benefits of Learning Chinese

To stand out in college admissions - fewer than 5% of American students in grades K-12 study Chinese
To open doors — Chinese is one of the US Department of Defense’s “strategic languages,” with major study and work opportunities available both in the U.S. and worldwide
To stretch intellectually by learning a different system of writing and more than 5,000 years of history and culture

Enrichment Activities in Chinese

In-class movies, arts and crafts, food demonstrations, traditional wedding and tea ceremonies, calligraphy writing, music, character recognition games
Out-of-class cultural trips (Chinatown), trips abroad (China)
On-campus annual Lunar New Year celebration, Asian Culture Club
Many native Chinese-speaking boarding students among Sem’s student body

*Students perform at a Lunar New Year assembly*

Student Abilities in Fourth Year of Chinese

Students can conduct basic conversations and both ask for and provide common information in Chinese, allowing them to navigate as a tourist in countries where the language is spoken
Students can read and write using high-frequency characters on common social and personal topics
Students will be able to follow the basic message of some Chinese-language news articles, books, music, movies, and TV shows on familiar topics
Students will be familiar with the major holidays, traditions, foods, and cultural practices of Chinese countries

FRENCH

Benefits of Learning French

To communicate with more than 300 million people worldwide and visit over 30 countries, including many regions of the developing world
To strengthen grasp of English — French is one of the major sources of loan-words to English
To navigate multinational businesses and major international organizations and NGOs, including the United Nations and the Olympic movement

Enrichment Activities in French

In-class storytelling, games, music videos, class novels, movies, cooking demonstrations, plays/skits
Out-of-class cultural trips (New York), trips abroad (France)
Native French-speaking boarding students among Sem’s student body

*A group of Sem students on a trip to France*

Student Abilities in Fourth Year of French

Students can conduct basic conversations and both ask for and provide common information in French, allowing them to navigate as a tourist in countries where the language is spoken
Students can write simple compositions on a variety of topics in the present, past, and future
Students will be able to follow the basic message of French-language news articles, books, music, movies, and TV shows
Students will be familiar with the major holidays, traditions, foods, art, and cultural practices of French-speaking countries

LATIN

Benefits of Learning Latin

To stand out in college admissions — fewer than 5,000 students worldwide take the AP Latin exam each year, making it one of the most exclusive AP courses and a point of distinction on college applications
To better understand English — many English words derive from Latin and Greek, especially specialized terminology in legal, medical, scientific and technical fields
To understand U.S. history and culture — Roman and Greek ideas (democracy!), symbols, culture and institutions, from philosophy to government to architecture influenced the founding fathers of the United States

Enrichment Activities in Latin

In-class mythology, history, novels, archeology documentaries, Roman cultural festivals, modern songs in Latin translations, Roman science and engineering projects
Out-of-class cultural trips (New York, Philadelphia), trips abroad (Italy, Greece)
Classics Club

*Sem students in Capri during a 10-day trip to Italy*

Student Abilities in Fourth Year of Latin

Students can read complex Latin texts
Students will be familiar with the elements of epic poetry as well as the literary devices used by Latin poets
Students can write phrases and sentences in Latin and understand pronunciation, phrase grouping, and inflection
Students understand Roman culture and military history, particularly daily life and major historical figures and events
Students are familiar with Roman mythology in comparison and contrast to Greek mythology
Students show a strong understanding of Roman contributions to the arts and sciences and can make connections to modern art, science and technology

SPANISH

Benefits of Learning Spanish

To better relate with our neighbors — an estimated 40-50 million native and heritage Spanish speakers in the United States (more than 20,000 people in Luzerne County, Pa. alone)
To unlock opportunities for travel to over 20 countries throughout the Americas (and Europe) and communication with 400 million Spanish speakers worldwide
To meet requirements for jobs that serve Spanish-speaking clients in the U.S. and abroad, including business, medicine, and law

Enrichment Activities in Spanish

In-class storytelling, music videos, class novels, movies, cooking demonstrations, debates
Out-of-class cultural trips (New York), trips abroad (Spain, Dominican Republic)
Native Spanish-speaking boarding students among Sem’s student body

*A cooking demonstration during Spanish class*

Student Abilities in Fourth Year of Spanish

Students can conduct basic conversations and both ask for and provide common information in Spanish, allowing them to navigate as a tourist in countries where the language is spoken
Students can write simple compositions on a variety of topics in the present, past, and future
Students will be able to follow the basic message of Spanish-language news articles, books, music, movies, and TV shows
Students will be familiar with the major holidays, traditions, foods, and cultural practices of Spanish-speaking countries