CLASSICAL LANGUAGES Crossroads School offers language study in both classical and modern foreign languages. Students are placed in all foreign language classes based on their mastery of the target language on a placement test. Most students begin with the first level of their chosen language. IN CLASSICAL LANGUAGE COURSES, students learn translation skills based on a deepening understanding of language structure, grammar, and various means of oral and written expression. Memorization and the application of previously learned material to new situations are crucial. In the higher-level courses in Greek and Latin, students practice literary critical skills similar to those learned in their English classes. Throughout the classics curriculum, vocabulary, word building, history, and culture are emphasized. Methodologies: Inductive and deductive presentations of grammar and syntax, memorization of vocabulary and inflected forms, oral and written translations, sight translations, prose compositions, large group discussions, short answer compositions, essays, creative writing projects, visual arts projects, peer teaching, team competitions, small group work, and other interactive techniques are all employed in teaching classical languages. STUDENTS IN CLASSICS have many opportunities to engage in local, regional, and statewide activities with Classics students from other schools through the events sponsored by the Junior Classical League. They also take the National Greek and Latin exams each year. LATIN: The Latin program begins in Middle School for Crossroads students, where they receive Latin instruction in seventh and eighth grades, enabling them to enter Latin 2 in ninth grade. Latin 1 may be offered to new, incoming students, depending on enrollment. The Latin program progresses in the Upper School from Latin 2 through Advanced Placement Latin 5. Students are encouraged to progress through the program, which includes readings in Caesar, Catullus, Cicero, Virgil, and Ovid. These writings also provide students with a strong understanding of the sources of Western history and thought. Honors options are available to qualified students at the third level and in the Advanced Placement Program. GREEK: Like its counterpart in Latin, the program in ancient Greek offers students the opportunity to read, translate, and write in a classical language. Although there is no advanced placement program in Greek, students benefit from the study of a classical language and the historical and literary education such study affords. By the fourth year, students are able to read the original Greek of such authors as Herodotus, Thucydides, Aristophanes, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and Plato. Students use the Perseus Project, software developed by Harvard, Yale, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, for reading and research.