MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES: FRENCH, JAPANESE, AND SPANISH: The study of modern languages leads students to competency in the target language in both oral and written forms. This study helps students form positive attitudes toward learning to read, speak, and write ina new language through a holistic and immersion approach. Students learn to manage successfully everyday situations they may encounter while traveling in a country wherethe target language is spoken. In addition, they develop an appreciation for cultural differences through the discussion of politics, social and economic issues, literature, and the arts. Methodologies employed in teaching modern foreign languages include many of the same elements, although the demands of Japanese study differ considerably from the study of French or Spanish. Courses begin with the grammatical groundwork for each language and move through successively more challenging and complex material at each new level. Instructors encourage role-playing, and real-life situations are reproduced. Only the target language is spoken in the classroom, although students may meet with instructors outside the classroom to receive guidance in English when necessary. TEACHERS USE AUDIO AND VIDEO TAPES, computer software, and authentic texts to enhance reading and listening skills. Writing is linked to reading, so that students may model their writing on texts they have read in the classroom. In upper level language classes, students are encouraged to think in the target language about issues that concern them. They can then develop their oral and written skills in debates, class presentations, and discussions. FRENCH STUDENTS begin their study of French in a proficiency-based environment. The target language is used in class from the first day of instruction. Grammatical precision is stressed, although communication around topics accessible and interesting to students is the first concern. Students learn to read from authentic texts, such as newspapers, simple poetry, and prose. They write regularly in and out of class and also work on projects about France, other Francophone cultures, and related cultural, historical, and literary events. Students may qualify for honors at level three and Advanced Placement at level four. JAPANESE STUDENTS begin their study of Japanese with basic grammar, conversation, and elements of Japanese culture. They also acquire a fundamental understanding of the writing systems of Kana and Kanji. As they progress through the sequence, students continue to master basic grammar and advance to more practical conversation and basic Kanji character writing. SPANISH: Like its counterpart in French, Spanish is taught in the target language. Students use conversation, read authentic texts from newspapers and journals, and write short compositions by the end of the first year. Through cultural projects, journal writing, creative writing, and class discussions, students develop a better understanding of the language and its cultures. As students progress through the sequence, they begin to focus on the mastery of grammatical detail and critical thinking, writing, and oral skills. Students are encouraged to explore the Spanish-speaking cultures through the reading of contemporary texts and the completion of special projects. As with French, students may qualify for honors at level three and Advanced Placement Spanish (in either language or literature) at level four.