The Lower School Japanese Studies Program focuses on both the culture and the language of Japan. This program opens a door on the largest and oldest part of world civilization, a door that for historical and cultural reasons has long been closed for American students. The Lower School Japanese program introduces boys to cultural aspects of Japanese life. It also provides the boys with a positive foreign language experience that is a foundation for further study in the future.

The Middle School Foreign Language Program begins with the study of Japanese in the fifth and sixth grades. Students new to St. Mark’s in grades 5 and 6, who have had no previous Japanese study, will be grouped separately into the Japanese 5/6 class. Students study the language and culture of Japan and begin to develop an understanding of what it means to speak a second language. Seventh grade students may continue their study of Japanese or may select one of the following languages: German IA, Latin IA or Spanish IA. All students should bear in mind that the graduation requirement in foreign language is completion of 3 consecutive years in the Upper School.

Credit for Middle School language is given only for placement in Upper School courses. It does not appear on the college transcript.

The Upper School Foreign Language Program offers courses in German, Japanese, Spanish and Latin beginning in the seventh grade. French is offered through the coordinate program with Hockaday beginning in grade 9. Students must complete three years in the Upper School to fulfill the language requirement. Credit for the first year of a language is given only if a second year is successfully completed, but seniors may begin the study of a new language and receive one credit. Seniors are encouraged to continue their foreign language study since many will be required to study a language in college.

The Upper School program builds on the grammar and communicative skills acquired in the Middle School while placing increased emphasis on composition and reading. In addition to learning the language, students will develop expression, creativity and a greater awareness and appreciation of a different culture and way of life.

Criteria for nomination to AP and Honors Sections in the Language Department:

In the judgment of his teachers, the candidate for AP or Honors should demonstrate:

1. Strength in all areas of language learning.

2. Respect and appreciation for language and culture.

3. Eagerness to respond to academic and intellectual challenges.

4. Creativity, self-motivation, and a capacity for independent thinking.

 

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