The Harkness classroom is a natural gateway to linguistic and cultural exploration.  The Modern Languages curriculum places emphasis on literature as an indispensable expression of culture that provides a window into social, historical, political, and philosophical phenomena.  The courses in modern languages aim to develop all the basic skills—aural comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing—and to provide students with an understanding and appreciation of a culture other than their own.  Students use the foreign language studied in the classroom.  They acquire a working knowledge of essential grammatical structures and learn to speak and understand the language; at the higher levels, they develop their ability to read, analyze, and discuss literary works, contemporary texts, and films.

As technology plays a greater role at the Academy, the Modern Languages Department has integrated computer-based material into its curricula. Several language classes make use of multimedia developed by faculty members in the department; other classes use commercially produced programs that supplement the department's teaching approach. E-mail and computerized assignments are a regular part of the learning experience.

Students should choose to study the language that interests them most.  Entering students with background in a particular language receive appropriate placement according to a test and/or interview.  Many students choose to begin a new foreign language, especially given the extensive offerings.  Students who plan carefully may study two or more languages.  Daily assignments in all classes are limited to a fixed time scheme, no language entails more work than another, and the range of grades which students receive is the same in all languages offered by the department.  Several languages offer intensive and accelerated classes.  The accelerated two-term program in Italian and the three-term sequence in Arabic are for Seniors only.

See our gallery of cultural activities