Principia was one of the first schools in the area to teach a foreign language almost entirely in the language itself. Continuing this approach, the aim is to develop facility in the four basic skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Throughout all levels emphasis is placed on an appreciation of foreign peoples and their cultures, as well as a knowledge of the geography of the areas studied.

Each student spends one regular class period per week in a high-tech laboratory, in which immediate scoring and diagnostic results of listening tests are available and extensive use is made of audio and video tapes with native narration.

Students are placed in sections according to background and level of achievement. They are advised to begin language study as early as possible, preferably in the freshman year. Conditional credit is granted for first-year courses and becomes firm if the second year is successfully completed; exceptions are made for students who have already completed a two-year sequence in another language. Students who are able are urged to continue with three or more years of study.

Languages offered this year include: French, German, and Spanish.

Department Faculty

   Diana Penick — Dept. Head
   Courtney Bradley
   Pat Charters
   Lynne Evans
   Nancy Heimerl
   Jonathan Hinthorne