Foreign Language
At Buxton, the study of foreign languages allows students to deepen their understanding of the intricate relationships among the world’s peoples. Our curriculum emphasizes not only language acquisition but also cultural and literary traditions, helping students engage thoughtfully with both historical and contemporary issues in the countries and societies where the language is spoken. Students gain an in-depth background and historical context, making learning more meaningful than mastering grammar and conjugations alone.
Foreign Language – 3 Years (Spanish Focus)*
Students complete a three-year sequence in Spanish, with opportunities for advanced study in culture and literature.
Sample Courses:
- Spanish I, II, III
- Historias y Folclor
- MitologÃa
- Introducción a la Literatura Caribeña
- The Cold War and Latin America
- Música y Cultura de América Latina
Additionally, Buxton students enjoy remarkable academic flexibility, with opportunities for independent studies or enrollment in courses at nearby Williams College to enrich their learning further. Recent independent studies have included Japanese, German, and French.
These introductory courses welcome students to the essentials of reading, writing, listening, and speaking in Spanish. Using a variety of engaging methods, students build confidence with basic and intermediate grammar while learning to communicate about everyday life in a range of real-world situations. Along the way, we explore the richness and diversity of Hispanic and Latin American cultures—traditions, daily experiences, and perspectives from across the Spanish-speaking world. Students also begin discovering Spanish and Latin American literary texts, gaining a broader understanding of the language and the people who use it.
This intermediate course builds on previous study by strengthening students’ reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills through consistent use of the Revista workbook. This text serves as a key resource for reviewing grammar, improving reading comprehension, and developing stronger composition skills. Students also engage in presentations and creative projects that allow them to explore the history and cultures of the Spanish-speaking world in ways that align with their own interests. Frequent multimedia activities help refine oral and listening abilities, and the course maintains a steady level of language immersion to support growing confidence and fluency.
Spanish IV centers on the text Cinema for Spanish Conversation, using contemporary Spanish-language films as a springboard for thoughtful discussion and cultural exploration. Through these films, students investigate major themes shaping Spain and Latin America today, including immigration, revolution, dictatorship, gender roles, and family dynamics. Many films are viewed without subtitles, and class discussions take place primarily in Spanish to promote greater fluency and confidence. Throughout the course, students continue to refine their grammar and expand their vocabulary while engaging deeply with the cinematic and cultural richness of the Spanish-speaking world.
This advanced course deepens students’ grammatical precision by exploring the finer nuances and subtleties of the language. Centered on the discussion and analysis of contemporary literary works by Spanish and Latin American authors, it encourages students to engage critically and creatively with a wide range of voices and styles. Composition and oral proficiency are heavily emphasized through in-class essays, research papers, presentations, and group projects. Conducted entirely in Spanish, the course provides a fully immersive environment that strengthens fluency, sophistication, and confidence in advanced communication.
