Memphis University School - Owl Yearbook (Memphis, TN)

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CULTURAL STUDY ENHANCES LANGUAGES Courses in foreign languages at MUS this year stimulated student interest through a pleasant mixing of the often monotonous study of grammar with interesting, diversionary studies of foreign culture, history, and literature. Mrs. Charles F. Higgs was Chairman of the Depart- ment of Foreign Languages. She holds a B.A. degree from Southwestern at Memphis and a M.A. degree from Bryn Mawr College. Other instructors were Miss Juanita Shettlesworth, Mrs. William Christenberry, and Mr. Jorge Antonio Saucedo. Miss Shettlesworth re- ceived her B.A. degree from Southwestern at Mem- phis and M.A. degree from Vanderbilt University, where she is presently working toward her Ph.D. in Spanish. Mrs. Christenberry received her B.A. de- gree from Memphis State University. Mr. Saucedo, a new teacher and a native of Brazil, graduated from Ouachita Baptist University with a B.A. degree. Courses in Latin combined study of the written and spoken language with a general survey of an- cient Roman history and government. Mrs. Higgs created a stimulating atmosphere through room dec- orations such as busts of famous Roman orators and pictures of ancient Roman edifices. Students main- tained bulletin boards with reports and magazine articles pertaining to some aspect of Roman culture. Some students built models of Roman buildings and war machinery, and a group of students even pre- sented a short play in front of a student assembly. Miss Shettlesworth and Mr. Saucedo conducted the courses in Spanish. Study of the history, geog- raphy, and life in Spanish-speaking countries supple- mented the study of grammar. Students in first and second year classes gave reports on subjects ranging from Spanish exploration of the New World to the effect of the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City on the Mexican people. More advanced students generally concentrated on reading selected short sto- ries, novels, and drama in Spanish. Mrs. Christenberry also followed the pattern of study which mixed grammar study with the study of civilization and culture. In addition to making class reports, students read translations of French literature and wrote critical analyses of what they read. Third year students progressed to reading short stories in French, such as La Bourgeois Gentil- homme. Two students from MUS participated in the Advanced Placement program in French at Lausanne School. The class was conducted entirely in French under the direction of Monsieur Suffren, a native of France. The A. P. students read French literature ex- tensively and wrote two term papers in French. Mrs. Higgs, Department Chairman Spanish Class enjoys recitation in unison for Miss Shettlesworth. 19

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Correct pronunciation is explicitly given by Mr. Saucedo to second year Spanish Students. Mrs. Chrisfenberry asks her first year French students to imagine a trip in the country. 18

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Mr. Love— Lewis and Clark did not sail through the Florida Everglades. LZU A student ' s report captures the attention of Mr. Daniel. 20