World Languages

French I

4010    Grades 9-12    1 Credit    1 Semester    Weight of 1.1

Prerequisite:   A “B” average in English.

This course is designed for beginning level and promotes Novice Mid-Level proficiency as defined by the World Readiness Standards for Language Learning. Students in this class will learn the listening, speaking, reading and writing skills that are fundamental to communicating in French. The class will also introduce students to the culture of the French speaking communities. At this introductory level there is particular emphasis on basic real-life communication. French I students will engage in interpretive (read, listen to and/or view information about the topic), interpersonal (talk with others about the topic in meaningful ways) and presentational (opportunity to share what you learned through writing or speaking) activities that will prepare them for French 2. 

French II

4030    Grades 9-12    1 Credit    1 Semester    Weight of 1.2

Prerequisite:   A "C" average in French I is recommended.

This course is for all students who satisfactorily completed the first year at the Middle or Senior High School. We continue to practice our four skills - reading, writing, listening, and speaking – in French and to focus on real-life communication as well as authentic culture of France and the French–speaking world. Students use critical thinking skills as they compare the French language and culture of the francophone world with their own community. By comparing their own habits and activities with those of the French, students gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the similarities and differences between the two cultures. The proficiency of the student should be at the Novice High level as defined by the World Readiness Standards for Language Learning. 

French III

4050    Grades 9-12    1 Credit    1 Semester    Weight of 1.2

Prerequisite:   A "B" average in French II is recommended.

This course is designed for all students who have successfully completed French II and promotes Novice-High to Intermediate-Mid level proficiency level as pertaining to the World Readiness Standards for Language Learning. This course emphasizes greater fluency in oral work and greater refinement of composition and sentence structure in written work. Listening, reading, writing and speaking are integrated within culturally authentic units focusing on daily life. Students use critical thinking skills as they compare the French language and culture of France and the French-speaking world with their own community. Hands-on, student-centered activities concentrate on effective communication.

French IV

4060    Grades 9-12    1 Credit    1 Semester    Weight of 1.3

Prerequisite:   A "B" average in French III is recommended.

This course is designed for all students who have successfully completed the third year of French and promotes Intermediate-Mid to Intermediate-High level proficiency in accordance with the standards set forth by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language. In this advanced course students are expected to use French exclusively. Emphasis is placed on greater fluency and further refinement of composition and sentence structure. Students will interact in the three modes of communication within cultural contexts: interpersonal (written and spoken), Interpretive (reading, viewing and listening), and Presentational (written and spoken). Upon successful completion of French IV, students should be able to test out of several semesters of French at the college level.

Advanced Placement French Language and Culture

4065    Grades 9-12    1 Credit    1 Semester    Weight of 1.3

Prerequisite:   A 90% or higher in Honors French IV.

AP French is the equivalent of a fifth-semester college course. At the core of the AP French Language and Culture course are groups of learning objectives identifying what students should know and be able to do across the interpersonal, interpretive and presentational modes of communication (spoken, written, audio, visual and audiovisual). This course is structured around the following six themes: families and communities, global challenges, science and technology, contemporary life, personal and public identities, beauty and aesthetics. When communicating, students demonstrate an understanding of the francophone culture(s), incorporate interdisciplinary topics (Connections), make comparisons between the native language and the target language and between cultures (Comparisons), and use the target language in real- life settings (Communities). The proficiency of the student should be at the Intermediate High/Advanced Low level in accordance with the standards set forth by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language (ACTFL). This course will prepare students to successfully complete the Advanced Placement French Language and Culture Exam.

German I

4130    Grades 9-12    1 Credit    1 Semester    Weight of 1.1

Prerequisite:   A "B" average in English.

This course promotes Novice Level proficiency as defined by the World Readiness Standards for Language Learning. German I will focus on the acquisition and meaning making of vocabulary and application of basic grammatical structures. Students will use a variety of authentic texts and media to develop their cultural awareness, as well as reading and listening skills. Students will interact in the three modes of communication within cultural contexts: Interpersonal (written and spoken), Interpretative (reading, viewing, and listening), and Presentational (written and spoken) modes. Students will be expected to participate daily in speaking, listening, and writing activities. Language will be taught in the context of the cultural similarities and differences that exist between our home and places where German is spoken.

German II

4150    Grades 9-12    1 Credit    1 Semester    Weight of 1.2

Prerequisite:   A “C” average in German I is recommended.

This course is designed for all students who have successfully completed the first year of German I (from the Middle School or Senior High) and promotes Novice-Mid level proficiency as defined by the World-Readiness Standards for Language Learning. This course will build on the knowledge and skills of the previous year. Students will use a variety of authentic texts and media to further develop their cultural awareness, as well as reading and listening skills. Students will interact in the three modes of communication within cultural contexts: Interpersonal (written and spoken), Interpretative (reading, viewing, and listening), and Presentational (written and spoken) modes. Students will participate in a variety of written and spoken activities that apply new and previously learned vocabulary and grammatical concepts. Cultural similarities and differences will be an integral element in language acquisition. Communication in German is an essential element of the class. Students will be expected to communicate daily in German. Instruction will be delivered primarily in German. This course will prepare students for German III.

German III

4170    Grades 10-12    1 Credit    1 Semester    Weight of 1.2

Prerequisite:   A "B" average in German II is recommended.

This course is designed for all students who have successfully completed the second year of German and promotes Novice-High to Intermediate-Mid level proficiency as defined by the World-Readiness Standards for Language Learning. This course will build on the knowledge and skills of the previous two years. Students will learn daily idiomatic expressions, use a variety of authentic texts and media to expand their cultural awareness, acquire new vocabulary and build upon grammatical concepts of the German language. Students will interact in the three modes of communication within cultural contexts: Interpersonal (written and spoken), Interpretative (reading, viewing and listening), and Presentational (written and spoken) modes. Students will participate in engaging activities that apply and reinforce new and previously learning vocabulary and grammar in real-world situations. German III will be taught almost exclusively in German. Students are expected to actively communicate in the target language. This course will prepare students for the Honors German IV course (taught in conjunction with AP German).

German IV

4180    Grades 11-12    1 Credit    1 Semester    Weight of 1.3

Prerequisite:   A "B" average in German III is recommended.

This course is designed for all students who have successfully completed the third year of German and promotes Intermediate-Mid to Intermediate-High level proficiency as defined by the World-Readiness Standards for Language Learning. The course is taught exclusively in German and in conjunction with AP German. Adaptations and accommodations will be made as students are not expected to perform at the same level as their peers in AP. Examples of adaptations include but are not limited to extended time on timed essays and adjusted rubrics. The course is structured around six overarching themes: Global Challenges, Science and Technology, Contemporary Life, Personal and Public Identities, Families and Communities and Beauty and Aesthetics. The study of cultural products, practices and perspectives is interwoven among the six themes as culture and language are intrinsically linked. Students will interact in the three modes of communication within cultural contexts: Interpersonal (written and spoken), Interpretative (reading, viewing, and listening), and Presentational (written and spoken) modes. Students will increase their understanding of the German language and build proficiency toward the Intermediate-High level by: reading authentic texts from short stories to poetry, listening to native speakers, learning daily idiomatic expressions, exploring art through an historic lens, applying advanced grammatical structures, and expanding their cultural awareness. Students will actively participate in engaging activities that apply and reinforce new and previously learning vocabulary and grammar in real-world situations. As such, students are expected to communicate only in the target language. This course will ultimately prepare students for the Advanced Placement German Language and Culture course. Above all, the course seeks to develop language skills that are useful in themselves and that can be applied to various activities, contexts, and disciplines rather than to the mastery of any specific subject matter.

Exploring Spanish I

4067    Grades 9-12    1 Credit    1 Semester    Weight of 1.0

Prerequisite:   A “C” average in English.

This course is designed for those students who want a basic understanding of Spanish. It is not intended for those who want more advanced studies of Spanish nor for the college bound student. With the large number of Spanish speakers in our country, students with a second language are often sought out and rewarded in the workplace. The focus of the course is vocabulary acquisition with understandings of basic grammar. The goal for reading, writing, speaking and listening skills will be at the novice low level of proficiency. Special attention is given to history, music, geography, arts and crafts, dance, and culture. Although the course curriculum covers much of the same material as offered in the Regular Spanish I class, this course will give more teacher direction and include pacing and materials more appropriate to the ability level of the students. After completing this course, the student may opt to take Exploring Spanish II or Regular Spanish I.

Exploring Spanish II

4068    Grades 9-12    1 Credit    1 Semester    Weight of 1.0

Prerequisite:   A “C” average in Spanish I or Exploring Spanish I.

This course is designed for those students who want to continue to develop a basic understanding of Spanish. It is not intended for those who want more advanced studies of Spanish nor for the college bound student. It is a continuation of Exploring Spanish I; however, students of regular Spanish I may also opt to take this course, especially if they lack the confidence to take the step to regular Spanish II. The focus of the course is vocabulary acquisition with understandings of basic grammar. The goal for reading, writing, speaking and listening skills will be at the novice level of proficiency. Special attention is given to history, geography, arts and crafts, dance, music and other products, practices, and perspectives of the Hispanic culture. Although the course curriculum covers much of the same material as offered in the Regular Spanish I and II classes, this course will give more teacher direction and include pacing and materials more appropriate to the ability level of the students. At the completion of this course, students who wish to continue with advanced levels of Spanish must have the Spanish teacher recommendation and may qualify for Regular Spanish I or Regular Spanish II.

Spanish I

4070    Grades 9-12    1 Credit    1 Semester    Weight of 1.1

Prerequisite:   A "C" average in English.

This course is designed for beginning level Spanish and promotes Novice Mid-Level proficiency as defined by the World Readiness Standards for Language Learning. Spanish I will focus on the acquisition and meaning making of vocabulary and application of basic grammatical structures. Students will use a variety of authentic texts and media to develop their cultural awareness, as well as reading and listening skills. Students will interact in the three modes of communication within cultural contexts: Interpersonal (written and spoken), Interpretative (reading, viewing, and listening), and Presentational (written and spoken) Modes. Students will be expected to participate daily in speaking, listening, and writing activities. Language will be taught in the context of the cultural similarities and differences that exist between our home and places where Spanish is spoken.

Spanish II

4090    Grades 9-12    1 Credit    1 Semester    Weight of 1.2

Prerequisite:   A "B" average in Spanish I is recommended.

This course is designed for all students who have successfully completed the first year of Spanish I (from the Middle School or Senior High) and promotes Novice-High level proficiency as defined by the World-Readiness Standards for Language Learning. This course will build on the knowledge and skills of the previous year. Students will use a variety of authentic texts and media to further develop their cultural awareness, as well as reading and listening skills. Students will interact in the three modes of communication within cultural contexts: Interpersonal (written and spoken), Interpretative (reading, viewing, and listening), and Presentational (written and spoken) Modes. Students will participate in a variety of written and spoken activities that apply new and previously learned vocabulary and grammatical concepts. Cultural similarities and differences will be an integral element in language acquisition. Communication in Spanish is an essential element of the class. Students will be expected to communicate daily in Spanish. Instruction will be delivered primarily in Spanish. This course will prepare students for Spanish III.

Spanish III

4110    Grades 10-12    1 Credit    1 Semester    Weight of 1.2

Prerequisite:   A “B” average in Spanish II is recommended.

This course is designed for all students who have successfully completed the second year of Spanish and promotes Novice-High to Intermediate-Low level proficiency as defined by the World-Readiness Standards for Language Learning. This course will build on the knowledge and skills of the previous two years. Students will use a variety of authentic texts and media to expand their cultural awareness, acquire new vocabulary and build upon grammatical concepts of the Spanish language. Students will interact in the three modes of communication within cultural contexts: Interpersonal (written and spoken), Interpretative (reading, viewing, and listening), and Presentational (written and spoken) Modes. Students will participate in engaging activities that apply and reinforce new and previously learning vocabulary and grammar in real-world situations. Spanish III will be taught exclusively in Spanish. Students are expected to actively communicate in the target language. This course will prepare students for the Honors Spanish IV course.

Spanish IV

4120    Grades 11-12    1 Credit    1 Semester    Weight of 1.3

Prerequisite:   A "B" average in Spanish III is recommended.

This course is designed for all students who have successfully completed the third year of Spanish and promotes Intermediate-Low to Intermediate-High level proficiency as defined by the World-Readiness Standards for Language Learning. The course is taught exclusively in Spanish. Students will interact in the three modes of communication within cultural contexts: Interpersonal (written and spoken), Interpretative (reading, viewing, and listening), and Presentational (written and spoken) Modes. Students will increase their understanding of the Spanish language and build proficiency toward the Intermediate-High level by: reading authentic texts from story stories to poetry, listening to native speakers, learning daily idiomatic expressions, exploring art through an historic lens, applying advanced grammatical structures, and expanding their cultural awareness. Students will actively participate in engaging activities that apply and reinforce new and previously learning vocabulary and grammar in real-world situations. As such, students are expected to communicate only in the target language. This course will ultimately prepare students for the Advanced Placement Spanish Language and Culture course.

AP Spanish Language and Culture

4125    Grade 12    1 Credit    1 Semester    Weight of 1.3

Prerequisite:   A 90% or higher in Honors Spanish IV.

The Advanced Placement Spanish Language and Culture is a College Board approved course designed for all students who have successfully completed the fourth year of Spanish. The course provides opportunities for students to demonstrate their proficiency across the three modes of communication (as outlined in the World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages) in the Intermediate-High to Advanced-Low level. The course is structured around six overarching themes: Global Challenges, Science and Technology, Contemporary Life, Personal and Public Identities, Families and Communities and Beauty and Aesthetics. The study of cultural products, practices and perspectives in interwoven among the six themes as culture and language are intrinsically linked.

The course focuses on the integration of authentic resources including online print, audio, and audiovisual resources, as well as traditional print resources that include literature, essays, and articles with the goal of providing a rich, diverse learning experience. Students communicate using rich, advanced vocabulary and grammatical structures as they build proficiency toward the Advanced level. It is taught exclusively in Spanish and students are expected to communicate only in Spanish. This course will prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Spanish Language and Culture Exam through the College Board in May. Students may earn college credit by achieving a score of a 3, 4, or 5 on the AP Exam contingent on the requirements of the university they plan to attend.