Course of Study

Spanish 1 is a foundational, proficiency based course which combines elementary grammar concepts with speaking, reading, writing and an introduction to Hispanic cultures and histories. Students will speak, read, write and understand Spanish on a level reflective of his emerging proficiency level.

Spanish 2 is a proficiency oriented course of language acquisition, which combines the study of intermediate Spanish grammar with exercises in speaking, reading and writing, and a further study of the Hispanic culture and history. The student will speak, read, write and understand Spanish on a level commensurate with his emerging level of language acquisition.

Spanish 3 combines the review of Spanish grammar with intensive practice in reading, writing, speaking and listening. The student will develop cultural sensitivity through contact with authentic materials such as videos and readings by famous Hispanic writers and personalities. The student will respond by speaking, reading, writing and understanding on a level commensurate with his emerging proficiency level.

The AP literature course, Spanish AP, is a year-long course which allows for an in-depth study of the works on the AP reading list. This provides ample time for individual interpretation, for interpersonal discussion and performance assessments. The AP classes are designed to be individually paced, with an emphasis on developing academic routine and independent academic goals. The course outcomes are aligned with the AP standards to include vocabulary, literary terms and oral and written communication in Spanish. The classes are conducted exclusively in Spanish.

In French 1, emphasis is placed on conversation skills used in the following situations: greeting and becoming acquainted with new friends; ordering basic foods and beverages; discussing the seasons of the year and the weather; talking about what you do daily; and discussing your possessions. This is an oral participation class. Be prepared to speak many times in each class period! French 1 is a foundational, proficiency based course which combines elementary grammar concepts with speaking, listening, reading, writing and an introduction to French-speaking cultures and histories. Students will speak, read, write and understand French on a level reflective of their emerging proficiency level. They are expected to improve their skills on a weekly basis so they can complete the course with an intermediate-mid designation in accordance with ACTFL guidelines and National Foreign Language Standards.

In French 2, Emphasis is placed on conversation and written skills used in the following situations: home and family; out and about in school and in the city; shopping for clothes; and leisure time activities. This is an oral participation class. Be prepared to speak many times in each class period.

In French 3, emphasis is placed on building confidence in conversation and written skills used in the following situations: describing physical appearance and personality traits of yourself and others, making plans for weekend activities and describing what you plan to do and what you did, detailed meal planning and grocery shopping, and details about your leisure time activities.

In French 4, emphasis is placed on enhancing the student’s skills in using the language. Additional grammar and vocabulary are introduced in context of everyday situations and accuracy is stressed. Ample opportunity is given for the student to apply what has been learned in the previous years of study. The student assumes more responsibility of demonstrating a constantly improving fluency in the language through more independent work.

8th Grade French/Spanish Culture:

French/Spanish Culture 1:

14 days of French followed by 14 days of Spanish each consisting of the following topics in both languages:

Greetings and Courtesy Expressions

Alphabet/Spelling

Numbers 0-20

Shapes/Colors

Current Cultural Holidays celebrated in French and Spanish-speaking countries (changes for each hectamester depending on the time of year)

French/Spanish Culture 2:

14 days of French followed by 14 days of Spanish each consisting of the following topics in both languages:

Greetings and Courtesy Expressions (a review of some words from the first part plus an addition of new words)

Feelings/Emotions

Weather/Seasons

Clothing/Colors

Current Cultural Holidays celebrated in French and Spanish-speaking countries (changes for each hectamester depending on time of year)