Foreign Languages
Introduction
Students at Hanover High School can broaden their horizons and become more aware citizens of the United States and the world through regular contact with a language and culture markedly different from their own. If the understanding among citizens from different countries of the world depends upon the quality and genuineness of communication between individuals of different nations, then it stands to reason that language learning by young people will serve to strengthen the bonds between countries and enrich the lives of the learners.
The continuing objective of the language program at the high school is to provide the best possible preparation for all students as individuals. Their personal goals, abilities and aspirations, and the expectations of their parents and the entire community, guide the nature of the language offerings. To this end, the department offers four years of French, German, Latin, and Spanish. The immediate goal for each student is the acquisition of basic language skills. Each teacher attempts to create a sense of enthusiasm for the language, to instill in our students a feeling of joy at their accomplishments, and to provide the basis for a rich sharing of aesthetic and intellectual experience with other people throughout their lives.
German, French, and Spanish classes emphasize language as a means of verbal communication through practice in speaking and listening, and also offer extensive development in reading and writing. Latin classes emphasize language as a means of exploring the ancient world and of investigating its abundant connections to the modern one. In addition, students of both the modern and the classical languages also become acquainted with the geography, history, literature and art of a particular people. Periodic cultural trips are offered to France, Quebec, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and other sites around the Mediterranean, Spain, and Latin American countries.
Students in our courses are advised on course selection by their current language teacher who must approve their course registration sheet. Students not currently taking a foreign language should see the department coordinator. Students who would like to consider the Advanced Placement option for French, German, Latin, or Spanish, please refer to the Advanced Placement opportunities section of this handbook.
Honors Course Standards
Students in our honors courses will be held to rigorous standards regarding class preparation and participation, homework completion, and independent work. Accommodations are limited to those that do not compromise the rigor of the course. Students are expected to recall information on tests and quizzes without the use of such things as word banks, open books, note cards, or teacher-prepared class notes. Students are expected to participate orally in class (including responding aloud, oral partner and group work, and oral assessments) and, in modern language classes, to be able to present prepared reports orally to the class in the language of instruction.
Our Offerings
FRENCH
French is offered as a complete sequence of classes from beginning through advanced with both regular and honors classes after French 1. French 5 Honors will prepare interested students for the Advanced Placement. Note: No middle-school-age students will be advanced in French more than one level beyond their grade level. Example: An eighth grader who successfully completes French 2 Honors will be advanced to French 3 Honors and not to a higher level.
French 1
French 2 + 2H
French 3 + 3H
French 4 + 4H
French 5 + 5H
French 1
Grades: 9-12
CR: 1
Prerequisite: None
This beginning course is thematically designed to promote and encourage communication in real life situations. The course is guided by national and international standards to develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Using many interactive online resources, students will improve their skills and content knowledge while also exploring many cultural aspects of the French-speaking world.
French 2
CR: 1
Grades: 9-12
Prerequisite: French 1 with a grade of C or better
This course is for students who have successfully completed French 1 or its equivalent. Emphasis is placed on mastering pronunciation and grammar, as well as understanding and communicating oral and written French. Vocabulary expansion, recitation and reading, including an introduction to French literature, are also integral important parts of the program.
French 2 Honors
CR: 1
Grades: 9-12
Prerequisite: French 1 with a grade of B+ and approval of instructor
This course is for students who have thoroughly mastered the skills and content of a multi-year French 1 program. Emphasis is placed on grammar, as well as understanding and communicating oral and written French. Vocabulary expansion and intensive reading, including an introduction to French literature, are also integral parts of the program. Students will participate in the Grand Concours (AATF National French Exam) and the annual Poetry Recitation Contest. French 2 Honors offers a challenging, rigorous language experience to students at a faster pace and at a more advanced level than in a regular French course.
French 3
Grades: 9-12
CR: 1
Prerequisite: French 2 with a grade of C or better
This course is a continuation of the French 2 course and focuses on developing all four language skills: listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing. Greater fluency will be achieved through the study of grammar, vocabulary and cultural material. Cultural material includes contemporary French media and readings drawn from various genres in the 19th Century: poetry, short stories, abridged novels, plays and opera. Texts include works such as “The Necklace” by de Maupassant, “Around the World in 80 Days” by Jules Verne, and “Cyrano de Bergerac” by Rostand. Students will also watch films and study 19th Century painting.
French 3 Honors
Grades: 9-12
CR: 1
Prerequisite: French 2 Honors with a grade of B or better
This course is a continuation of the rigorous French 2 Honors course and focuses on developing all four language skills: listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing. Greater fluency will be achieved through the study of grammar, vocabulary and cultural material. Cultural material includes contemporary French media and readings drawn from various genres in the 19th Century: poetry, short stories, abridged novels, plays, and opera. Texts include works such as “The Necklace” by de Maupassant, “Around the World in 80 Days” by Jules Verne and “Cyrano de Bergerac” by Rostand. Students will also watch films and study 19rh Century painting. Students will participate in the Grand Concours (AATF National French Exam) and the annual Poetry Recitation Contest. French 3 Honors offers a challenging, rigorous language experience to students at a faster pace and at a more advanced level than in a regular French course.
French 4
Grades: 9-12
CR: 1
Prerequisite: French 3 with a grade of C or better
This course is a continuation of the French 3 course and focuses on developing all four language skills: listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing. It is a selected survey of French history, literature and art which focuses in the first semester on the prehistory through the 13th century. Contemporary cultural issues relevant to the historical study will be integrated and serve as a conduit for more abstract discussion of issues, perspectives and beliefs as well as more extensive writing assignments. Vocabulary development will be derived from the readings, cultural and historical study and relevant contemporary topics. The second semester will focus on the 14th through 17th centuries issues and the political, social and economic aspects involved. Students will continue to study grammatical concepts and to develop their second language learning skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing, observing and performing through interactive projects.
French 4 Honors
Grades: 9-12
CR: 1
Prerequisite: French 3 Honors with a grade of B or better
This course is a continuation of the rigorous French 3 Honors course and focuses on developing all four language skills: listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing. It is a selected survey of French history, literature and art which focuses in the first semester on the prehistory through the 13th century. Contemporary cultural issues relevant to the historical study will be integrated and serve as a conduit for more abstract discussion of issues, perspectives and beliefs as well as more extensive writing assignments. Vocabulary development will be derived from the readings, cultural and historical study and relevant contemporary topics. The second semester will focus on the 14th through 17th centuries, specifically on political, social, and economic issues. Students will continue to study grammatical concepts and to develop their second language learning skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing, observing and performing through interactive projects.
Students will participate in the Grand Concours (AATF National French Exam) and the Foreign Language Poetry Recitation Contest and will have the opportunity to complete the French 4H final project in an authentic environment in the French-speaking city of Québec with various native speakers. Additional preparatory sessions will be available to students interested in taking the Advanced Placement Test.
French 5
Grades: 9-12
CR: 1
Prerequisite: Intermediate French with a grade of C or better
This course is designed for all students who have successfully completed French 4. It is a selected survey of French history, literature and art which focuses in the first semester on the 17th through the 19th centuries. Contemporary cultural issues relevant to the historical study will be integrated and serve as a conduit for more abstract discussion of issues, perspectives and beliefs as well as more extensive writing assignments. Vocabulary development will be derived from the readings, cultural and historical study and relevant contemporary topics. The second semester will focus on the contemporary issues of the 20th and 21st centuries of various francophone countries and the political, social and economic aspects involved. Students will continue to study grammatical concepts and to develop their second language learning skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing, observing and performing through interactive projects.
French 5 Honors
Grades: 10-12
CR: 1
Prerequisite: French 4 Honors with a grade of B+ or better and recommendation from previous French teacher
This course is a continuation of the rigorous French 4 Honors course and focuses on developing all four language skills: listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing. It is a selected survey of French history, literature and art which focuses in the first semester on the 17th through the 19th centuries. Contemporary cultural issues relevant to the historical study will be integrated and serve as a conduit for more abstract discussion of issues, perspectives and beliefs as well as more extensive writing assignments. Vocabulary development will be derived from the readings, cultural and historical study and relevant contemporary topics. The second semester will focus on the contemporary issues of the 20th and 21st centuries of various francophone countries and the political, social and economic aspects involved. Students will continue to study grammatical concepts and to develop their second language learning skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing, observing and performing through interactive projects.
Students will participate in the Grand Concours (AATF National French Exam) and the Foreign Language Poetry Recitation Contest and will have the opportunity to complete the French 5H final project in an authentic environment in the French-speaking city of Québec with various native francophiles. Additional preparatory sessions will be available to students interested in taking the Advanced Placement Test.
GERMAN
German is offered as a complete sequence of classes from beginning through advanced with both regular and honors classes after German 1. All students are expected to participate in the annual German National Exam given by the AATG. All students also study and memorize some poetry in preparation for selection to participate in the annual Poetry Recitation Contest. German 4 and 5 Honors will help prepare interested students for the German Languages and Culture Advanced Placement Exam and German SAT II Subject Test.
German 1
German 2 + 2H
German 3 + 3H
German 4 + 4H
German 5 + 5H
German 1
Grades: 9-12
CR: 1
Prerequisite: None
Students in this introductory course, which is informed by national and international standards, should expect to acquire the basic skills of communication: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. They will develop these skills and improve their content knowledge by studying such things as greetings and introductions, likes and dislikes, the family, and many other themes appropriate to this level. Students should also expect to gain an appreciation for cultural differences between the US and German-speaking countries.
German 2 and German 2 Honors
Grades: 9-12
CR: 1
Prerequisite: German 1 with a grade of C or better or equivalent level of German (provided through level testing) for German 2; German 1 Honors with a grade of B+ or better and or teacher’s recommendation for German 2 Honors. During the first quarter, German 2 students could be placed in German 2 Honors after consultation with the instructor.
This course advances and expands the primary language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Emphasis is placed on the students’ growing ability to communicate orally and to begin to express themselves with increasing sophistication in short pieces of writing. The students will continue their study of German grammar, adding many new verb tenses and constructions, and will use their skills to interpret short texts dealing with the culture and history of German-speaking countries. All students in Level 2 will take the National German Exam of the AATG in January.
German 3 and German 3 Honors
Grades: 9-12
CR: 1
Prerequisite: German 2 with a grade of C or better or equivalent level of German (provided through level testing); German 2 Honors with a grade of B+ or better and/or teacher’s recommendation for German 3 Honors.
This course will reinforce and further all skills, with German 3 Honors setting higher expectations for more in-depth study at an advanced level. It will expand topics of previous language studies and introduce new topics for discussion in academic situations. Greater mastery will be achieved by continuing to study grammar and vocabulary both as the focus of lessons and by using authentic materials in different media (text, film, podcasts, artworks, music, songs, etc.) to further explore cultural and historical themes.
German 4 and German 4 Honors
Grades: 9-12
CR: 1
Prerequisite: German 3 with a grade of C or better or equivalent level of German (provided through level testing); German 3 Honors with a grade of B+ or better and teacher’s recommendation for German 4 Honors.
The German 4 course will further develop mastery of the four skills (listening, reading, speaking and writing), with the German 4 Honors course setting higher expectations for more in-depth study. The course aims to help the students attain a higher level of both oral and written proficiency by engaging them in the further study and analysis of authentic materials. They will learn to discuss and write using more abstract terminology and more sophisticated grammatical constructions. Through preparation for the AATG National Exam some students will also be prepared to take the SAT II Subject Test and the AP German exam by the end of the school year.
German 5 and German 5 Honors
Grades: 9-12
CR: 1
Prerequisite: German 4 with a grade of C or better or equivalent level of German (provided through level testing); German 4 Honors with a grade of B+ or better and teacher’s recommendation for German 5 Honors. German 5 refines the use of the German language in all four skills. Students often work independently or in small groups planning presentations and large projects. The variety of activities encourages the students to explore their own interests as a way of strengthening their command of the language and their understanding of the German-speaking world. German 5 Honors parallels the curriculum of German 5, but has more rigorous expectations regarding the command of grammatical detail and the sophistication of both oral and written expression. A wide variety of authentic sources are used to aid the students in strengthening their mastery in the four areas of communication. Emphasis is placed on the practical uses of German as a tool for engaging productively in the modern world. Participating students will develop skills adequate to take the SAT II Subject Test and/or College Board Advanced Placement Exam in the German language.
LATIN
The Latin program, consisting of a 4-5 year sequence, offers students the opportunity to explore the cultures, beliefs, and history of the ancient Romans through learning their language and reading their literature. Students will examine both Latin's enormous influence on the English language and the classical world's pervasive influence on many modern cultural institutions. Our classes reinforce students' knowledge of English and provide them with strong linguistic foundations for studying other languages in the future. In all classes students learn Latin grammar and vocabulary while reading and translating passages from textbooks and authentic sources. Our highest level is a hybrid pair of courses (Latin 4 Honors / Latin 5 Honors) that will prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Latin exam administered by the College Board (see the Advanced Placement section of this handbook).
Latin 1 + 1H
Latin 2 + 2H
Latin 3 + 3H
Latin 4 + 4H
Latin 5H
Latin 1 and Latin 1 Honors
Grades 9-12
CR: 1
Prerequisite: None
Students begin their study of the Romans' language by reading stories in Latin about daily life in ancient Pompeii, Roman Britain, and Greco-Roman Egypt. They learn elementary Latin grammar and vocabulary, English derivatives, and general language skills with the aid of both our textbooks, Cambridge Latin Course Units 1 and 2, and supplemental, unadapted passages from Roman authors. Students also encounter the Romans' language and culture, especially classical mythology, through recitations, paintings, sculptures, classical music, and videos. First-year students opting for honors credit will complete additional assignments and projects as prescribed by the teacher. Latin 1 Honors students and qualified Latin 1 students will take the National Latin Exam in March.
Latin 2
Grades 9-12
CR: 1
Prerequisite: Latin 1 with a grade of C or better
Students continue their study of the Romans' language by reading stories in Latin about the politics lurking behind Rome's military presence in Britain in the 80s CE. With the aid of our textbook, Cambridge Latin Course Unit 3, and supplemental, unadapted passages from Roman authors, they cement their knowledge of noun declensions, verb conjugations, and adjective agreement while meeting such new elements of grammar as ablatives, participles, and the subjunctive mood. Students also examine aspects of Roman government, military life, art and architecture, the calendar, and religious beliefs through recitations, inscriptions and graffiti, artwork and classical music, and videos. Qualified Latin 2 students will take the National Latin Exam in March.
Latin 2 Honors
Grades 9-12
CR: 1
Prerequisite: Latin 1 with a grade of A or better; Latin 1 Honors with a grade of B or better.
Students continue their study of the Romans' language at a more accelerated pace by reading stories in Latin about the politics suffusing Rome's occupations of Britain and Judea. With the aid of our textbook, Cambridge Latin Course Unit 3, and supplemental, unadapted passages from Roman authors, they cement their knowledge of noun declensions, verb conjugations, and adjective agreement while meeting such new elements of grammar as ablatives, all participles, the passive voice, and the subjunctive mood and its many uses. Students also examine aspects of Roman government, military life, art and architecture, the calendar, and religious beliefs through recitations, inscriptions and graffiti, artwork and classical music, and videos. Latin 2 Honors students take the National Latin Exam in March.
Latin 3
Grades 9-12
CR: 1
Prerequisite: Latin 2 with a grade of C or better
Students continue their study of Latin by reading passages that revolve around the complicated (and often deadly) politics of Rome, the imperial capital. Students review all basic Latin grammar thoroughly before going on to participles, certain infinitive uses, conditional sentences, and the independent subjunctive as needed in the reading. The textbook is Cambridge Latin Course Unit 3, supplemented by unadapted passages from Roman authors. In addition to studying the language, students learn about Roman religion, philosophy, building techniques, and the Romans’ relations with the Jews and Christians through recitations, inscriptions and graffiti, artwork and classical music, and videos. Qualified Latin 2 students will take the National Latin Exam in March.
Latin 3 Honors
Grades 9-12
CR: 1
Prerequisite: Latin 2 Honors with a grade of B or better; for exceptionally qualified students, Latin 1 Honors upon recommendation of the instructor and with the expectation of additional independent preparation
Students preparing to read Latin literature at the advanced level spend their third year navigating through the turbulent waters of ancient Roman politics and intrigue in readings that incorporate a thorough review of all previous grammar and vocabulary. With the aid of our textbook, Cambridge Latin Course Unit 4, supplemented by an increasing number of unadapted passages from Roman authors, students complete their study of Latin grammar, concentrating on such complex forms and constructions as indirect statement, conditional sentences, gerunds and gerundives, and independent subjunctives. Students also begin to examine style variations used in Roman literature as well as poetic meter and literary devices. For those intending to take the Advanced Latin class the following year, this course provides a preview of the authors and themes within the Advanced Placement syllabi. Latin 3 Honors students take the National Latin Exam in March.
Latin 4 / Roman Literature in Translation
Grades 9-12
CR: 1
Prerequisite: Latin 3 with a grade of C or better
Latin 4 students conclude their study of Latin grammar and delve into a year-long exploration of Roman history and culture through its various literary forms. Specifically, this course traces the development of Latin literature by genres and major Roman authors. Students will read selections of epic and lyric poetry, comedy and tragedy, satire, historical writings, political orations and treatises, war commentaries, inscriptions, and personal letters. The course’s hybrid syllabus includes our textbooks, Cambridge Latin Course Units 3 and 4, supplemented by passages from a variety of Roman authors in Latin and English. Students are expected to prepare readings, contribute to class discussions, participate in debates, compose written responses, and complete one research project per semester. Class activities will also involve recitations, inscriptions and graffiti, artwork and classical music, and videos. Qualified Latin 4 students will take the National Latin Exam in March.
Latin 4 Honors
Grades 9-12
CR: 1
Prerequisite: Latin 3 Honors with a grade of B or better
See below.
Latin 5 Honors
Grades 10-12
CR: 1
Prerequisite: Latin 4 Honors with a grade of B or better
Latin students reaching the highest levels of our program will immerse themselves in the literature of Rome's tumultuous transition from Republic to Empire. Our syllabus, spanning a two-year cycle, will focus on a pair of master works of prose and poetry, both included in the College Board’s new AP syllabus. The first text (Caesar's Gallic War), heralding the end of the Republic, embeds us within Rome's legions as the General prepares for his real adversaries back in Rome. The second text (Vergil's Aeneid), celebrating the birth of the Empire, traces the mythic adventure of a defeated prince from the ruins of his homeland to the founding of a new people. Students will expand their understanding of Latin grammar and vocabulary with extensive, contextualized review. They will also improve their skills of literary analysis, learning to scan poetry, to interpret figurative language and rhetorical devices, and to recite passages with a deepening sensitivity to cadence, tone, and mood. As they transition from learning a language to studying its literature (i.e., from translating to reading), students will discuss problems within each text, teach passages to the class, and compose essays (in English) that closely examine these Latin passages. Our study of these texts will conclude with an investigation into their broader influences both on their immediate Roman audiences and on medieval and modern ones. Please note: This course will prepare interested students for the Advanced Placement Latin exam in the spring. For more information, see the Advanced Placement section of this handbook. All Latin 4 Honors / Latin 5 Honors students will take the National Latin Exam in March.
SPANISH
Spanish is offered as a complete sequence of classes from beginning through advanced with both regular and honors classes after Spanish 1. All honors students are expected to participate in the annual Spanish National Exam given by the AATSP. All students study and memorize some poetry in preparation for selection to participate in the annual Poetry Recitation Contest. Spanish 5 Honors will prepare interested students for the Advanced Placement Exam.
Spanish 1
Spanish 2 + 2H
Spanish 3 + 3H
Spanish 4 + 4H
Spanish 5 + 5H
Spanish 1
Grades 9-12
CR: 1
Prerequisite: None
Students in the introductory course should expect to acquire the basic skills of communication: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. They will develop these skills by studying such things as greetings and introductions, likes and dislikes, the family and other appropriate themes. Students should also expect to gain an appreciation for cultural differences between the U.S.A. and Spanish-speaking countries.
Spanish 2
Grades 9-12
CR: 1
Prerequisite: Spanish 1 with a grade of C or better
This course advances and expands the primary language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students become more proficient in their oral communications through partnered oral activities and dramatic skits. The course introduces many new grammatical concepts, especially different verb conjugations. Students read short stories and native legends to increase comprehension. Emphasis is placed on learning about the history, art and customs of Mexico as the students expand their vocabulary and understanding.
Spanish 2 Honors
Grades 9-12
Credit: 1
Prerequisite: Spanish 1 with a grade of B+ and approval of teacher
This accelerated course is a challenging in-depth study of the Spanish language through practical application. Emphasis is placed on the students’ growing ability to communicate orally and to begin to express themselves with increasing sophistication in short pieces of writing. The students will continue their study of Spanish grammar, adding many new verb tenses and constructions, and will use their skills to interpret short texts dealing with the culture and history of Mexico and other Latin American countries.
Spanish 3
Grades 9-12
CR: 1
Prerequisites: Spanish 2 with a grade of C or better or recommendation of teacher
Spanish 3 continues the practice of communicating in Spanish by listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students review and expand their knowledge of grammar, literature, history, art and culture with an emphasis on Spain. Students improve their communication skills by both reading more challenging pieces and writing longer compositions.
Spanish 3 Honors
Grades 9-12
CR: 1
Prerequisite: Spanish 2 Honors with a grade of B or better or recommendation of teacher
This is an accelerated Spanish course for highly motivated students. The students will further develop their skills through continued and intensified study of authentic sources. The students will practice oral and written communication using more complex constructions and vocabulary after an in-depth review of grammar. Fluency, both oral and written, will be greatly improved through the study and discussion of the culture, art and literature of Spain.
Spanish 4
Grades 9-12
CR: 1
Prerequisite: Spanish 3 with a grade of B- or better and recommendation of the teacher
Students will continue to improve their communication skills by addressing topics of historical and cultural significance in the Hispanic world. Students will also study the Hispanic presence in the U.S. as well as political and social issues relating to many Latin American countries. In the study of grammar, emphasis is placed on correct usage and increasing fluency. The course also includes the reading of short stories, poems, and plays by Hispanic writers.
Spanish 4 Honors
Grades 9-12
CR: 1
Prerequisite: Spanish 3 Honors with a grade of B+ or better and recommendation of the teacher
A very challenging and exciting course for the interested Spanish student. Spanish 4 Honors also studies the Spanish-speaking world, with special emphasis on Central and South America, and the history of immigration to the U.S. The course imposes additional expectations with regard to the quality, length and sophistication of written and oral expression. Students will hone their aural comprehension skills in Spanish by listening to podcasts, videos, songs and guest speakers.
Spanish 5
Grade 10-12
CR: 1
Prerequisite: Spanish 4 with a grade of B or better and recommendation of the teacher
Spanish 5 refines the use of the Spanish language in all four skills. Students often work independently or in small groups planning presentations and large projects. The variety of activities encourages the students to explore their own interests as a way of strengthening their command of the language and their understanding of the Spanish-speaking world.
Spanish 5 Honors
Grade 10-12
CR: 1
Prerequisite: Spanish 4 Honors with a grade of B or better and recommendation of the teacher
This class parallels the curriculum of Spanish 5 but has more rigorous expectations regarding the command of grammatical detail and the sophistication of both oral and written expression. A wide variety of authentic sources are used to aid the students in strengthening their mastery in the four areas of communication. Emphasis is placed on the practical uses of Spanish as a tool for engaging productively in the modern world. Participating students will develop skills adequate to take the SAT II Subject Test and/or College Board Advanced Placement Exam in the Spanish language.