World Languages

Department Overview:

Amherst Regional High School offers world language courses in Chinese, French, Latin, and Spanish.  Our program is designed to accommodate both students with prior experiences in world language courses as well as those who wish to begin language study at the high school level.  Students taking beginning level courses will master basic skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.  In addition, students will use these skills to explore cultural topics essential to understanding the context of the target language, and in a broader sense, the elements common to world cultures.  Students in intermediate and advanced courses will have a more extensive study of structures, vocabulary, and literature with an increasing emphasis on more complex language use. Students are encouraged to follow the sequence of courses through Level 5/Advanced Placement.  Amherst College and the University of Massachusetts provide additional opportunities for upper level courses in world languages for high school students, although special considerations for scheduling must be met.  Beginning level language courses are designed for non-native speakers of the target language.  Heritage speakers of Chinese, French, and Spanish need to take a placement test to help us find the most appropriate course for their language ability.  Since the majority of our students begin language study at the Middle School, level 1 courses will only be offered at the high school level if there is sufficient enrollment.  When selecting a level 1 language, students should indicate a second-choice preference.

Accelerated Study

In exceptional cases, some students may qualify to test out of a level of our World Language program. Interested students must come up with a written proposal for study, and then they must conference with their language teacher (or World Language department head if not currently enrolled in the language). This proposal must be approved by both the teacher and the department head by May 5, 2023. Successful proposals in the past have involved some combination of travel and intensive language experience in the target culture, coursework, and regular and rigorous work with a tutor over the summer. In addition, students must take the appropriate placement test by the end of August to determine if they have successfully prepared to move to their desired course level.

Students Transferring to the District

The Registrar’s Office will inform the World Language Department Head of the names of students who are either new or returning to the school system and wish to continue in a classical or modern world language course.  A written and oral examination will be administered and used in conjunction with the transcript from the previous school to determine the appropriate placement level.  The test for each level will be mutually agreed upon by all teachers of the language involved and approved by the department head.  Students will need to take the placement test before registering for classes.  Since this testing procedure is solely for placement purposes, no credits are awarded.

Language Exchange Programs

The World Language Department will periodically offer travel or exchange trips.  See classroom teachers for specific information. There will not be exchange programs during the 2023-2024 school year.

ARHS Graduation Requirement:

None, but see the next section.

Massachusetts State University Admissions Requirement

All Massachusetts colleges and universities require that a student complete at least two courses in the same classical or modern world language in high school. Competitive or selective schools often require completion of Level 3, 4, or AP.  Students should check with the colleges that interest them in order to determine their entrance requirements in world language. 

Grouping

The world language department offers courses at both the honors and college prep level.  In most cases, courses are grouped with honors and CP combined in the same class (i.e. students in French 1 and French 1/H are grouped together).  Students choosing to work at the honors level can expect more extensive homework and out-of-class assignments and will have assessments that require greater linguistic competency.   Students who wish to continue their study of language at the honors level must earn at least a grade of B- in the previous honors level class. Students who receive an A or A- and wish to move from college prep to honors the following year are encouraged to talk to their teacher.  Also, due to the cumulative nature of world language study, it is recommended that students who do not maintain a C- average at the CP level consult with the current teacher and department head before advancing to the next level.  

Course Descriptions:

Chinese 1 (401)

Chinese 1/H (401B)

Credits: 4

Prerequisite: None.

This course meets the needs of high school students, 9-12, beginning the study of Chinese.  Emphasis is on developing oral proficiency and listening comprehension.   Reading and writing skills will be addressed in introductory activities to reinforce oral and listening skills.  Students will learn a certain amount of Chinese characters.  Cultural aspects of the language will be introduced on an on-going basis.  Homework is to be expected daily. 

Honors Option:  Students will learn more characters; special assignments lead to developing speaking and writing skills.  Daily homework and special projects are to be expected.

Chinese 2 (402aB)

Credits: 4

Prerequisite: Chinese 1B

Using the same teaching method as in Chinese 1 Honors, material will be presented that builds on the knowledge gained in the first level course.  All four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing will be further developed.  More sophisticated skills, such as sentence patterns and word order unique to the Chinese language, will be introduced.  There will be more emphasis on reading and writing than there was in Chinese 1.  As in Chinese 1, cultural aspects of the language will be an integral part of the course.  Daily homework is required.

Chinese 2/Honors (402bB)

Credits: 4

Prerequisite: B- in Chinese 1B or permission of the department head

A continuation of Chinese 1 Honors, this course is designed for the needs of students who perform exceptionally well.  Special assignments lead to developing active speaking and writing skills.  Daily homework and special projects are to be expected.

Chinese 3 (403aB)

Credits: 4

Prerequisite: Chinese 2 or Chinese 2/Honors 

This course is a continuation of Chinese 2, with studies in more advanced language structure.  Students will be required to engage in oral communications in complex situations within the proper cultural context and background.  More writing and character learning will be emphasized, leading to skills in writing compositions in Chinese.  Daily homework is required.

Chinese 3/Honors (403bB)

Credits: 4

Prerequisite: B- in Chinese 2/Honors or permission of the department head

For students who possess an advanced understanding of language structure and have superior listening and speaking skills.  All skills are expanded through class conversation, discussion of contemporary culture and special writing activities.

Chinese 4 (405aB)

Credits: 4

Prerequisite:  Chinese 3 or Chinese 3/Honors

This course is a continuation of Chinese 3. All areas of learning in Chinese 3 will be expanded and strengthened.  After successful completion of this course, students can be expected to reach the level of skills equivalent to a second-year university course in Chinese.  Daily homework will be required.

Chinese 4/Honors (405bB)

Credits: 4

Prerequisite:  B- in Chinese 3/Honors or permission of the department head

In addition to the above, independent study on selected material from current newspapers and/or magazines, literary articles, essays, etc. from China and Taiwan will be required.  Students will be expected to write term-paper projects and compositions in Chinese.  Daily homework will be required.

Chinese 5 (406aB) 

Credits: 4

Prerequisite: B- in Chinese 4 or Chinese 4/Honors or permission of the department head

These courses are a continuation of Chinese 4 with studies in more advanced language structure. Both Level 5 and Advanced Placement options require a high degree of competency in listening, speaking, reading, writing and recording. Students are trained equally in these five skills in order to be fully prepared for the national examination in the spring.  This course provides practice in oral communications in complex situations within the proper cultural context and background.  Authentic material will be emphasized.  Reading and writing will encompass different genres and will be done all in Chinese characters.  Daily homework will be required. This course is conducted entirely in Chinese.

Chinese/AP (407B)

Credits: 4

Prerequisite: B- in Chinese 4 or Chinese 4/Honors or permission of the department head

These courses are a continuation of Chinese 4 with studies in more advanced language structure. Both Level 5 and Advanced Placement options require a high degree of competency in listening, speaking, reading, writing and recording. Students are trained equally in these five skills in order to be fully prepared for the national examination in the spring.  This course provides practice in oral communications in complex situations within the proper cultural context and background.  Authentic material will be emphasized.  Reading and writing will encompass different genres and will be done all in Chinese characters.  Daily homework will be required. This course is conducted entirely in Chinese.

Chinese Culture and Literature (408B)

Credits: 4

Prerequisite: Completion of Chinese AP or permission of the Instructor

This course focuses on literacy development and continued development of speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Students will study classic, popular, and realist literature from China. Culture is taught through the reading and discussion of literary works and also discussion of students’ life experiences. This course is designed for students who are fluent in Chinese and is conducted entirely in Chinese. Daily homework is required. This course may be taken twice.

French 1 (421B)

French 1/Honors (420B)

Credits: 4

Prerequisite: None

This course meets the needs of high school students, 9-12, beginning the study of French. Emphasis is on developing oral proficiency and listening comprehension.  Reading and writing skills will be addressed in introductory activities to reinforce oral and listening skills. Cultural aspects of the language will be introduced on an ongoing basis. Homework is to be expected daily.

French 2 (425B)

Credits: 4

Prerequisite: French 1B or French 1/Honors

A continuation of beginning level French, this course is designed to increase basic communication skills, as well as reading and writing skills. Cultures of French-speaking people are further explored.  Daily homework is to be expected. This course is taught mainly in French.

French 2/Honors (426B)

Credits: 4  

Prerequisite: B- in French 1B or French 1/Honors or permission of the department head

This course follows completion of French 1B in the Middle School, or 1 Honors in the High School, and is designed for the needs of students who perform exceptionally well.  Speaking, reading, listening comprehension and writing skills are expanded.  Special assignments lead toward developing creative speaking and writing skills.  Daily homework and special projects are to be expected. This course is taught mainly in French.

French 3 (427B)

Credits: 4

Prerequisite: French 2 or French 2/Honors

All four language skills are further expanded, with increasing development of reading and writing skills.  Review and expansion of language structure is emphasized.  Special readings, films and recorded cultural materials supplement core materials.  Daily homework is required. This course is taught mainly in French. 

French 3/Honors (428B)

Credits: 4

Prerequisite: B- in French 2/Honors or permission of the department head

All four skills will continue to be developed with an increased emphasis on vocabulary expansion and understanding of more advanced language structures.  All language skills are expanded through increasing class conversation, discussion about cultural topics, short readings, and special writing activities.   Daily homework and special projects are required. This course is taught in French. 

French 4 (429B) 

Credits: 4

Prerequisite: French 3 or French 3/Honors

Skills required in previous level courses are expanded.  Vocabulary and structures learned in levels 1-3 are reviewed and further developed.  Cultural readings, films, songs and selections from French literature supplement the core text.  Daily homework and special projects are required. This course is taught in French. 

French 4/Honors (430B)

Credits: 4    

Prerequisite: B- in French 3/Honors or permission of the department head

Skills acquired in previous honors level courses are expanded, with increasing emphasis on reading (from newspaper articles to literature), writing and discussion.  Essential grammar is reviewed and expanded; literary past tenses are introduced.  Several important authors from the nineteenth to the twenty first centuries are studied (Rimbaud, Maurois, de Beaumont, Camus...), as well as the work of various cinematographers (Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Dany Boon, Guillaume Canet).  Daily homework and special projects are required.  Students will continue to develop skills which are typically tested in the national Advanced Placement Exam given at the end of the study sequence in French. This course is taught entirely in French. 

French 5 (431B) 

Credits: 4

Prerequisite: French 4 or French 4/Honors

This course is designed for students who have successfully completed French 4 or who have the recommendation of the department head. The course focuses on refining conversational skills and reviewing essential grammar points, as well as exploring advanced grammar and complex sentence structure. Contemporary francophone culture is highlighted. Key authors from the nineteenth, twentieth, and twenty first centuries are studied (Maupassant, Barbery, Pavloff, Schmitt, Camus...), as are the works of several contemporary francophone cinematographers (Olivier Dahan, Michel Hazanavicius, Marjane Satrapi...) Units on sociopolitical aspects of French and francophone history from the twentieth century to the present are examined. The role of France and francophone countries in contemporary international relations provides another facet of this course.  This course is taught entirely in French. 

French/AP (432B)

Credits: 4

Prerequisite: B- in French 4/Honors or permission of the department head

In addition to following the French 5 course outlined above, this Advanced Placement course requires a high degree of competency in listening, speaking, reading, writing and recording.  The students are trained equally in these five skills in order to be fully prepared for the national examination in the spring. It provides practice in contemporary usage through selected readings in culture and civilization and the development of writing and speaking abilities in extemporaneous contexts. The 6 AP themes will be covered on a regular basis. This course is taught entirely in French.

Latin 1 (463aB)

Latin 1/Honors (463bB)

Credits: 4  

Prerequisite: None

This course is designed for students in grades 9-12 who wish to begin the study of Latin and learn about the world of the ancient Romans.  We study basic vocabulary and grammar as we learn about the life of a Roman family in 1st century Italy.  Regular review of derivatives and language structures increases the student’s knowledge and understanding of English. Homework will include vocabulary study and language exercises. Class work will include various sorts of fun games, oral vocabulary practice, oral reading of Latin, translation, analysis of grammatical structures, creative projects, acting out of stories, and creating self-help grammar guides. Both individual and group work is emphasized. 

Honors Option: Students electing the Latin I/Honors option will be expected to have a more complete ability to explain the grammar and syntax of the Latin we read. They will complete more in-depth work on homework and assessments and occasionally engage in projects involving additional reading and composition outside of the classroom.

Latin 2 (464aB)

Credits: 4

Prerequisite: Latin 1B or Latin 1, Latin 1/Honors

This course is a continuation of Latin 1 or Latin 1B. Through readings of Roman mythological stories in Latin prose and poetry, this course develops more advanced skills in the translation and analysis of written Latin. The relationship of Latin to English grammar and vocabulary is stressed. Short examples of Latin literature are introduced. Homework and class work will include oral vocabulary practice, translation, analysis of grammatical structures, acting out of stories, and creating of self-help grammar guides; both individual and group work is emphasized. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their reading comprehension through a variety of media.

Latin 2/Honors (464bB)

Credits: 4

Prerequisite: B- in Latin 1B or Latin 1/Honors or permission of the department head

Students electing the Latin 2/Honors option will be required to complete additional translation assignments. They will be responsible for a more complete explanation of grammar and syntax of Latin sentences.

Latin 3 (465aB)

Credits: 4

Prerequisite: Latin 2 or Latin 2/Honors

This course is for students who have completed Latin 2.  Students will build vocabulary and increase their knowledge of syntax within the framework of reading specific authors.  The author we read is Petronius, who introduces students to various facets of life in the early Roman Empire through an amusic, satirical story. Depending on our reading pace, students might also read from Cicero, who introduces them to the political upheavals of the last days of the Roman Republic. Reading homework is a regular feature of the class.  Quizzes will be given on vocabulary, translation, syntactical analysis, and political background.  Oral reading of Latin will become increasingly important.  Students will demonstrate their comprehension of the authors read through translations, essays on assigned topics, as well as projects and group activities.

Latin 3/Honors (465bB) 

Credits: 4

Prerequisite: B- in Latin 2/Honors or permission of the department head

Students electing the Latin 3 honors option will be expected to undertake a deeper analysis of the relationship between the structure of the language and the author’s literary purpose.  A high level of grammar and syntax mastery is expected. Students will be required to complete additional translation assignments.       

Latin 4 (466aB)

Credits: 4

Prerequisite: Latin 3 or Latin 3/Honors

This course is for students who have completed Latin 3 and wish to continue the study of Latin literature with advanced Latin readings, drawn from such authors as Catullus, Ovid, and Horace. Quizzes and tests will require translation, scansion, and literary analysis. Oral reading and the memorization of brief Latin passages help develop an appreciation for the literary qualities of the prose and poetry. Daily written translation, vocabulary practice and/or grammar review are required for homework. 

Latin 4/Honors (466bB)

Credits: 4

Prerequisite: B- in Latin 3/Honors or permission of the department head

This is a course for students who have completed Latin 3, and wish to pursue their Latin studies by extensive, close reading of such authors as Catullus, Ovid, and Horace. Students taking the course at Honors level need to have a strong base in grammar and syntax on which they will build a sophisticated understanding of the authors we read.  Oral reading and the memorization of brief Latin passages help develop an appreciation for the literary qualities of the prose and poetry. Quizzes and tests will require translation, scansion, thorough explanation of grammar and syntax and sophisticated literary analysis.  Daily written translation, along with vocabulary building and grammar review are required for homework. Students at the honors level need a strong grounding in Latin grammar and vocabulary. Students will be required to complete additional translation assignments.

Latin 5 (467B)

Credits: 4

Prerequisite: Latin 4 or Latin 4/Honors

This course is for students who have completed Latin 4 and wish to continue the study of Latin literature with Caesar and Vergil.  This course will be taught in conjunction with the AP Latin course.  Quizzes and tests will require translation, scansion, and literary analysis.  Daily written translation, vocabulary practice and/or grammar review are required for homework.

Latin/AP (468B)

Credits: 4

Prerequisite: B- in Latin 4/Honors or permission of the department head

This course is for students who have completed Latin 4 and wish to prepare for the AP exam in Latin by extensive, close reading of Caesar’s De Bello Gallico and Vergil’s Aeneid.  This course will be taught in conjunction with Latin 5.  Class discussion will focus on translation, scansion, comprehensive review of grammar and syntax along with a review of those structures peculiar to poetry, analysis of the literary quality of the epic in general and of Vergil’s Latin in particular, and exploration of the political and social context of each work.  Students taking the course at the AP level need to have a strong base in grammar and syntax on which they will build a sophisticated understanding of Vergil’s and Caesar’s texts.  Oral reading and the memorization of brief Latin passages help develop an appreciation for the literary quality of the poetry.  Quizzes and tests will require translation, scansion, thorough explanation of grammar and syntax, and sophisticated literary analysis based on class discussion and outside reading.  The typical homework assignment will be to prepare a translation and grammatical analysis of a passage of Latin.  Students will also read selections of both works in English. Students choosing the AP course need a strong grounding in Latin grammar and vocabulary and must be willing and able to commit significant time and effort to the work required by the AP curriculum.

Spanish 1 (480B)

Spanish 1/Honors (481B) 

Credits: 4

Prerequisite: None

This course meets the needs of high school students, 9-12, beginning the study of basic Spanish.  Emphasis is on developing oral proficiency and listening comprehension. Reading and writing skills will be addressed in introductory activities to reinforce oral and listening skills. Cultural aspects of the language will be introduced on an ongoing basis. Homework is to be expected daily. Topics to be covered include: Greetings, likes and dislikes, describing people and things, talking about school, family and food, and the present tense.

Spanish 2 (488B)

Credits: 4

Prerequisite: Spanish 1, Spanish 1B or Spanish 1/Honors

A continuation of developing all four language skills, with emphasis on oral communication, reviewing the present tense, introducing reflexive verbs, imperative mood and the preterite tense. Cultural aspects include foods and meals of Spanish-speaking peoples, shopping, sports, music, transportation and holidays.  Daily homework is required.

Spanish 2/Honors (489B)

Credits: 4

Prerequisite: B- in Spanish 1B or Spanish 1/Honors or permission of the department head

This course follows completion of Spanish 1B in the Middle School or 1/1 Honors in the High School. The four language skills are developed with emphasis on aural/oral communication, centered on a review of the present tense, reflexive verbs and an introduction to the preterite tense, the imperative mood.  Extensive vocabulary supplements are used in the application of new vocabulary in writing. Cultural supplements include the study of education, shopping, giving directions, sports, music, art and holidays in Spanish speaking countries.  Daily homework is required.

Spanish 3 (490B)

Credits: 4

Prerequisite: Spanish 2 or Spanish 2/Honors

This course is a continuation of Spanish 2, with increased emphasis on verb tenses, on reading and on speaking. After a comprehensive review of Spanish 1 and 2, we cover house/ dwelling vocabulary, as well as school, and after-school related vocabulary. The present tense is used throughout the course. The preterit tense is taught and practiced regularly: Students talk about activities they did ('I' form), ask about what their partners about what they did ('tu' form), and then write and/ or speak about their partners did ('el/ ella' form). It is also practiced in readings. The last unit of the course is reading a comprehensible novel about the life and work of Frida Kahlo. The course ends by familiarizing students with the imperfect tense. Daily homework is required.

Spanish 3/Honors (491B)

Credits: 4

Prerequisite: B- in Spanish 2/Honors or permission of the department head

This course is a continuation of Spanish 2 Honors, conducted entirely in Spanish.  The present and past tenses are strengthened through oral and written use. After a comprehensive review of Spanish 1 and 2, we cover house/ dwelling vocabulary, as well as school, and after-school related vocabulary. Students talk about activities they did ('I' form), ask about what their partners about what they did ('tu' form), and then write and/ or speak about their partners did ('el/ ella' form). It is also practiced in readings. The last unit of the course is reading a comprehensible novel about the life and work of Frida Kahlo. The course ends by familiarizing students with the imperfect tense. Daily homework is required.

Spanish 4 (493B)

Credits: 4

Prerequisite: Spanish 3 or Spanish 3/Honors

Grammatical structures and verb tenses presented in previous courses are reviewed. New grammatical structures are introduced. Cultural supplements include Latin America and Spain.  During the second semester, cultural readers, and short stories are introduced. Daily homework is required. Class is conducted primarily in Spanish. 

Spanish 4/Honors (494B)

Credits: 4

Prerequisite: B- in Spanish 3/Honors or permission of the department head

This course explores the culture and literature of the Spanish-speaking world. Verb tenses, other advanced points of grammar, vocabulary and idiomatic expressions are reviewed and studied. Oral and written expressions in Spanish are developed through discussion and narration of events and short essays. Class is conducted entirely in Spanish. Daily homework is required.

Spanish 5 (496B)

Credits: 4

Prerequisite: Spanish 4 or Spanish 4/Honors

For students who have successfully completed Spanish 4, this course provides a continued study of more advanced points of grammar, as well as continued development of vocabulary.  Students are expected to work with readings and to write as well as demonstrate an increased ability to express themselves orally with the language.  Spanish 5 is conducted entirely in Spanish.

Spanish/AP (497B)

Credits: 4

Prerequisite: B- in Spanish 4/Honors or permission of the department head

This Advanced Placement course requires a high degree of competency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.  The students are trained equally in these four skills in order to be fully prepared for the AP Exam in the spring.  The course treats grammatical points as meriting attention and review because they are common structures that must be mastered.  It provides practice in contemporary usage through selected readings in culture and civilization and the development of writing and speaking abilities in extemporaneous contexts.  This course is conducted entirely in Spanish.