World Languages

French I (WLA102)

Prerequisite: None | Grade Level(s): 9-12 | Credits: 1   

In French I, basic grammar is taught along with useful vocabulary relevant to everyday life. This includes sports, food, clothing, travel, animals, weather, time, etc. Students learn the present and immediate future tenses, as well as commands. Pronunciation is learned and then practiced in dialogues and daily work. Communication by writing and reading is also learned. Projects are used to reinforce what is learned in the classroom. French culture is introduced by various means: the text, actual experiences of the teacher, cooking and eating native food, photos, slides, videos, and field trips when possible.

French II (WLA103)

Prerequisite: French I | Grade Level(s): 9-12 | Credits: 1   

In French II, grammar and vocabulary continue on a more sophisticated level, but one to which the students can still easily relate. Pronunciation practice and oral communication are continued. Students continue to work with the present and are introduced to the past tense. Relevant cultural information is continually shared in relation to chapter topics.

French III (WLA104)

Prerequisite: French II | Grade Level(s): 9-12 | Credits: 1   

In French III, new vocabulary words are learned, as are the finer points of French grammar and several new verb tenses. Short compositions are written in French, and dialogues are practiced and memorized. French is spoken often and encouraged. Relevant cultural information is continually shared in relation to chapter topics.

French IV (WLA105)

Prerequisite: French III | Grade Level(s): 9-12 | Credits: 1   

This course reviews nearly all French grammar and verb tenses. Vocabulary is further developed. Selected excerpts in French literature follow a survey of French history in French. Grades are based on class discussions, class work, speeches, tests, dialogues, and compositions. Additional course time is spent examining a variety of French novels.

French V (WLA106)

Prerequisite: French IV | Grade Level(s): 9-12 | Credits: 1   

This is structured as an independent study course. A review of French verbs and grammar is followed by novels, short stories, and poems in French.

Latin I (WLA342)

Prerequisite: None | Grade Level(s): 9-12 | Credits: 1   

Latin is a great class for students who are interested in medicine, law, and history.  Learning Latin also expands one's English vocabulary, through the study of root words.  Latin classes use a reading-based approach to learning, so students do not learn to speak the language.  By reading stories written in Latin, Latin I students learn  vocabulary and grammar.  They also explore the cultural background and history of the Ancient Roman people.  In Latin I the stories will follow a typical Roman family living in the city of Pompeii in the 1st century AD.

Latin II (WLA343)

Prerequisite: Latin I | Grade Level(s): 9-12 | Credits: 1   

Latin II continues the exploration of the Latin language through the reading and analyzing of stories written in Latin.  Students continue to develop their vocabulary and learn English derivatives.  They also learn more niche grammar rules and applications.  Culturally and historically, Latin II students study the Roman influence on the countries of England and Egypt. 

Latin III (WLA344)

Prerequisite: Latin II | Grade Level(s): 9-12 | Credits: 1   

Latin III significantly advances comprehension of Latin texts and stories through the learning of advanced syntax and grammar.  Students explore the history and culture of the Ancient Romans through the study of their political and military structure.

Latin IV (WLA345)

Prerequisite: Latin III | Grade Level(s): 9-12 | Credits: 1   

Latin IV covers authentic classical authors and their historical and literary influences.  Authors are chosen and rotated to explore different themes of classical literature, but are also based on student interests.  Some of the topics explored include: prose, poetry, and history, as well as fables and mythology.  Students will learn to translate, scan poetry for meter, and recognize rhetorical devices in both Latin and English.

Latin V (WLA346)

Prerequisite: Latin IV | Grade Level(s): 9-12 | Credits: 1   

Latin V continues to cover authentic classical authors and their historical and literary influences.  Authors are chosen and rotated to explore different themes of classical literature, but are also based on student interests.  Some of the topics explored include: prose, poetry, and history, as well as fables and mythology.  Students will learn to translate, scan poetry for meter, and recognize rhetorical devices in both Latin and English.

Latin VI (WLA350)

Prerequisite: Latin V | Grade Level(s): 9-12 | Credits: 1   

Latin VI continues to cover authentic classical authors and their historical and literary influences.  Authors are chosen and rotated to explore different themes of classical literature, but are also based on student interests.  Some of the topics explored include: prose, poetry, and history, as well as fables and mythology.  Students will learn to translate, scan poetry for meter, and recognize rhetorical devices in both Latin and English.

Practical Spoken Spanish (WLA0591)

Prerequisite: None | Grade Level(s): 9-12 | Credits: 1   

 Practical Spoken Spanish is intended for students who would like to know how to communicate with Spanish speakers in many everyday situations, especially in their career-related fields.  As this class focuses on speaking, all students must be ready and willing to participate.  Students may choose to use this class as a stand-alone Spanish experience, a springboard for Spanish I, a refresher in between Spanish levels, or as a practice class after they have finished their Spanish electives.  There will be something in the class for everyone.  Topics will include: greetings, numbers, common courtesies, food and restaurant vocabulary, academic conversations, travel, locations, basic grammar skills, and an independent study unit in which students may choose their own topics. 

Spanish I (WLA052)

Prerequisite: None | Grade Level(s): 9-12 | Credits: 1   

In Spanish I, basic grammar is taught along with useful vocabulary relevant to everyday life. This includes family, food, places, school, the classroom, weather, time, etc. Basic grammar will include plurals, definite and indefinite articles, regular and irregular present tense verb conjugations, adjective-noun agreement, interrogatives, etc.  Communication by writing and reading is also learned.  Listening activities are used for aural comprehension.  Projects are assigned frequently and used to reinforce what is learned in the classroom.  Much stress is placed on correct pronunciation, especially the five vowels.  Movies and food will accompany the cultural lessons. 

Spanish for Fluent Speakers I (WLA0571)

Prerequisite: Diagnostic Exam | Grade Level(s): 9-12 | Credits: 1   

This course is designed for our heritage speakers of Spanish and replaces traditional Spanish course work.  Spanish for Native Speakers/ Heritage Learners prepares native and heritage speakers to communicate in Spanish in all modes. This course reinforces and expands students’ skills to interpret (read, listen, view) and present (speak, write) information at the same level as they exchange (speak and listen; read and write) information, concepts, and ideas on a variety of topics. Spanish for Native Speakers courses advance students’ understanding of the relationships among the products, practices, and perspectives of the cultures included in the Spanish-speaking world. 

Spanish II (WLA053)

Prerequisite: Spanish I | Grade Level(s): 9-12 | Credits: 1   

 In Spanish II, grammar and vocabulary continue on a higher level, but one to which the students can still easily relate. Grammar will include comparisons, demonstrative adjectives, “tu” commands, object pronouns, ser vs. estar, saber vs. conocer,  preterite forms.  Vocabulary will include describing food, leisure activites, future with ir+a+infinitive, weather, clothing, and transportation etc.  Written and oral expression will be expanded.  Relevant culture related to the text will be discussed. Projects are assigned frequently and used to reinforce what is learned in the classroom. Movies and food will accompany the cultural lessons. 

Spanish III (WLA054)

Prerequisite: Spanish II | Grade Level(s): 9-12 | Credits: 1   

In Spanish III, the introduction of grammatical forms continues and students practice the culmination of their previous studies on a higher level, both orally and written. The influence of Hispanics and Spanish in the United States is also studied.  Projects are assigned regularly.

Spanish IV (WLA055)

Prerequisite: Spanish III | Grade Level(s): 9-12 | Credits: 1   

 A review of Spanish grammar is given with more detailed use in Spanish IV. In addition, a variety of Hispanic literature, including Latin American and Spanish authors, is read and studied. Authentic materials relating to the ACTFL Global themes are also covered. An emphasis is placed on culture as it relates to the topics covered. Students are expected to speak Spanish regularly in class.

Spanish V (WLA056)

Prerequisite: Spanish IV | Grade Level(s): 9-12 | Credits: 1   

 In Spanish V, grammar study is structured as independent study frequently. Spanish literature is covered. Grammar is reviewed. Independent study requires motivation and a strong commitment on the part of the student. It also requires sufficient academic preparation to enable the student to work independently. Students are expected to speak Spanish regularly in class.

Advanced Placement (AP) Spanish Language & Culture (WLA064)

Prerequisite: Spanish V and/or Teacher Recommendation | Grade Level(s): 10-12 | Credits: 1   

The AP Spanish Language and Culture course emphasizes communication (understanding and being understood by others) by applying interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational skills in real-life situations. This includes vocabulary usage, language control, communication strategies, and cultural awareness. The AP Spanish Language and Culture course strives not to overemphasize grammatical accuracy at the expense of communication. To best facilitate the study of language and culture, the course is taught almost exclusively in Spanish. The AP Spanish Language and Culture course engages students in an exploration of culture in both contemporary and historical contexts. The course develops students’ awareness and appreciation of cultural products (e.g., tools, books, music, laws, conventions, institutions); practices (patterns of social interactions within a culture); and perspectives (values, attitudes, and assumptions). As an integral part of the rigor of the course, each AP student is expected to take the AP exam in May.