World Languages

Course Availability

French 1 580210 1.0 Cr. 9,10,11,12

This is a basic foundational French course with emphasis on oral and aural skills along with simple reading and written exercises based on elementary grammar. Francophone cultures are introduced in English. Basic summer work is required. See HS website under Academics for details. 

French 2 580220 1.0 Cr. 9,10,11,12

This course continues the practice of basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Francophone cultures are continued in English and introduced in French.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of French 1, or teacher recommendation. 1-3 hours of summer work; see HS website under Academics for details. 

French 3 580230 1.0 Cr. 10,11,12

This course is the completion of the study of basic grammar, reading and writing exercises, and is designed to increase the student’s vocabulary and efficiency in self-expression. Aural/oral proficiency continues to be emphasized. Francophone cultures are discussed in French.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of French 2.

Advanced Placement French Language 580249 1.0 Cr. 10, 11,12

The AP course is the culmination of several years of dedicated study and can be used in preparation for the College Board’s Advanced Placement exam. The students are expected to be able to understand, speak, read, and write French at the college level. Since the course is focused on the mastery of language skills and Francophone culture, the class moves quickly and requires a willingness to work in French as much as possible.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of French 3, teacher recommendation, or a native student who has previously studied all academic subjects in French. Summer work, see HS website under Academics for details.

German 1 580310 1.0 Cr. 9,10,11,12

The student is trained to comprehend speaking, reading, writing and translating basic German. German culture is also presented through videos, readings and lectures about the culture, and the customs of the German-speaking countries. 

German 2 580320 1.0 Cr. 9,10,11,12

Skills acquired in German l are thoroughly reviewed and expanded.  Vocabulary is taught in the context of reading, writing, translating and speaking German. German culture is presented through videos, readings and lectures about the history, and customs of the German-speaking countries.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of German 1 or approval of the German teacher. 

German 3 580330 1.0 Cr. 9,10,11,12

All skills acquired in German 1 and 2 will be reinforced. Upon completing the course the student should be able to read and comprehend a variety of literature, maintain a conversation, and express themselves in writing on a variety of topics. German culture is presented through videos, readings and lectures about the history and customs of the German-speaking countries.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of German 2 or approval of the German teacher. 

Honors German 4 580346 1.0 Cr. 11,12

In this course, students will finish any major grammar structures and work on any groundwork needed to fully communicate in the German language. Students will expand their knowledge of the German language through the use of authentic materials such as newspapers, magazines, and movies. Use of the Internet will give the students the opportunity to experience the culture by watching news reports and visiting various websites of stores, newspapers, government, and music. Students are encouraged to use the language as much as possible.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of German 3 and approval of the German teacher 

Advanced Placement German  580359 1.0 Cr. 11,12

This course is designed to prepare students for the advanced placement exam in the spring. Several examples of each portion of the exam will be extensively reviewed and practiced. Major focuses are reading, writing, speaking, and listening in the German language through conversations, current readings, grammatical exercises, directed response question and answer, and essay writing. Students are not required to take the exam in order to be in this course, but are highly encouraged, as it is equivalent to a third year college language course.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of German 4 and approval of the German teacher 

Italian 1 580410 1.0 Cr. 9,10,11,12

This course is a basic fundamental introduction to culture, tradition, and the linguistic elements of Italian. Emphasis is placed on students gaining a foundation of the Italian language and culture through dialogues, simple readings, and written exercises. Basic information about the country, family, food, cities, sports, music, and the holidays is also included. 

Italian 2 580420 1.0 Cr. 9,10,11,12

This course is a continuation of the basic skills of listening, comprehension, speaking, and new grammatical structures with emphasis on building vocabulary, introduction to basic writing, and various cultural aspects.

Prerequisite: Italian I 

Italian 3 580430 1.0 Cr. 9,10,11,12

This course seeks to improve writing, reading, and speaking skills with an emphasis on composition dealing with specific topics. Students are encouraged to communicate in the language, master conversational patterns, and develop self-expression by using all major grammatical points, subjunctive mode inclusive.

Prerequisite: Italian 2 

Honors Italian 4 580446 1.0 Cr. 10,11,12

This course is a refinement of previous skills and covers the final chapters of grammar, again with an emphasis on reading and speaking. Particular attention will be paid to writing descriptive and creative paragraphs. A survey of major 20th century artistic and literary genres and their contributions will be presented.

Prerequisite: Italian 3 

AP Italian Language and Culture 580450 1.0 Cr. 11,12

AP Italian language and culture is designed for students with four years of Italian and/or students who do exceptionally well in Italian 3 and want to advance to AP Italian by taking the Italian 4 final exam. AP Italian concentrates on reviewing all verb conjugations and a few other critical grammar points in order to proceed to writing, reading, listening and discussing original passages, articles and materials from Internet sites to master Italian everyday life, history, geography, art, and Opera.

Prerequisite: Italian 4 

Japanese 1 580510 1.0 Cr. 9,10,11,12

In this course students will begin their exploration of Japanese culture and acquisition of the Japanese language. Students will study the three scripts, and by the end of the first year will read and write hiragana (phonetic) and katakana (phonetic). Students will also recognize a few kanji (ideographic) characters. In addition, students will learn to converse, read, and write about topics such as personal information, transportation, school, sports, and other free-time activities. The instructor will use multimedia presentations and real Japanese materials including books, comics, animation, and movies to give the students a sense of the richness of classic and modern Japanese culture. 

Japanese 2 580520 1.0 Cr. 9,10,11,12 

In the second year, students will expand their knowledge of the Japanese writing system to include more kanji characters. Topics will include ordering Japanese foods and reading recipes, Japanese homes, Japanese holidays, and giving locations and directions. The instructor will use multimedia presentations and real Japanese materials including books, comics, animation, and movies to give the students a sense of the richness of classic and modern Japanese culture.

Prerequisite: Japanese 1 

Japanese 3 580530 1.0 Cr. 10,11,12

In the third year, students will learn how to speak the informal Japanese spoken among friends and family in Japan. Topics will include cities in Japan, school rules, driving in Japan, restaurants, illness, and jobs. Students will learn even more kanji.

Prerequisite: Japanese 2 

Japanese 4 580540 1.0 Cr. 10,11,12

In the fourth year, students will expand their grasp of informal Japanese and kanji characters. They will learn how to make comparisons, give directions, and read recipes. Topics will include shopping, Japanese folktales, sports, plays, and Mother’s Day.

Prerequisite: Japanese 3 

Latin 1 580610 1.0 Cr. 9,10,11,12

Latin 1 is an introduction to the study of the Latin language. Students begin building a basic vocabulary, and become acquainted with grammar and morphology sufficient to read and construct simple Latin sentences and connected prose. There is an emphasis on our Roman heritage and the value of Latin in our modern world. Roman history, culture, and mythology are included in the lessons throughout the year. 

Latin 2 580620 1.0 Cr. 9,10,11,12

Latin 2 continues the introduction to the Latin language begun in Latin 1. Students will continue to build their vocabulary base, and will be able to develop a more complete knowledge of grammar and morphology, including five noun declensions, all six verb tenses, active and passive voice, and pronouns. Roman history, culture, and mythology are included in the lessons throughout the year.

Prerequisite: Latin 1 

Latin 3 580630 1.0 Cr. 10,11,12

In Latin 3 students will develop their skills at reading and understanding Latin by reading selections from a wide assortment of ancient prose authors, including Cicero, Caesar, Petronius, Seneca, et al. They will complete their introduction to Latin grammar by learning the more complicated grammatical and syntactical constructions necessary for reading genuine Latin literature. Roman history and culture, especially as relevant to the writers studied, will also be covered.

Prerequisite: Latin 2 

Honors Latin 4 580460 1.0 Cr. 10,11,12

Latin 4 is an introduction to the study of Latin poetry. Students hone their ability to read and translate Latin by reading poetry selected from the three major Latin poets: Ovid, Horace, and Catullus. They are introduced to various aspects of Latin poetry, such as meter, poetic techniques, and figures of speech, and will also study the cultural background appropriate to better appreciate these poets.

Prerequisite: Latin 3 

AP Latin: Vergil and Caesar 580669 1.0 Cr. 11,12

AP Latin is an intensive study of the Roman national epic, the Aeneid, by the poet Virgil. Students will learn to read, translate, analyze, and discuss the Latin poetry of Vergil and selections from Caesar’s Gallic Wars. All selections required by the College Board AP exam syllabus will be read and discussed, and for context, students will also read the entire Aeneid in English. Figures of speech, ancient meters, and other issues necessary for a proper appreciation of these works will be reviewed. Students will also study various historical and cultural issues relevant to understanding context.

Prerequisite: Latin 4, or permission from the instructor. 

Mythology 113033 0.5 Cr. 9,10,11,12 

In this course students will have the opportunity to explore the myths of ancient cultures, with an emphasis on the Classical myths of Greece and Rome. Students will examine the various stories of gods and heroes through literature, art, and other media, and discuss their significance both in their original context and in the present day.

Spanish 1 580710 1.0 Cr. 9,10,11,12

Spanish 1 is a beginning course of language basics. It lays the groundwork for understanding Spanish by presenting situations similar to those the student could expect to encounter when visiting a Spanish-speaking country. Major emphasis is placed on pronunciation and listening comprehension. A strong foundation of vocabulary and grammar is built to help develop the reading and writing skills that are emphasized in the more advanced levels of the program. Cultural awareness is strongly encouraged. 

Spanish 2 580720 1.0 Cr. 9,10,11,12

Spanish 2 is an intermediate course of language basics. Major emphasis is placed on the continued development of grammar and listening comprehension. Reading and writing skills are practiced at length, and functional ability is expected before students move on to the next level of the program. Cultural opportunities are abundant.

Prerequisite: Spanish 1. 

Spanish 3 580730 1.0 Cr. 9,10,11,12

Spanish 3 is the most advanced course of language basics. The grammar concepts of previous levels are reviewed and reinforced. Varied high interest topics are used to expand vocabulary and overall communicative abilities. Competency reading and writing assignments are assumed, and well-developed, grammatically accurate and creative writing assignments are expected each week. The development of cultural awareness is an integral part of the program.

Prerequisite: Spanish 2. 

Honors Spanish 4 – Latin America 580747 1.0 Cr. 11,12

Latin American Studies offers an interdisciplinary approach to learning about the cultures and societies of the Caribbean, Latin America, and Latino USA. This course features high interest topics, an effective and uniquely sequenced review of selected grammatical points, and a thorough integration of language and culture. In each unit the student synthesizes the development of language skills and cultural awareness through the active use of art, music, video, and literature from the Spanish-speaking world. Activities are designed to foster involvement, debate, participation, and exchange in discussion and compositions. Active, personalized, and real communication about authentic issues and experiences are at the heart of this course.

Prerequisites: Spanish 3 or approval from the instructor. 

Honors Spanish 5 – Spain 580757 1.0 Cr. 11,12

Survey of cultural elements of contemporary Spain and past civilizations of the Iberian Peninsula are studied. The course also builds on students’ ability to communicate in Spanish in oral and written contexts. Music, art, literature, and political history of Spain are topics of study for this course. Areas of special interest include flamenco; Roman, Islamic, medieval, and renaissance influences in Spain’s history; the art of El Greco, Velázquez, Goya, and Picasso, and Dalí; Golden Age literature including Don Quixote and Lazarillo de Tormes; and in-depth studies of the different regions of Spain.

Prerequisite: Spanish 3 or approval of the instructor. 

Advanced Placement Spanish Language & Culture 580759 1.0 Cr. 11,12

This course emphasizes the use of language for active communication and has the following objectives: the ability to understand spoken Spanish in both formal and conversational situations; the development of vocabulary applicable for reading newspaper and magazine articles, contemporary literature and other non-technical writings; and the ability to express ideas accurately and resourcefully both orally and in writing. The Advanced Placement exam, which tests all of the above skills, will be a focal point. Course content includes the arts, current events, sports, the environment and literary works. Materials may include recordings, videos, newspapers and magazines.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Honors Spanish 4 and instructor approval. 

Advanced Placement Spanish Literature & Culture 580769 1.0 Cr. 11,12

This is a two-semester course intended to be the equivalent of a third-year college level “Introduction to Spanish Literature” course. The objective of the Advanced Placement course is to prepare students for taking the Advanced Placement Test in Spanish Literature. Students will learn to develop a high degree of competence in language skills and in the interpretation of literature. Students are required to read, analyze, and discuss in writing a wide variety of representative works from three major genres: narrative, poetry, and theater, using the appropriate terminology and applying the different tools of literary criticism. In this context, students will do a close reading of all the required readings from the AP Spanish Literature Exam issued by the College Board. The readings include authors from the Middle Ages to the Golden Age and nineteenth century to more contemporary writers such as García Márquez and Isabel Allende.

Prerequisites: Honors Spanish or teacher recommendation is needed. Summer reading and writing assignments are required for all students registering for this course.