World Languages
Knowing a second language is increasingly valuable in today’s global society, and studying a new language reinforces an understanding of one’s own language. Two years of a single world language are required for college-bound students and three years are recommended. All world language courses offered at PHS meet the language requirements for Washington state public colleges and universities.
The successful world language student has a firm grasp on his/her own language, strong study skills, and a commitment to hard work both inside and outside the classroom. For students enrolling in the first year of a world language, a grade of B or higher in English/Language Arts is strongly recommended. For the class of 2019 and beyond, 2.0 credits of a World Language are required for graduation (or 2.0 Personal Pathway).
All courses offered dependent on sufficient student registration numbers in those courses.
American Sign Language I
Grades: 9-12
Credit: 1.0
Graduation requirement: CTE and World Language (dual requirement)
Description: ASL is a conversational approach to learning the language most widely used by the Deaf in North America. This course will also introduce students to the history of the language and the cultural aspects of our Deaf community. Dual credit is available to those who meet competency through Seattle Central CC. This course meets the language requirement for any Washington state public college or university.
American Sign Language II
Grades: 9-12
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: ASL I
Graduation requirement: CTE and World Language (dual requirement)
Description: A functional application of vocabulary and grammar will be taught through song interpretations, poetry and other interesting projects. Students will focus on more complex grammatical features unique to ASL such as classifiers, use of space, modulation of signs, and use of facial grammar in their dialogues and presentations. Dual credit is available to those who meet competency through Seattle Central CC. This course meets the language requirement for any Washington state public college or university.
American Sign Language III
Grades: 9-12
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: ASL II
Graduation requirement: CTE and World Language (dual requirement)
Description: A functional application of vocabulary and grammar will be taught through song interpretations, poetry and other interesting projects. This course focuses on more complex grammatical features unique to ASL such as classifiers, use of space, modulation of signs, and use of facial grammar in their dialogues and presentations. College credit is available to those who meet competency through Seattle Central CC. This course meets the language requirement for any Washington state public college or university.
American Sign Language IV
Grades: 9-12
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: ASL III
Graduation requirement: CTE and World Language (dual requirement)
Description: This course emphasizes articulating the cultural practices and products distinct to those that approach the world from a visual perspective. Topics include: analysis of a linguistic, political, or social issue; examination of products of Deaf culture; and, exploration of career pathways. Dual credit is available to those who meet competency through Seattle Central CC. This course meets the language requirement for any Washington state public college or university.
French 1
Grades: 9-12
Credit: 1.0
Graduation requirement: World Language
Description: In this beginning-level course, you will learn the fundamentals of French communication and culture using games and real-world scenarios. At the end of this course you will be able to introduce yourself and greet others, describe yourself and others, ask questions, express your tastes and preferences, place an order in a restaurant, and discuss vacation plans. Interested students should check out this course brochure.
French 2
Grades: 10-12 (or 9 with the equivalent of French 1 taken elsewhere)
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: French 1
Graduation requirement: World Language
Description: Two (2) or three (3) years of a single world language is recommended for college-bound students. By revisiting material learned during French 1, French 2 deepens your ability to communicate using more sophisticated sentence structures and verb tenses. Emphasis is placed on everyday use of the language. By the end of this course, you will be able to go shopping in a French-speaking environment and discuss past events. Francophone culture is explored through the lens of history, stories and legends.
UW French 103
Grades: 10-12
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: French 2
Graduation requirement: World Language
Description: This course uses the communicative, task-based method employed at the University of Washington to advance students’ abilities to understand and produce spoken and written French. It takes the place of French 3 and uses the curriculum employed at the UW. Students will have the opportunity to earn credits on a UW transcript for free. UW credit is an option and is not required for enrollment. Check out this list of frequently asked questions for more information.
French 4
Grades: 12
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: French 3
Graduation requirement: World Language
Description: This course is open to students who have completed three years of French or its equivalent. The course will focus on increasing language competency by enhancing knowledge related to: grammar concepts, oral fluency, literature, research, reading comprehension and the exploration of customs, traditions, art and the history of French speaking countries. This course is recommended for students who plan to continue with French after high school graduation.
Spanish 1
Grades: 9-12
Credit: 1.0
Graduation requirement: World Language
Description: Spanish 1 provides an introduction to fundamental grammar concepts and patterns. Specialized vocabulary and culture are presented in topical chapters. The course emphasizes grammatical precision in writing skills, reading comprehension for cultural understanding, accurate pronunciation, and oral conversation. The cultures of the Americas and Spain will be introduced through the use of films, music, games, guest speakers and recognition of significant dates and celebrations.
Spanish 2
Grades: 9-12
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Spanish 1
Graduation requirement: World Language
Description: This course is designed for those students who have successfully completed a full year of Spanish and who wish to complete a second year. This course will focus on oral use of the language, as well as reading and writing skills. Through a variety of means, the student will expand knowledge of the cultures and customs of Hispanic countries.
Spanish 3
Grades: 10-12
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Spanish 2
Graduation requirement: World Language
Description: This course is designed for those who wish to attain greater proficiency in vocabulary, grammar, and speaking skills at a higher level. This course will continue to focus on oral use of the language, as well as reading and writing skills. Students will continue to expand their knowledge of the cultures and customs of the Spanish-speaking world.
UW Spanish 103
Grades: 10-12
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Spanish 2
Graduation requirement: World Language
Description: Spanish 103 is an authentic University of Washington class offered through the UW Department of Romance Languages and Literature. UW credit is an option and is not required for enrollment. However, enrollment for UW credit is non-refundable and must be completed the first month of class. Spanish 103 teachers are approved UW Extension Lecturers and use actual UW syllabi, texts, quizzes, tests, grading procedures, and grading scales. The lowest passing grade to receive UW credit is 75%. Spanish 103 is conducted entirely in Spanish as a university equivalent. The course emphasizes fluency in speaking and listening, reading comprehension, writing with grammatical accuracy, and expansion of vocabulary and cultural awareness.
UW Spanish 201
Grades: 10-12
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Spanish 103
Graduation requirement: World Language
Description: SPANISH 201 is an authentic University of Washington class offered through the UW Department of Romance Languages and Literature. Open to all students who have completed Spanish 103, this course will emphasize spoken use of the language. Conversation, grammar review, literature, history, and the cultures of Spanish speaking countries will be the focus of study. This course is recommended for students who intend to continue with Spanish after high school graduation. Spanish 201 students will have an opportunity to earn University of Washington credit. Students will use UW text and tests as well as their weighting scale to determine the final grade. The program generally includes more grammar. Although we can use many of our own materials, the UW grade will be calculated on UW materials.
Spanish 5
Grades: 12
Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: Spanish 201
Graduation requirement: World Language
Description: This course will continue to expand on students’ knowledge of the Hispanic world by providing authentic texts and videos. It will engage students in language-production activities to enhance their oral communication skills. This course will awaken cultural empathy and awareness of cultural and other issues in the Spanish-speaking world. Students will enhance their vocabulary as well as acquire a solid base for success in Spanish courses at the university. Spanish 5 will expand on and enhance grammatical concepts previously studied as well as introduce concepts not previously encountered. Students will refine and strengthen communicative skills through active class participation and oral presentations. Most students take either the AP Spanish Language and Culture exam or a college placement test to determine university placement in Spanish.